You Ask, We Answer: What Are the Pros and Cons of Private Mortgage Insurance?

It's easy to get Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) confused with homeowners' insurance, but PMI is an entirely different thing that may or may not be necessary when it comes to your home purchase. If you're going to be investing in a home in the near future and are wondering what PMI may mean for you, here are some things to consider regarding this type of insurance. Your Down Payment Amount If you've been perusing the housing market for a while, you've probably heard that 20% is the ideal amount to put down when investing in a home; however, you might…
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3 Classic Credit Mistakes to Avoid If You’re Trying to Secure a Mortgage Loan

The mortgage application process can be fraught with a lot of stress on its own, but if you've experienced issues with your credit in the past it can be even more taxing. While there may be a lot of things you may not be aware of when it comes to their impact on your credit, here are some things to watch out for if you're planning on purchasing a home in the short-term future. Applying For Extra Credit Whether you've just been offered a great new deal by a department store or you're not even thinking about it, new credit…
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What Fees Are Involved With a Reverse Mortgage? Let’s Take a Look

Investing in a home may be one of the most significant purchases you'll make in your lifetime, but many people forget that there are a number of other costs associated with buying a home. If you're considering a reverse mortgage and want to be clear on all of the fees involved, here are a few things you can expect to come across. Initial Home Appraisal Fee In order to ensure that you qualify for a reverse mortgage, you'll need to spend a lump sum up front to determine the market cost of your home. While the amount of this fee…
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Refinancing This Spring? How to Choose Between Variable and Fixed Interest Rates

From choosing a real estate agent to finding the right home, the process of getting a mortgage is rife with many different choices. If you're investing down the road, it's likely that you've heard about variable and fixed interest rates and are wondering about the differences between the two and how they can benefit you. While what will work best for you depends on your financial flexibility and market knowledge, here are some basics that will help you make a decision. The Details on Fixed Rates For many homeowners new to the market, the stability of a fixed rate is…
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