Whether you’re planning to buy a new home, refinance your existing mortgage or stow away extra cash for retirement, having good financial habits in place can help. Those habits should include managing your bills, budgeting, keeping an eye on your…
Home equity is the stake in your home you actually own. The more equity you have, the more you stand to gain when it’s time to sell later on. You can also tap home equity via loans or lines of…
A 30-year, fixed-rate home loan isn’t right for everyone. Depending on your plans, it might actually cost you more in the long run. Though they’re less common, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are a better fit for many homebuyers. They may offer…
Mortgage rates are near all-time lows right now, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way forever. That’s where a rate lock can come in. Rate locks guarantee you a certain mortgage rate for an extended period, protecting you from…
There’s a lot to consider when you’re searching for a home. You have to ask important questions: Which features are must-haves and which ones are simply desirable? How far are you willing to commute to work, grocery stores and other…
You love your home. You’ve made it your own and have lots of happy memories there. But maybe it no longer suits you and your family as well as it did before. Maybe it’s too small or lacks the features…
We’re heading into the fall season, and that means cooler weather is on its way. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, tend to your garden and improve your home’s curb appeal — all in one fell…
Your credit score plays a vital role in your financial health. It can impact your mortgage options and determine whether you can take out a loan or secure a credit card. Your score could even affect your living arrangements since…
While being an independent contractor, freelancer or entrepreneur can certainly be a freeing career choice, it also comes with some challenges. For instance, it can make getting a mortgage loan harder. Without W-2s, a consistent salary and an employer to…
If you’re spending time and money to renovate your house, choosing which projects are worth it should be a top priority. You want to recoup some of your costs, don’t you? Many upgrades could improve a property’s aesthetics or make…
