05 Mar 2020
By noelkelman

Most Renters Are Paying Far More Than Their Landlord’s Mortgage

Mortgage, ,
In the overwhelming majority of the 50 largest cities across the U.S., monthly rent is more than the mortgage payment for single-family homes. In several cases, much more.  Global answering service and chat support company Moneypenny compiled data from Zillow on median rent and mortgage payments from July 2014-July 2019. In order to calculate the monthly mortgage payments, Moneypenny took the median home sale prices during the same time period and in the same major cities and then used nationally-average mortgage terms: 30-year fixed rate at 4% with approximately 6% down.  Once the two figures -- median monthly rent and median…
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28 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Or Invest the Money?

Mortgage, ,
To understand what to do with a windfall or extra disposable income when it comes to paying down a mortgage or investing the money, we need to discuss and understand the concept of opportunity cost. What Is Opportunity Cost? The concept of opportunity cost takes into consideration the total financial impact of the use of funds when applied in different ways, to be able to compare the effectiveness of how it is best to use them. The opportunity cost considers the risks involved, the potential reward, as well as the tax implications of the choices. Risk Versus Reward Evaluation All…
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27 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

Find The Best Mortgage Deal With A Few Simple Steps

Mortgage, ,
Currently, this is a great time to be in the market for a new home. The interest rates on mortgages have fallen countless times over the past few years. Even though interest rates have been in the double-digits in the past, there are homeowners today who are able to agree to a mortgage for less than three percent.  Despite the low interest rates, it is still important to get the best possible deal. There are a few simple steps that everyone should follow to get the best mortgage deal possible. Know How Much You Need The first step is to…
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26 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

Ensuring Home Contractors Are Following The Rules Under HICPA

Mortgage, ,
There are many homeowners who hire contractors to make repairs or upgrades on their homes. It is critical for home improvement contractors to follow all rules and regulations set forth by the law. These regulations have been set forth under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, or HICPA.  An Overview Of The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act was put forth to ensure that homeowners and contractors come to an appropriate agreement. Some of the rule and regulations that are included in the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act include: All contractors need to obtain a…
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25 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

3 Tips to Find the Best Neighborhood to Live In

Mortgage, ,
The vast majority of people are going to move at least once in their life. Moves can vary in distance. Sometimes, these moves are across town. Other times, they might be across the country. Regardless of the distance, is important to find a neighborhood that fits both the budget and lifestyle. There are a few tips to keep in mind. 1. Consider Renting First Even though there are powerful electronic tools that can help a family narrow down their potential landing spots in a new city, it is impossible to be 100 percent certain that the community is a comfortable…
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21 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

FHA Down Payment Requirements: Homeownership Without A Big Savings Account

Mortgage, ,
Buying a home for the first time can be a challenge. One of the tools created to help people buy a home for the first time comes in the form of FHA loans. There were loans that were supported by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). They can require a down payment that is as low as 3.5 percent.  FHA loans are significantly different from traditional mortgage loans. Those who have purchased a house before have likely heard that the average down payment is closer to 20 percent of the value. This can make it hard for someone to buy a…
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19 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

Big Home Repairs That Can Sink A Budget Quickly

Mortgage, ,
For most individuals and families, their home is the most expensive investment they will ever purchase. Therefore, it is important for everyone to take care of their home. Routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs from arising down the road. It is important for homeowners to make sure they budget for home maintenance and repair costs. Even with a meticulous repair schedule, it is still possible that a major repair might be required. There are a few home repairs that are more expensive than others. Damage To The Foundation Of The Home One of the most expensive home repairs that might…
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11 Feb 2020
By noelkelman

Considering A Reverse Mortgage? Understand These Important Points First

Mortgage, ,
There are many individuals who end up on a fixed income once they reach a certain age; however, their expenses aren’t always fixed. Sometimes, there is a large medical expense. In other cases, someone might need money for a new car or a home repair. In the event that someone needs cash quickly, one option is called a reverse mortgage. Those who have equity built up in their home can draw upon this to help with unexpected expenses. This is a quick source of cash that many people overlook. At the same time, it is important to think about the…
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