Category: Financing & insuring
Affording a home is all in the numbers! Get mortgage information, plus discover everything you need to think about to get your new home insured the right way.
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Household Items That May Need Special Insurance Coverage
Read more: Household Items That May Need Special Insurance CoverageHomeowners insurance is a key part of owning a home. Be sure your policy covers any special items you may not have considered. Read on for examples, including jewelry, fine arts, furs and more. We’ve also included tips for care and storage of valuable items.
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5 Resources for Navigating Mortgage Options
Read more: 5 Resources for Navigating Mortgage OptionsWith so many available mortgage options, it can be confusing to know which path is right for you. The following online resources can help you understand the differences between loan types and answer other questions that may arise when financing your dream home. Fannie Mae® This site has information on everything from estimating mortgage payments…
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5 Questions to Ask When You’re Choosing a Mortgage Lender
Read more: 5 Questions to Ask When You’re Choosing a Mortgage LenderBefore you’re handed the keys to your dream home, you’ll have to pick a mortgage lender to help with your homebuying journey. But how do you find the right one? Here are five key questions that can help you narrow down your lender options and choose the one that makes your homebuying process as smooth…
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How to Choose an Insurance Company
Read more: How to Choose an Insurance CompanyHomeowner’s insurance is a critical aspect of owning a home, but with so many options to choose from, selecting an insurance provider can be daunting. In addition to standard coverage, following are some helpful hints to consider when you choose an insurance provider. Coverage is the biggest factor to keep in mind when it comes…
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The Truth About Mortgage Rates
Read more: The Truth About Mortgage RatesAfraid you’ve missed the best rates? Good news: They’re still great! See how this year’s mortgage trends stack up against historical averages. The takeaway: Rates may fluctuate from week to week, but in general, it’s a great time to buy a new home. Concentrating on factors you can control (your savings, your credit score, your…
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Can My Family Help Me Finance a New Home?
Read more: Can My Family Help Me Finance a New Home?Homeownership is a very exciting prospect, but paying for a new house can be daunting. In this article, we share how your family can contribute funds to help you take this important step! Being able to purchase a new home with financial assistance from your family is a wonderful opportunity. To help cultivate a positive…
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What Credit Score Do I Need for a Mortgage?
Read more: What Credit Score Do I Need for a Mortgage?Wondering what credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage? You’d be wise to ask. Your credit score (also known as a FICO® score) is one of the most important elements of qualifying for a home loan—and helps lenders determine your interest rate in the event you do qualify. While there isn’t a strict…
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New Home Loan Limits for 2020
Read more: New Home Loan Limits for 2020Curious how new loan limits may affect your homebuying journey? Good news! Home loan limits have increased in the new year in several areas across the country. That means more homes may qualify for a greater variety of loans—potentially offering more ways to finance your dream home! While not all areas experienced increases, it’s definitely worth…
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What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Read more: What Does Home Insurance Cover?Insurance is a crucial part of being a homeowner. In fact, most mortgage lenders require that buyers carry a homeowner’s insurance policy. While policies may vary, there are certain items and events that are typically covered in many policies. Typically covered: Dwelling Coverage Dwelling coverage includes the actual structure of the home. This means walls,…
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How Does PMI Help Homebuyers?
Read more: How Does PMI Help Homebuyers?If you’re familiar with private mortgage insurance (PMI), your gut reaction to that question is probably: it doesn’t. After all, the insurance is paid for by the homebuyer and it only protects the lender. Most articles about PMI focus on how to avoid paying it (have a 20% down payment ready!) or how to stop…
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Lock in a Mortgage Rate Through Late 2020
Read more: Lock in a Mortgage Rate Through Late 2020Planning to buy a home this year? If you’ve been keeping a nervous eye on news from the Federal Reserve, wondering if you’re missing out on your best mortgage rate because you’re not ready to close, an extended rate lock might be just the thing you need to move forward with confidence. What is an…
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Happy National Insurance Awareness Day!
Read more: Happy National Insurance Awareness Day!With so much going on in life, it can be easy to overlook your insurance policies. National Insurance Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 28, to serve as a reminder to take stock of your current insurance coverage and make any necessary adjustments. From auto and life insurance to homeowner’s Insurance and more, these…
