Have you ever really looked at your amortization schedule? Do you know how each payment breaks down? How much of your payment every month goes to principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)? When you look at your payoff amount, it never seems to get any lower. There's a reason for that.
You served our country, so you’re entitled to some benefits. Well, that’s definitely true when it comes to buying a home. Don’t forget to check out your VA Loan options before you start looking for a new home.
Whether you’re buying in an expensive market--like Alaska or Hawaii--or you’re just buying a bigger home, you’re going to need a jumbo mortgage. But before you meet with a lender, ask yourself these five questions.
Many people think condominiums and co-ops are the same thing, City dwellers -- where these options are more common, know better. The real difference between the two is in what you actually own once you fork over your money. Because of that difference, each option requires a different kind of loan, one easier to get than the other.
If you live in New York City, chances are you’ve at least thought about living in a co-op. So you know thinking about applying to the board makes some people break out in a cold sweat. We don’t blame them. There’s a lot to do and it’s not easy. A good real estate agent with co-op experience can help you out. But before you even get started, there’s a couple things you should do.
The interview is like a cross between trying to sit at the cool kids’ table in the lunchroom, being on trial in front of a jury of your not-quite peers, and a job interview. But with more riding on it.
Catch 22: Sure you own the place. Or do you? Because you aren't allowed to live there.
A good neighbor can be a wonderful thing. But what do you do when your neighbors are monsters (or Munsters)?
So you know you want to get a credit card to help build your credit. But it seems like there are literally a million options. So how do you choose the right one?
You got your free credit report. Now what does that credit score mean to you--and your ability to buy a house?
You've heard someone say that inquiries on your credit score are bad. But without inquiries how will you ever get a job, a credit card, or a loan? Here's what you really need to know about inquiries.
Buying a new house is exciting, fun, and a little overwhelming. Before you get swept up in the action, be sure you think about how much house you can afford. It's about more than the check you write for your mortgage every month.
A second home may seem like an impossible dream. But it may not be. There are a number of ways to finance your home away from home.
Most first time home buyers are looking for a place to live. But if you live in a city, where real estate prices are high, you might buy your second home before you buy your first.
Are you ready to be a landlord? Do you like getting phone calls at 6 am about someone else’s clogged toilet? You might be able to avoid that, but there are some other things to consider before investing in rental property. Are you ready?
Managing your own property can be tough, and interactions with tenants aren’t always pleasant. Here’s one way to make those conversations a little easier.
Did you think a second home was out of your reach? Think again. It may be more affordable if you start now, going from landlord to permanent vacationer in three easy steps. (Well, not that easy.)
Owning a second home is a lot of fun, and it can get expensive. Find out ahead of time where you'll need to spend and where you can save on taxes.
Dreaming of a second home? Learn more about 5 great locations to buy.
Make sure your guests have all the essentials. Because no one wants to buy a corkscrew or bottle opener their first night of vacation.