Housing prices are constantly changing, which can make both buying and selling a home more complicated. While it’s difficult to predict future changes, it’s important to understand the key factors that affect the housing market and home prices. Here are the five major things that affect housing prices: Economic Change The overall health of the economy is a...

30-year mortgage rates are the norm among mortgage rates. Most options for monthly payments involve a fixed interest rate, while there are a few that may offer an adjustable rate mortgage for homebuyers searching for interest flexibility. However, some homeowners may want to repay their mortgage lenders faster than originally planned, while others may need more flexibility in...

At some point, numerous homeowners ask themselves, “Should I refinance my mortgage?” And while some offers of lower interest rates and saving money may seem like refinancing is your best option, consider your unique financial situation before deciding. You may be asking yourself, “where do I start in the process?” Here are three quick checklist items to help...

The more real estate terms you understand, the more comfortable you will be in your home buying process. This is especially true for financial vocabulary related to real estate transactions. To help familiarize you with some of these important concepts, here is a quick guide to financial real estate terms: Fixed rate mortgage A fixed rate mortgage is...

Many homeowners have experienced a moment when they have wished for a lower mortgage payment. With a mortgage refinance, you could effectively lower your monthly payments. Not sure where to begin with refinancing or whether it's right for you? We've got you covered with some tips and considerations. What is Refinancing? When you refinance a mortgage, you're essentially...

Refinancing your home can have major benefits: a lower monthly payment, cash use of home equity for a variety of purposes, generate more appetizing mortgage terms, etc. However, there are a few things to remember when entering into a mortgage refinance, like refinance cost. Here are a couple of cost options to remember when you’re ready to refinance...

Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay Most homeowners have a mortgage against their house, and homebuyers who purchase existing homes usually secure a traditional mortgage before closing. When building a new house, however, you’re likely to need a construction loan before getting a home mortgage. Here’s a breakdown of each, including how they’re used in the new home building...

Photo by Anthony Shkraba from Pexels Building your new home should be a rewarding experience, but it's important to know how the financing for a new construction is different from the financing for a previously owned home. You will need a specific type of loan called new construction loans, and they can be harder to get than a...

Photo by Steve Buissinne via Pixabay Most are familiar with the key components of a mortgage: how much you're borrowing, what your interest rate is, how many years you'll be paying your mortgage back. There are many, however, who do not understand some of the finer details, including what prepayment penalties are and how they may affect you...