Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also come with headaches involving taxes, permits, upkeep and repair, fees, insurance and more. Look for more information here in our articles, blog posts, videos and radio shows about what it means to be a homeowner.
Necessary Insurance Coverage And The Common Mistakes
Having the correct insurance coverage will help save you when you need it most. Whether you rent or own, buying homeowners or renter's insurance is a necessary part of life. If you rent, you need to protect yourself in case your belongings are damaged or stolen. If you own your home, you need to protect yourself financially should something happen to your home. What other kinds of home-related coverage do you need? You may need personal property, personal liability, or homeowners insurance. Make sure you don't fall into these common insurance mistakes.
Homes That Aren’t Selling No Matter Where They’re Located
This year, the National Association of Realtors predicts there will be as many as 4.8 million existing homes sold for a third record year in a row. Home prices are rising rapidly in many places in the country, but there are places where homes aren't selling. Here are some suggestions for sellers whose homes aren't selling with the rest of the market.
This Old House Sells To Loving Homeowners
Home buyers purchase a rehabbed Colonial home after falling in love with the home during its renovation process on TV show "This Old House." In addition to netting $550,000 in profit (minus, of course, the broker's commission, transfer taxes and other costs of sale), the show opened up the house to more than 15,000 fans, each of whom paid to go through the house and receive a special version of "This Old House" magazine about the project.
Home Buyers And Homeowners: Mortgage Questions To Ask Your Lender
There are several mortgage questions that home buyers and homeowners should ask their lenders before filling out their applications. Most home buyers and homeowners don't know what they're getting into when they finance or refinance their homes with a mortgage, and handing that application in to your mortgage lender without knowing what you're signing could get you into trouble. One important question home buyers and homeowners should ask their mortgage lender is how their credit will affect the mortgage loan's interest rates and terms.
Home Loans And Refinancing: Applying Online
Is it wise to apply for home loans and refinance your mortgage online? Many people recommend applying for home loans and refinancing your mortgage online. But just because you apply for a home loan or refinance your mortgage onle, doesn't mean you won't have to deal with mortgage lenders or real estate brokers in person.
Bankruptcy: Last Resort, Pay Off Debt, Improve Credit Score
If you're worried about keeping up with your debt, try to pay your most important bills and speak with a credit counselor, because bankruptcy should be a last resort. Bankruptcy will leave a black mark on your credit history for the rest of your life, so continue paying off your debt and get control of your expenses. Talking to a credit counselor may help you pay off debt more reasonably, allowing you to improve your credit score and ward off bankruptcy.
Bill Proposes Automatic Cancellation Of PMI
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is one of those necessary expenses if you plan to buy a home with less than 20 percent down in cash. But recent action by Congress may end the practice of letting PMI go on indefinitely, even after the equity on the loan has grown to more than 20 percent, unless the borrower takes steps to cancel the policy.