13 Nov 2024
By noelkelman

Understanding the Components of Your Monthly Mortgage Payment

Mortgage, ,
If you’re new to homeownership, you might be wondering exactly what makes up the mortgage payment you’re sending each month. Beyond just the loan amount itself, there are several different components that all factor into your monthly mortgage payment. Understanding these components not only helps you see where your money is going but can also assist you in optimizing your mortgage and possibly securing a better rate. 1. Principal The principal is the amount of money you originally borrowed to purchase the home. It represents the bulk of your loan balance and is paid down over the term of your…
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01 Nov 2023
By noelkelman
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Planning Your Mortgage Budget for the Holiday Season

Budget, Home Tips, , ,
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a challenging time for your finances, especially if you're juggling the responsibilities of a mortgage. However, with some thoughtful planning and budgeting, you can ensure that you enjoy the festivities without putting your financial stability at risk.  I will provide you with essential tips and strategies to help you manage your mortgage budget during the holiday season. Create a Holiday Budget Set a specific budget for your holiday expenses. This budget should encompass everything from gifts and decorations to travel and entertainment. By creating a…
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06 Jun 2023
By noelkelman

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

Mortgage, ,
It is not uncommon for renters to pay more in rent than their landlord's mortgage payment. This is because landlords are typically looking to make a profit on their rental properties, and they will often set their rent prices based on market rates rather than the cost of their mortgage. There are several reasons why renters often pay more than a mortgage payment: Renters are not building equity: When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity in your home. Equity is the value of your home that you actually own. As you pay down your mortgage, you own…
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12 Jan 2023
By noelkelman

House Poor: What It Means And How To Avoid It

Mortgage, ,
There is a good chance you have heard someone described as being house poor. What exactly does it mean? It is important to understand what it means to be house poor and how you can stay away from it. House Poor Means Spending A Significant Chunk Of Your Income On Housing Being house-poor means different things for different people. In general, it means spending a significant amount of your monthly income on recurring expenses related to your house. A few examples include your mortgage, the interest on your mortgage, your property taxes, and HOA expenses. Owning a house can be…
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21 Oct 2022
By noelkelman

Refinancing A Mortgage: How Does This Work?

Mortgage, ,
If your financial situation has changed, you might be interested in refinancing your mortgage. In general, refinancing means that you will replace your current mortgage with a new one. The process of refinancing is similar to the process of applying for a mortgage, but you need to think about your goals during the refinancing process. That way, you can put yourself in the best financial position to be successful. Why RefinanceYour Mortgage? There are several reasons why you might be interested in refinancing your mortgage. For example, you might want to tap into the equity in your home to cover…
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15 Jun 2022
By noelkelman

Get Your Mortgage Paid Down Faster With These 5 Simple Money Saving Strategies

Home Mortgage Tips, ,
The monthly mortgage payment can be burdensome for many, but it's possible you've thought of trying to pay it down more quickly. Without getting a new job or working overtime, here are some tips you can use on a daily basis to save additional funds and pay off your mortgage at a swifter rate. Make Your Lunch The five or ten dollars spent on lunch might not seem like a lot, but over time this amount adds up to a lot of savings. Instead of hitting the cafe, pick one or two nights each week to prepare a lunch for…
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11 May 2022
By noelkelman

The Younger Generations Are Interested In Owning A Home

Mortgage, ,
The real estate market has been red hot this year, with many people looking to purchase a home because of record-low interest rates. This includes younger individuals, as younger generations are interested in owning a house for the first time. The past couple of years have been anything except normal, and the housing market has taken off, with demand far exceeding supply. Why is this taking place? Record Low-Interest Rates Are Driving People Into the Market Even though there are many reasons why people are interested in purchasing a home, incredibly low-interest rates are one of the biggest reasons. Many…
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12 Apr 2022
By noelkelman

Understanding Your Debt To Income Ratio: What It Means

Mortgage, ,
If you are looking for a home, you might need to finance it using a lender, such as a bank or a credit union. There are a number of factors that will influence whether your mortgage application is approved. Then, these same factors will play a role in the terms the lender might offer you. One of the most important factors is called the debt to income ratio, or DTI. It is important to understand how this will impact your mortgage application. What Is A Debt To Income Ratio? Your DTI is important to the lender because this allows the…
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