buying a house

When looking to refinance or buy a house, the pre-qualified vs pre-approved mortgage debate can be confusing. Pre-qualification is usually performed by an independent mortgage lender, and it allows you to make offers on homes, though it might not guarantee that the lender will accept your offer.

It’s likely that your mortgage loan will be the largest loan you have during your lifetime. Mortgages are not a one size fits all approach, there are many different types of options you can choose from – all having their own unique qualities.To make the best decision, you first must understand the different types of...

For many people, owning a home is part of the American dream. To make this dream a reality, most people will take out a mortgage loan to help them finance the cost of purchasing a home. If you are interested in buying a home, but unsure of how a loan or mortgage works, this article is perfect for you.

Whenever you’re looking to buy a house, you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of fees associated with obtaining a mortgage. These fees can quickly add up, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re paying for. Some of the fees are non-negotiable and must be paid.

Other fees are layered into the agreement by the...

A bridge loan is a short-term loan a borrower may use while a more long-term financing contract is finalized. Bridge loans are common in real estate when someone needs to buy a new house before their existing house has sold.

A loan estimate is crucial to obtain when looking for a loan. This estimate not only gives you the details of a mortgage but also compares offers from different lenders to determine which loan is best suited for you. Here’s an overview of what you’ll find on your loan estimate and how it can help you choose the best...

There are many moving parts and various people you’ll deal with throughout the homebuying process. Depending on how you decide to find your lender, one of the professionals you might end up working with is known as a mortgage broker.

If you’re looking to buy a house, and do not have a mountain of cash saved up, you’ll need to consider getting a mortgage to help you finance this large expense.

But what exactly is a mortgage? Simply put, a mortgage is a debt instrument used to purchase real estate. A lender will loan a borrower money, and the...

If you find a property that you’re highly interested in buying but are concerned that the seller might choose another offer over your own, you may consider making a deposit in escrow to show that you’re committed to your offer. This deposit is called an “earnest money deposit,” and is a great way to back up your offer...

Buying a home? You’ll likely need to get it appraised before you receive the clear to close. If you’re wondering what is the home appraisal process, or why you should care, this article is for you. We’ll cover everything you need to know on both the buy and sell side of the appraisal.

Buying a home for the first time...