What Is a Home Equity Investment? A Creative Yet Risky Way To Turn Your Home’s Value Into Cash
By Kathleen Willcox May 11, 2023 (Realtor.com / Getty Images) Between soaring interest rates and the increasing costs of daily life, homeowners are searching for new and creative ways to access cash and tap their home equity without incurring steep borrowing costs. Typically, you can get [...]
What Is MIP? Mortgage Insurance Premium, Explained
By Sean Jackson May 11, 2023 (MicroStockHub/iStock) Getting a loan from the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is an attractive option for homebuyers with less-than-stellar credit who aren’t sitting on a large nest egg. Buyers with a credit score as low as 580 can make a down payment as [...]
What Is a Mortgage Rate Lock? The Key to Scoring a Cheap Home Loan
By Cathie Ericson May 7, 2023 (imaginima/iStock) When you lock your doors at night, you think, “Phew, I’m safe!” Locks mean safety. Locks mean security. And it turns out the same is true in the world of home loans, where you may encounter the term “mortgage rate [...]
High Tides, Low Prices: America’s 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns for Homebuyers in 2023
By Evan Wyloge May 8, 2023 (Getty Images) Is this familiar? It’s the last day of your vacation, ocean water laps your feet, and the sound of the rhythmic waves holds you in a trance. Then, as sunset gives way to twilight, a thought swims into [...]
Learning the Lingo: Architectural Styles of Homes Defined
By Maureen Dempsey Apr 24, 2023 (Photo courtesy of popchart.co) OK, let’s get this straight: Craftsman isn’t just the brand name of the tools out in the garage, and Cape Cod isn’t just a fabulous vacation spot. We understand your confusion and feel your pain. There’s [...]
My Offer Was Accepted — Now What?
By Craig Donofrio Apr 25, 2023 (Getty Images) Having your offer accepted feels great—but for most home buyers, it’s just the beginning. There is still a lot more to be done before you’re over the threshold of your new home. Here’s a rundown of what comes [...]