Many buyers focus heavily on saving for the down payment. That is important, but it is not the only money that matters when buying a home. Cash reserves can be just as important because they help protect you after closing. A strong home purchase plan should include both the money needed to buy the home and the money needed to feel secure once you own it. What Reserves MeanCash reserves are funds left over after your down payment and closing costs are paid. They may be in savings, checking, or … [Read more...]
What Buyers Should Know About Rate Quotes Before Comparing Lenders
Comparing mortgage rates can feel simple at first. A buyer asks a few lenders for a rate, looks for the lowest number, and assumes that is the best option. But rate quotes can be more complicated than they appear. To compare lenders fairly, you need to know what is behind the quote. Timing MattersMortgage rates can change daily, and sometimes more than once in a day. A quote from Monday morning may not compare fairly to a quote from Wednesday afternoon. Market conditions, timing, and lock status … [Read more...]
Why Your Monthly Payment Matters More Than Your Purchase Price
Buyers often focus on the purchase price first. It is easy to compare homes by listing price and assume that a lower price automatically means a better fit. But when you are financing a home, the amount that affects your everyday life most is the monthly payment. That payment is what shows up in your budget month after month. Look at the Full PaymentYour mortgage payment is more than principal and interest. It may also include property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, … [Read more...]
The Mortgage Questions Buyers Are Afraid to Ask
Buying a home can make even confident people feel unsure. There are new terms, large numbers, legal documents, deadlines, and decisions that seem to carry long-term consequences. Many buyers have questions, but they hesitate to ask because they do not want to sound inexperienced. The truth is that mortgage questions are not embarrassing. They are necessary. Ask for Plain Language One question buyers often avoid is, "Can you explain this again in plain language?" Mortgage terms can be technical. … [Read more...]
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 49
- Next Page »
