Blog – Page 656 of 782

06 Feb 2015

Are You Ready to Make the Leap into Home Ownership? Here’s How You Can Tell

Home Buyer Tips

Are you ready to make that leap from living at home or renting to owning a home of your own? While everyone moves at their own pace, here are some signs that you can use to determine if it is time to own your own home. Let's take a look at some of the reasons you can use to justify your decision. Are You Sticking Around? If you plan on moving soon for a job or think that you won't be in town much longer, it may be better to rent. However, if you are thinking about living in the…

05 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

Buying a New Home? Follow These Three Tips to Ensure a Stress-Free Transaction

Home Buyer Tips

Buying real estate and or taking out a home loan is a significant milestone in life. Frequently, it means that a new phase is starting, whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or moving to a new area. However, when the most basic steps are missed, this transition can be fraught with stress and disaster. To ensure a smooth transaction, home buyers should be sure to mind the following tips. #1: Always Be Honest Honesty and clear communication need to be a two-way street. Home buyers expect their mortgage professional to be honest with them, and likewise it is…

04 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

Tax Time is Upon Us: Learn About Tax Deductions and How to Write off Your Home Mortgage Interest

Home Mortgage Tips

Much to the chagrin of taxpayers all over the country, the tax-filing season begins in January and runs through April 15 of each year. As the current tax season approaches, it presents an opportunity to help tax-payers clarify their responsibilities and remind them of certain important tax deductions that may be available. Filing Responsibilities Every person in the United States is required to file their tax returns by April 15 so long as they have some form of qualifying income. Based on filing status, income and available deductions, tax-payers must file a 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040 (long-form for itemized deductions).…

03 Feb 2015

By Mark Feder

Do You Need Mortgage Insurance Even if It’s Not Required by Your Lender? Let’s Take a Look

Home Mortgage Tips

Finding a proper mortgage loan and understanding the processing procedures behind the loan is the basis of good research. The down payment on a mortgage loan is typically significant when dealing with mortgage insurance. Most loan applications with less than 20% down payment are required to include mortgage insurance with the loan. However, mortgage insurance may still be required even if it's not typically required by your lender. Underwriting Requirements Most home mortgage applications undergo a strict set of standards for approval. These standards are known as underwriting and make up the bulk of time spent on a mortgage application.…