03 Feb 2023
By Fred Gruber

3 Tips To Consider When Buying A Home With An FHA Mortgage

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FHA loans are becoming increasingly popular these days as potential homeowners may not able to qualify as easily for conventional mortgages. The FHA insures some higher-risk loans, in turn allowing borrowers with low down payments and less than perfect credit to purchase homes and bolster the housing market. However, while getting through the loan process with an FHA mortgage loan is not necessarily more difficult than with a conventional or conforming loan, there are some issues that you will want to be aware of. Property Condition You can't buy just any property with a FHA loan, or any other loan…
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31 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

What You Need To Know About A Closed-End Second Mortgage

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A home is probably one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. It is important for you to understand all of the options available to you, particularly if you need a quick source of cash, and you might be thinking about taking out a second mortgage. You can use a closed-end second mortgage to cover the cost of repairs, medical debt, and even consolidate your other sources of debt. How do you know if this option is right for you? An Overview Of A Closed-End Second Mortgage If you decide to take out a second mortgage, you will…
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26 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

Getting A Mortgage When Self-Employed: What You Need To Know

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There is a common misconception that someone who is self-employed will not have the tax records or income necessary to qualify for a mortgage; however, that is not necessarily the case. In reality, if you are self-employed, there are a lot of home loan options available to you. It is true that it might require some additional paperwork and planning, but as long as you have the necessary information, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage.  What Is Necessary To Qualify For A Self-Employed Mortgage Loan? If you are interested in taking out a mortgage when you are…
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24 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

What Is A Loan Contingency: An Overview

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If you are in the process of looking for a new home, you need to find the right one to meet your needs. Sometimes, you want to learn more about specific properties before you decide if it is right for you. As a result, a lot of prospective buyers will include contingencies in their home offers that may allow them to back out without losing their earnest money. What are a few examples of loan contingencies, and how can you use them to protect yourself during the process?  Examples Of Common Loan Contingencies Even if you have agreed on a…
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20 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

An Often-Overlooked Trick Can Help You Afford A Second House

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The whole idea of investing is to use a portion of your money now to get more down the road. It is important for everyone to diversify their investments, and you might be thinking about buying a second house to do so. Investing in real estate is a goal that a lot of people have, but how can you get started? It was challenging enough to buy your first house, so how can you afford a second one?  Use A Cash-Out Refinance To Buy Your Second House One trick that many people overlook is that they can actually conduct a…
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18 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

How Do You Actually Write The Check To Buy A House?

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After you have found the right house to meet your needs, you need to make the down payment to complete the transaction. Can you show up at the closing table with a suitcase full of cash? Of course, that would be a bit suspect, so that is not actually how it happens. What do you need to do to actually hand over the funds to buy the house?  The Down Payment Is Verified Beforehand First, understand that the down payment is usually verified before you agree to the deal. Your real estate agent will work with you and the seller’s…
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12 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

House Poor: What It Means And How To Avoid It

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There is a good chance you have heard someone described as being house poor. What exactly does it mean? It is important to understand what it means to be house poor and how you can stay away from it. House Poor Means Spending A Significant Chunk Of Your Income On Housing Being house-poor means different things for different people. In general, it means spending a significant amount of your monthly income on recurring expenses related to your house. A few examples include your mortgage, the interest on your mortgage, your property taxes, and HOA expenses. Owning a house can be…
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10 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

The Most Commonly Forgotten Item On The Home Budget List

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If you are in the process of purchasing a home, it is critical for you to make sure that you budget appropriately. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who commonly overlook closing expenses. Even though it is important for you to have enough money for your down payment, you need to make sure you cover closing costs as well. What is included in closing costs, and how much money do you need to budget? The Recommended Amount Even though it is tempting to focus on the cost of your house, it is also critical to think about closing expenses.…
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06 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

Pet Safety Checklist

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Many people view their furry friends as members of the family. If you have pets at home, you need to make sure they are well taken care of. That means taking a closer look at an important pet safety checklist. What are a few of the most important items you need to include on this checklist if you want to make sure your dogs and cats are safe? Regular Checkups Are Critical First, you need to make sure that you take your pets to the veterinarian at least once per year. Just as you go to the doctor once per…
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05 Jan 2023
By Fred Gruber

Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long Term

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If you're at the stage in life where home ownership is nearly within your reach, you're probably wondering whether you should start looking for a home or whether you should just keep renting. Renting is easier, people say, and it gives you more mobility. But over the long term, all that rent money can really add up - and it eventually reaches a point where buying a home is a better deal. So why is paying a high rent a worse option than buying a house and getting a mortgage? Here's what you need to know. Renting Doesn't Generate Equity…
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