22 May 2024
By noelkelman

Things You Should Understand About Private Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage Tips, ,
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a sizable expense during the process of buying a home that many overlook until it impacts their financial decisions. Understanding PMI, its purpose, and strategies to manage or eliminate it can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. What is PMI? PMI is a type of insurance that protects lenders in case the borrower defaults on their mortgage payments. It's typically required when the borrower's down payment is less than 20% of the home's purchase price. This insurance doesn't benefit the homeowner directly but allows lenders to offer mortgages with lower…
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10 May 2024
By noelkelman

Understanding the Vital Role of Homeowners Insurance in Mortgage Agreements

Mortgage Tips, ,
Owning a home is a dream for many, representing a significant milestone and a considerable financial investment. However, along with the excitement of homeownership comes a set of responsibilities and financial commitments. One of the most crucial aspects of safeguarding your investment is securing homeowners insurance.  Protecting Your Investment Your home is likely the most valuable asset you own. Whether you've recently purchased a property or you're considering buying one, protecting it against unforeseen events is paramount. Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against damages to your home and its contents caused by fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and other perils…
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03 May 2024
By noelkelman

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Mortgage Forbearance

Mortgage Tips, ,
With all of the economic uncertainties, many homeowners find themselves facing financial hardships that impact their ability to meet mortgage payments. Whether it's due to job loss, medical emergencies, or other unexpected circumstances, the fear of losing one's home can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there's a lifeline available in the form of mortgage forbearance. Understanding Mortgage Forbearance Mortgage forbearance is essentially a temporary pause or reduction in your mortgage payments. It's a form of relief offered by lenders to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties. During the forbearance period, homeowners are allowed to either make reduced payments or no payments at…
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30 Apr 2024
By noelkelman

Choosing Between a Home Equity Loan and HELOC

Mortgage Tips, ,
As a homeowner, tapping into your home equity can be a strategic financial move. Whether you’re renovating your house, consolidating debt, or covering major expenses, two popular options stand out: home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and financial goals. Home Equity Loan: The Lump-Sum Option A home equity loan sometimes referred to as a second mortgage, provides you with a lump sum of money upfront, which you repay over a fixed term with a fixed interest rate. Here’s…
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10 Apr 2024
By noelkelman

Negotiating Repairs After a Home Inspection

Mortgage Tips, ,
So, you’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and had the home inspection done. But wait—what happens next? For many homebuyers, negotiating repairs after a home inspection can be a daunting task. However, with the right approach and some negotiation skills, you can ensure that your new home is in tip-top shape without breaking the bank. 1. Understand the Inspection Report The first step in negotiating repairs is to thoroughly review the inspection report. Take note of any major issues that could affect the safety or structural integrity of the home. These are the items that should be your…
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29 Mar 2024
By noelkelman

A Consumer Guide To Second Mortgages

Mortgage Tips, ,
In the realm of personal finance, the term "second mortgage" often emerges as a solution for homeowners seeking additional funds. But what exactly are second mortgages, and how do they work? Join us as we embark on a journey to unravel the basics of second mortgages, helping you make informed decisions about your financial future. What Exactly is a Second Mortgage? A second mortgage, as the name implies, is a secondary loan secured against your property, in addition to your primary mortgage. It allows homeowners to tap into the equity they've built up in their homes over time. Equity is…
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14 Mar 2024
By noelkelman

Escaping the Rent Trap: Building Equity through Homeownership

Mortgage Tips, ,
Are you tired of pouring your hard-earned money into rent payments every month, only to see it vanish into thin air? Have you ever considered that homeownership might be the key to escaping the rent trap and building wealth for your future? We will explore how homeownership can be a powerful wealth-building tool compared to renting. Building Equity: The Foundation of Wealth One of the most compelling reasons to consider homeownership is the opportunity to build equity. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments simply cover the cost of living in a property owned by someone else, each mortgage payment you…
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06 Mar 2024
By noelkelman

Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage If You Plan to Sell Within 5 Years

Mortgage Tips, ,
Which is better -- a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)? It's a common question among home buyers and refinancing households. The answer? It depends. Fixed-rate mortgages offer the certainty of a known, unchanging principal and interest payment for the life of the loan. This stability can aid in budget-setting and financial planning, providing homeowners with a sense of security and peace of mind. On the other hand, adjustable-rate mortgages do not provide the same level of certainty. After an initial introductory period, the interest rate on the loan adjusts periodically based on prevailing market conditions. While this uncertainty…
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