Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to Refinance Your Mortgage

If you're looking to reduce your interest payments or get more favorable loan terms, there are lots of ways you can change your mortgage. But one of the most effective ways to take advantage of low interest rates is with a mortgage refinance. That said, refinancing typically comes with a variety of costs and may not be a good solution or all homeowners. So how can you tell whether it's a good idea to refinance your home? Here are three questions you need to ask yourself if you want to find out. How Much Equity Do I Have? If you…
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Budgeting for a New Home?: 3 Unlikely Costs to Consider in Your Overall Budget

If you're planning to buy a new home in the near future, you're probably working hard to prepare a budget and determine how much you can afford before you start viewing homes. While it's good to have an idea of what you can pay for a new house, many buyers routinely miss several key home buying costs that can later cause a variety of problems. Before you start looking for your new home, make sure you add these three commonly forgotten costs to your budget. Title Insurance: Critical Protection Against Title Claims Title insurance is something that most buyers forget…
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Rookie Mistakes: Don’t Make These 4 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes

Buying your first home is exciting. Many young people view homeownership as the definitive mark of adulthood, the final milestone on a decades-long journey. And while becoming a homeowner is cause for celebration, you'll want to ensure you keep your enthusiasm in check just a little while longer. Keep a level head and you'll easily avoid these common mistakes first-time buyers make. Don't View Your Home As An Investment First-time buyers commonly think that they can invest everything they've saved into a home, fix it up, and then sell it for a large profit in a few years. However, a…
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How the Truth in Lending Act Protects You When You Take Out a Mortgage

If you're planning to get a mortgage, it's critical that you know your rights under the law. The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) is a piece of federal legislation that governs how mortgage lenders can and cannot operate their businesses. So how does the Truth in Lending Act protect you, and what are your rights under this legislation? Here's what you need to know. Your Lender Must Give You A Timely Loan Estimate A Loan Estimate (previously known as a Good Faith Estimate) is a document your lender provides you that details information about what kind of a mortgage you've…
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