- Tackle These Home Improvement Projects Before You Refinance
Property values are on the rebound and for many homeowners, the bump in home equity has made the possibility of refinancing a reality. Refinancing your mortgage at a lower rate can save you thousands of dollars in the long run and the increase in equity can also mean a big payoff if you ever decide… read more…
- The Economics of Electronic Dance Music Festivals
DJ Shadow stated in late 2012 that “we are living in a musical renaissance.” In that same year, the genre commonly known as electronic dance music was valued at an estimated $4 billion worldwide. 2012 also saw the establishment of The Association For… read more…
- 5 Tips For Renting Your Home
People choose to rent their homes for a variety of reasons. Maybe they were temporarily relocated by their employer or their relocation was so fast, they didn’t have time to sell. When the housing market crashed, a new wave of landlords emerged. Many people found themselves upside down in their homes, but needed to move… read more…
- What Is an Assumable Mortgage?
You could be wondering, what is an assumable mortgage loan? Essentially, it lets you take over an owner’s loan on a property. All the terms of the original loan, including the rate, remain the same. So if you’re buying a… read more…
- The New Urban:Traditional Neighborhood Development
After decades of decline and shrinking populations American cities are seeing a resurgence of popularity. People are moving into cities of all sizes at near record setting rates. Why? It appears we have collectively come to the conclusion that we… read more…
- Understanding the Home Appraisal Process
The home appraisal plays a key role in the home buying process, both for a purchase and for a refinance. That’s why it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the home appraisal process. In a purchase transaction, the… read more…
- The SmartAsset Guide to Mortgage Rate Sheets
Mortgage rate sheets can look intimidating and ominous, not only to consumers, but to mortgage professionals as well. In today’s market, mortgage rates not only change daily, but are based on many factors specific to the individual borrower and loan. Knowing how to read a mortgage rate sheet gives you a valuable tool as you… read more…
- How Credit Score Affects Your Home Buying Power
If you are thinking about buying a home, one of the first steps you should take is to find out your credit score. Your credit score is one of the primary metrics used to determine whether you will qualify for… read more…
- Selling Your Home to a Veteran? These Are the Fees You Must Pay
The Department of Veteran Affairs created the VA loan program to help veterans and their families buy homes. One of the advantages for the veteran is that the VA limits the number of fees the lender and title company are… read more…
- Buying vs. Renting by Age Group
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to buy a home or continue to rent. Many prospective buyers also wonder how the numbers of renters vs. buyers breaks down by age group. Although the market has changed over the last three years, the information from the 2010 census is the most accurate available… read more…
- 5 Cheap Coffee Brands
Your morning cup of coffee is no joke. It sets the tone for the rest of the day. A good cup can keep you energized, alert, and positive all morning, while a bad (expensive) cup can make you as grouchy… read more…
- How Rising Interest Rates Impact Buying vs Renting
Over the last month, mortgage interest rates have risen half of a percentage point for most lenders. Forecasters expect the trend to continue. It is highly possible that the record rates seen this spring (below 3.5% for 30 year fixed… read more…
- The Economics of the American Prison System
The American prison system is massive. So massive that its estimated turnover of $74 billion eclipses the GDP of 133 nations. What is perhaps most unsettling about this fun fact is that it is the American taxpayer who foots the bill… read more…
- 5 Types of Property Ownership
Purchasing a home or other large asset can be the thrill of a lifetime. Sometimes in the flurry of activity, there are decisions made that could come back to haunt you. No, this isn’t buyer’s remorse. Well, not the kind… read more…
- Growing Number of Americans Can’t Afford to Buy or Rent
More households than ever spend over half their income on housing. Rental housing costs increased by six percent from 2008 to 2011, while renters’ incomes dropped by over three percent during the same time. Financial experts recommend spending less than 30… read more…
- 10 Common Real Estate Agencies
The home-buying process can seem incredibly stressful, regardless of whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned veteran. Fortunately, you can find a real estate agent who’s willing to do a lot of the grunt work for you. SmartAsset took the time to create a list of some of the most common real estate agencies in the… read more…
- What Is a Mortgage Recording Tax?
Whenever you obtain a mortgage, some state and local governments levy a mortgage recording tax to document the loan transaction. This fee is separate from mortgage interest and other annual property taxes. Since it is state-imposed, the mortgage recording tax must… read more…
- Home Buying Fees- Part 3: Homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance (HOI) is a must-have for any homebuyer, and will likely be the most demanding portion of your budget. There are several different types of homeowners insurance and it is helpful to know a bit about each in order… read more…
- How to Reduce Moving Costs
By: Ankita Dewan The thought of living in your new home creates anticipation and excitement. The thought of moving in? Not so much. While the process does require time and effort, it doesn’t need to break the bank. Moving costs can… read more…
- What are Deed Transfer Taxes?
Depending on the state in which you are buying or selling a home, you may be subject to a deed transfer tax. This fee is tacked onto the deed sale or transfer for a “real” property, defined as any structure attached directly to land. This sales tax not only applies to the transfer of ownership,… read more…
- Home Buying Fees- Part 2: Real Estate Taxes
Real estate taxes, or property taxes, are levies on property that the government requires owners to pay. The value of property has much to do with where we decide to live, our quality of life in those places, and how our communities are shaped. These values also reflect the amount of tax money that goes… read more…
- VA Loan Requirements: Do I Qualify?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to apply for a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. Before applying for one, it is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove that you meet the requirements to… read more…
- VA Loans – Part 1: An Introduction to the VA Loan
The VA Loan is not your typical housing loan. It’s a loan that’s guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Active-duty service members, veterans, Reserve members and some surviving spouses of service members are all potentially eligible for a VA loan, which comes with perks like zero down payment requirement. Let’s take a… read more…
- FHA Loans – Part 3: Do I Qualify for an FHA Loan?
An FHA mortgage is a tool used to help individuals with a difficult financial past start over. It is surprisingly easy to qualify for an FHA mortgage all things considered. If you have filed for bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past you will need to prove that you have resolved these issues. Doing so will… read more…
- Why First Homes Could Be Investment Properties
If you’re young and looking to purchase a new home to live in, you may want to consider turning it into an investment property. While most people wait until after they’ve bought their first or second home to begin investing in… read more…