Mortgage - Buying your first home?

Mortgage Advice

• 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.

  December 10th 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.

  December 5th 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.

  November 28th 2018

• Will I be happy in a condo?

  Before you dive into condo living, you have to make sure it's truly what you want. Use these 9 questions to make sure you'll be happy in a condo.

  November 27th 2018

• Get your paperwork ready before applying for a mortgage

  Here's a checklist of what you'll need and it's extensive — W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, brokerage statements and more. It's never too early to start a file and fill it up.

  November 21st 2018

• 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.

  November 15th 2018

• 7 mortgage fears that sideline homebuyers

  Would you like to buy a home but worry that you'd never qualify for a mortgage? It's time to stop guessing and evaluate your chances to land a loan based on everything from how much you make to your credit score. Believe it or not, the odds are in your favor.

  November 14th 2018

• Should you lend your kids money to buy a home?

  Lending money to your child is risky business. But if you can avoid the personal pitfalls and convince the federal government that this is really a loan, and not a gift, the Bank of Mom and Dad can be a financial boon for everyone in the family.

  November 13th 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.

• 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.