Mortgage - Buying your first home?

Mortgage Advice

• 7 big questions your Closing Disclosure can answer

  Borrowers applying for a mortgage now get a five-page form designed to make home loans easier to understand before the deal is finalized.

  October 15th 2018

• How to buy a condo with confidence

  It's not enough to find a good location at an affordable price. Condo buyers must consider lots of extra costs, from association fees and special assessments to how well the building is maintained and how strictly it enforces rules on everything from noise to pets.

  October 10th 2018

• Mortgage rates inch up in October 2018

  Current mortgage rates are higher than they were last October. But rates on home loans are still historically low and a little easier to obtain, too.

  October 9th 2018

• How to save on closing costs

  You’ve scouted out the best mortgage rate and fought hard to get the best price on your new home. But your bargaining shouldn’t stop there. Here's how you can save on everything from settlement fees to title insurance.

  October 8th 2018

• How to win a bidding war

  Existing homes continue to be snapped up at a record pace, and competition remains fierce. That's why buyers need a winning strategy to compete for their dream home.

  October 5th 2018

• 8 critical questions your Loan Estimate will answer

  Borrowers are receiving a new form called a Loan Estimate after they apply for a mortgage. It explains the key terms, from interest rates to closing costs, and ensures you're getting the home loan your lender promised.

  October 2nd 2018

• How to tell if mortgage points are worth the cost

  Paying points to get a lower interest rate is almost always a losing proposition because most homeowners don’t keep their loans long enough to recoup the up-front costs. Are you an exception to the rule?

  October 1st 2018

• How much house can you afford?

  How much house can you afford? If that's on your mind, you're in good company. Mortgage rates are still historically low, making it a good time to purchase.

  September 28th 2018

• 4 smart moves to challenge a home appraisal

  A low estimate causes about 1 in every 10 home sales to fall through each month, agents report. Here's what to do when an appraisal of your home's value seems to miss the mark.

  September 25th 2018

• What you need to know about private mortgage insurance

  If you don't make a 20% down payment, you'll be required to carry private mortgage insurance, or PMI. Although you're the one who must pay monthly premiums for this coverage, it protects the lender, not you.

  September 20th 2018