- 5 Tips for Refinancing Your Jumbo Loan
The lending requirements for a jumbo loan are much more difficult to meet than a standard, conforming loan. These same requirements apply if you’re looking to refinance your jumbo loan. But if interest rates are low enough, refinancing could save borrowers… read more…
- When’s a Good Time to Close on a Mortgage?
Closing is the final step in the home-buying process, and once you’ve signed your name on all of the required documents, your dream property will finally be yours. If you’ve been searching for a home for months, you may be… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Phoenix
Phoenix consistently ranks in the top ten fastest-growing cities in the country. It’s a relatively affordable city, too, which makes it a great place to move to if you’re tired of a more expensive city, you want to leave a… read more…
- The Best Cities for Movie Lovers
According to the 2015 Time Use Survey, Americans spend almost three hours per day watching TV and movies. But how Americans watch is changing. Thanks in large part to streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, Americans have on demand access to more shows and movies than ever before. Indeed, the once ubiquitous movie rental company… read more…
- How Does Your Mortgage Grace Period Work?
Making on-time mortgage payments is a must if you want to stay on your lender’s good side. But many first-time buyers don’t realize that you have a certain amount of wiggle room in which to pay. Mortgage contracts often come… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. capital, Washington, D.C., attracts more than just politicians and government staff. It’s a vibrant city full of culture and history that appeals to Americans and international visitors alike. Although the city is known for tourism, many people call… read more…
- The Best States for Homeowners in 2016
Owning a home is usually considered part of living the American Dream. But becoming a homeowner is neither easy nor affordable for everyone. Even if you manage to make the leap to homeownership, having a house of your own could seem burdensome if you’re stuck with high property taxes and insurance costs. Moreover, as a homeowner, many… read more…
- Beware of These 5 Hidden Costs of a New Construction Home
If you’re ready to buy a home, you may be on the fence about whether to choose an existing property or build something from scratch. Going the new construction route has its perks – it’s move-in ready, all the appliances, cabinetry and flooring are virtually… read more…
- America’s Most Charitable States
The U.S. routinely ranks among the world’s most charitable countries. In the 2015 Charities Aid Foundation World Giving Index, the U.S. came in second (to Myanmar). But which states do the most to uphold America’s reputation for generosity? SmartAsset crunched the numbers to find the most charitable states. Find out now: How much house can I… read more…
- The Top 10 Best American Cities to Work in Tech in 2016
Want to work in tech but not sure Silicon Valley is the place for you? You’re not alone. America’s tech scene isn’t just a California phenomenon. And in fact, when you factor in the cost of living, you might be surprised by the cities that turn out to be America’s best places for tech workers. This… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas
Thinking of moving to Dallas? If you only know the city from TV shows like Dallas, Most Eligible Dallas or Big Rich Texas you may not have the most accurate picture of the city. Dallas can be a fun city… read more…
- How to Finance a House Flip
Flipping houses isn’t always as glamorous as it looks on TV. But it can be a great way to bring in a steady stream of investment income. To get started, you’ll need some cash to finance your renovation project. Luckily,… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Philadelphia
Philadelphia – whether you know it by its government name or as the City of Brotherly Love, Philly, the City that Loves You Back or Quaker City – has a lot going for it. It’s a major city with a… read more…
- The Best Cities for Diversity in STEM – 2016 Edition
If the American economy was the Titanic and the iceberg that sank the Titanic was the financial crisis, then STEM jobs would be the few available life boats rescuing passengers. Similar to the dilemma of who had access to those life boats, who works in STEM fields has not been equally distributed. While it was mostly woman… read more…
- The Best Housing Markets for Growth and Stability in 2016
Editor’s Note: This study was originally published in June 2016. Historically, the housing market isn’t nearly as volatile as the stock market is. But housing bubbles eventually burst and as we’ve seen in recent years, recovering from a housing crisis can take… read more…
- 5 Factors Mortgage Lenders Will Likely Consider
Things have tightened up in the housing market since the housing crisis and lenders are looking at mortgage applications more closely. Lenders consider many factors before deciding whether to approve applicants. Once you know what they’re looking for, you can boost your… read more…
- 15 Things to Know Before Moving to Houston
Houston is the fourth-most populous city in the country and the most populous city in Texas. The diverse city is home to a thriving energy industry and multiple professional sports teams. However, if you’re thinking of moving to Houston, there are… read more…
- What Homebuyers Need to Know About Due Diligence
When you’re buying a home for the first time, you may encounter certain terms and phrases that you’ve never heard before. Once you’ve made an offer and entered into a contract with a seller, “due diligence” is one you’ll be… read more…
- 13 Things to Know Before Moving to Miami
Want to live somewhere with a warm climate, diverse culture and laid-back lifestyle? You may want to consider moving to Miami. The vibrant Florida city is a popular vacation destination for tourists, but it’s also home to around 400,000 people. If you’re thinking of joining their ranks here are 13 things to know before moving… read more…
- Why Buying a Home May Be Hard If You’re Self-Employed
Mortgage rules have undergone numerous changes since the housing collapse to ensure that only qualified buyers have access to loans. Meeting certain lenders’ requirements can be particularly difficult if you’re self-employed. If you’re one of the nearly 15 million self-employed Americans and you’re hoping to buy a home this year, here’s what you’ll need to keep… read more…
- 15 Tips for Anyone Moving to Boston
Thinking of moving to Boston? You’re in good company. Boston’s population has grown at a healthy clip of about 4% since 2010. Before you move to Boston (no one really calls it Beantown) there are some facts about the city you… read more…
- Should You Escrow Property Taxes and Insurance?
Escrow accounts help homeowners set money aside each month to cover insurance premiums and property taxes. When the bills for these come in each year, the mortgage lender uses money in the escrow account to cover the payments. So you… read more…
- The Best Cities for Multi-Generational Households
The number of multi-generational households in the U.S. is on the rise. Between 1980 and 2012 the number of Americans living in multi-generational households doubled, to 57 million. For reasons both cultural and economic, the trend of having three generations under one roof has continued in the years since. SmartAsset crunched the numbers to find… read more…
- The Least-Stressed Cities in America – 2016 Edition
We all know stress is bad for our health, but it can be tough to stop stressing over our busy lives. One way to chill out? Move to another city. SmartAsset crunched the numbers to find the least-stressed cities in America in 2016. We looked at factors that contribute to stress like divorce and bankruptcy… read more…
- Are You Eligible for a Principal Reduction Modification?
If you’ve been struggling to pay a mortgage loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, relief may soon be on the way. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced that it would roll out its Principal Reduction Modification… read more…