There are numerous steps involved in the process of buying a new home. It is important to go through the mortgage qualifying process before looking at dream houses. This gives people an idea of how big a house they can afford. Sometimes, individuals looking for a house might not get a loan that is big enough to cover their dream house. There are ways to qualify for a larger loan; however, one of the fastest methods is to use a co-signer. What Is A Co-Signer? A co-signer is someone who signs onto a potential home loan with the homebuyer. Essentially, the co-signer is saying that he or she is … [Read more...]
How To Save Big Money On Your Next Home Renovation Project
Every year, homeowners spend billions of dollars renovating their homes. It almost seems expected that homeowners are going to end up going over budget on any project. On the other hand, this doesn't have to be the case. In reality, there are a few tips and tricks that homeowners can follow to help them save big money on that next home renovation project. Serve As The General Contractor Many homeowners hire a general contractor to control the staffing of each individual project. While this might reduce stress levels, it also costs more money. Hiring a general contractor adds an additional … [Read more...]
Are Home Warranties Worth The Money?
Those who own homes might regularly receive mail advertising something called a home warranty. Many people end up tossing these leaflets away because they think this is just another form of home insurance, which many people get through their mortgage lender. In reality, a home warranty is not home insurance. Therefore, some people might be wondering whether or not a home warranty is worth the money. There are a few important points that people should know. What Is A Home Warranty? A home warranty is similar to insurance is that people are going to pay a set premium per year to protect them … [Read more...]
How Does A Home Appraisal Work?
Whether you're a buyer or a seller, a home appraisal is a critical component of the home selling process. An appraisal is also required in situations where a home is gifted to a family member, so it's important to have a clear understanding of what it entails. What Is A Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of a home's fair market value conducted by a professional appraiser. All 50 states require that appraisers be licensed and/or certified and demonstrate knowledge of the specified area. The purpose of a home appraisal is to determine whether the home's asking price … [Read more...]
How Do Mortgage Points Cut Your Interest Costs?
Those who are involved in the real estate industry likely know that mortgage rates are at an all-time low. At the same time, nobody wants to pay more for a house than they have to. Some of the most important factors that dictate how much someone is going to pay for a house include points and interest rates. While interest rates are incredibly low, there is a way to make them lower. This comes in the form of points. This is additional money that is paid upfront to get a better deal over the life of the loan. Even though this sounds great in theory this might not be the best option for everyone. … [Read more...]
