Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers who have decided to stop renting. The mortgage process involves many steps, including pre-qualification and preapproval. Not to mention, there are several different mortgage options offered by lenders. Before starting the house-hunting process, it's important to understand how mortgage options work and what types of loans are available. Here's a broad overview of mortgage options to get you started.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Conventional Loans
Conventional mortgages are a type of loan that isn't insured or guaranteed by the
…
Once an individual buys a home, their tax circumstances can dramatically change. With homeownership comes property taxes, school taxes (if applicable), and capital gains taxes when the property is sold. The latter tax should be planned for long before a property goes on the real estate market. Not familiar with capital gains tax? Here's a rundown of what all homeowners should know.
Happy Pride Month! A celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's diversity, equality, and visibility. Whether you're a member of the community or an ally, here are events to enjoy and celebrate this Pride month!
Making home improvements is a worthwhile investment if planned strategically. Not all embellishments, remodels, or builds will yield a good return on investment (ROI). Fortunately, homeowners seeking to integrate green and energy-efficient features into their houses will find these 8 upgrades bring a great ROI.
Many people move into their dream home but are then dismayed to learn they have a long or frustrating daily commute. Suddenly, due to stressful commutes, they find they're no longer living the dream. Before bidding on a home and signing on the dotted line, it's important to consider what a daily commute would look like. Important transit factors to think about when buying a home should include the following.
It may come as a surprise to many homeowners that, even with the greatest precautions taken when constructing or remodeling a home, many hidden dangers can still hide. Here, we'll discuss some of the most common home risks and safety hazards.
More of today's home buyers have grown up around technology, so smart homes are more desirable than ever. The inclusion of smart technology in the home is likely to attract more buyers and improve a home's marketability.
Home warranties are an optional type of coverage to help offset major expenses that might occur in a house. Many new homeowners opt to purchase a home warranty to safeguard themselves against large expenses if a major repair is needed. Homebuyers sometimes negotiate for the seller to cover the purchase of a home warranty, at least for the first year. Not quite sure about whether (or not) to get a home warranty? Here are the answers to commonly asked questions.
Home security is improved largely due to the presence—especially visual presence—of home security systems. However, not all home alarm setups are the same or equally effective. Let's explore the pros and cons of different types of security systems for the home.