Mortgage rates have been at record lows for quite some time, making it easy for new homebuyers to finance their dream homes. But what comes down will eventually go back up, and with the world economy expected to rebound in 2016, we’re about to start seeing more expensive mortgages. So what can you do to prepare yourself before mortgage rates start to rise? Here are three strategies that will keep you ahead of the game.
Looking Ahead: How to Ensure That You Are Taking Full Advantage of Mortgage Tax Credits
One of the major benefits to purchasing a home with a mortgage are the tax credits that can be taken advantage of when April 15 comes around. Many homeowners are unaware of what mortgage related expenses can be deducted and, more importantly, which ones can no longer be deducted.
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.
3 Reasons Why the Cost of Title Insurance is Worth the Investment
Title insurance protects the owner of a home from any claim made against their property, whether or not they are responsible. These include unpaid mortgage balances on the home, an improper foreclosure or any form of real estate fraud perpetrated by the seller.
Will Missing Mortgage Payments Impact My FICO Score? Yes – and Here’s How
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably believe that one missed mortgage payment won’t have a noticeable impact on your FICO score. People get behind now and then, and besides, you’ve been faithfully making payments on time for years. How bad could it be?
Five Required Mortgage Closing Costs – And A Few Tips On How To Minimize Them
Mortgages are expensive, and closing costs only add to the financial burden that homebuyers face. But with a little knowledge, you can pinpoint places to save on your mortgage closing costs and keep more money in your pocket. When youâre negotiating your next mortgage, use these tips to reduce required closing costs and keep more of your hard-earned money.
3 Reasons to Avoid Giving Wrong Information on Your Mortgage Application
Completing a loan application is among the first steps mortgage applicants take when applying for a loan, and it is easy to overlook the importance of providing accurate information at this stage in the process. It is best to take time complete the loan application as accurately as possible as it is a legal requirement and because of the other negative consequences.
First-time Mortgage Borrowers: Avoid These “Rookie Mistakes”
As a first-time home buyer, you may be stressed about finding the right home to buy and researching the neighborhoods and schools. While these are all factors to pay attention to, you also need to focus heavily on your mortgage.
The Pros and Cons of Using Spare Funds to Pay Your Mortgage Down Faster
A home mortgage payment can be a large or even the largest expense in a person’s budget, and not having this payment any longer can be a life changing experience.
Saving Up for Your Down Payment? Try These Money-Saving Tips To Speed Things Up
One of the most significant challenges that many people face when preparing to buy a first home relates to saving money for a down payment. While there are many different loan programs with varying down payment requirements, the fact is that it can still be difficult to save up a large sum of money.