First Time Home-buyers: How to Properly Research Your Mortgage Options

For most consumers, buying a house is the largest purchase you'll make in your life. That's why it's important to ensure that you have the best mortgage terms available. With so much at stake, it's important to have full confidence in both your lender and your mortgage. So how can you ensure that the mortgage you choose is the right one for you? Here's how you can evaluate your mortgage options and find the best option for your individual circumstances. Make Sure You Actually Do Shop Around According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, half of borrowers consider just one…
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The Quick and Easy Guide to Understanding the Math Behind Your Mortgage Closing Costs

It's amazing that in a year with extremely low mortgage rates being reported around the country, closing costs are up by as much as 6% from the previous year. Part of the reason for this is that the stricter regulations on loans have increased the costs to banks, and they always find a way to pass on new costs to the consumer. Understanding Third-Party Closing Costs When closing on a mortgage the borrower will notice a long list of additional fees that they are expected to pay for. These can range from insignificant into the thousands of dollars depending on…
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Can I Qualify for a Mortgage After Declaring Bankruptcy? Yes — and Here’s How

It may feel like a very daunting task to consider buying a home after you've declared bankruptcy, and there's no doubt that it's an uphill battle. Fortunately, while you'll have hard work ahead, there are things you can do in order to make your dream of home ownership a possibility. Whether you've just declared bankruptcy or some time has passed, here are some things you should consider before getting into the market. Wait It Out It might not be what you want to hear, but it's, unfortunately, the case that you'll have to wait at least two years before you…
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3 Reasons You Should Trust in a Mortgage Advisor Instead of Trying to Predict Rates

If the time has come to purchase a home and you've been perusing the real estate market, it's possible you've also been considering the mortgage options that might work best for you. In the event that you're already spending a lot of time looking at homes and trying to sell your own, here are a few reasons you may want to leave your mortgage considerations to a professional. Qualifications You Can Count On If you're new to the world of home purchasing and have concerns about learning the ropes on your own, a mortgage advisor can be a great way…
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Get Your Mortgage Paid Down Faster With These 5 Simple Money Saving Strategies

The monthly mortgage payment can be burdensome for many, but it's possible you've thought of trying to pay it down more quickly. Without getting a new job or working overtime, here are some tips you can use on a daily basis to save additional funds and pay off your mortgage at a swifter rate. Make Your Lunch The five or ten dollars spent on lunch might not seem like a lot, but over time this amount adds up to a lot of savings. Instead of hitting the cafe, pick one or two nights each week to prepare a lunch for…
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