23 Jun 2020
By Mark Feder

What Is Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage
When it comes to putting a down payment on a house, most lenders are going to ask for 20 percent; however, some lenders will be willing to accept a smaller down payment in exchange for something else. That something else is usually mortgage insurance. If a lender says they are asking for mortgage insurance, which is also shortened to PMI, it is important for everyone to know what this means. An Overview Of PMI PMI stands for private mortgage insurance and is usually required if the borrower is putting down less than 20 percent. The lender will usually go out…
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18 Jun 2020
By Mark Feder

Should You Buy A Home Warranty?

Mortgage
When you buy a new house, the first thing you want to do is protect your investment. You already have property insurance. Should you also buy a home warranty? What Is A Home Warranty? A home warranty is not the same thing as insurance. Home warranties are service contracts. If a covered item breaks down and it is covered in the terms of the warranty, the home warranty company will pay to fix or replace that item. What is Covered Under A Home Warranty? Every home warranty contract is different but generally, a home warranty may cover items like major kitchen appliances,…
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17 Jun 2020
By Mark Feder

How To Tell If A Home Has Been Well-Maintained

Mortgage
As a homebuyer, your real estate agent will do their best bring you to see homes that meet the criteria you asked for. However, there's no guarantee that a home will have a history of being properly cared for. Your real estate agent can choose the homes you see, but they have no control over the property owner's homeownership habits. Why Home Maintenance Matters Home maintenance should matter to you as a homebuyer and later on as a homeowner. A home needs consistent and proper maintenance in order to run efficiently, and that doesn't only apply to moving parts like…
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16 Jun 2020
By Mark Feder

The Most And Least Expensive Cities In America

Mortgage
The cost of living in America varies widely in different parts of the country. In general, it is less expensive to live in the country than in the cities. However, there are many cities where the cost of living is modest compared to others where the money needed to live there is outrageous in comparison. These rankings came from comparing the monthly cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment, utilities, the price for gasoline, and the cost of groceries. The Ten Lowest-Cost Cities For Renters From Texas and Ohio to New Mexico and Arizona, there are some nice cities in this…
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