Mortgage Solar Background Checks

By Marisa Schley

Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

Learn the differences between the two so you don't miss out on your dream home.

Do You Need Both? How Are They Different?Buying a house is a lot more complicated than finding one and making an offer. There are steps you'll need to take before you even begin house hunting, which can include mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval.Both prequalification and preapproval are helpful steps to take during the home-buying process....

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Interest Rate vs. APR: What's the Difference?

Making sense of annual percentage rates and interest rates.

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Solar Panels

From evaluating your roof to installation and maintenance, EnergyBillCruncher has you covered.

Learning Center: Interest and APR—What's the Difference?

You see two rates when you shop for a loan, and we explain why.

How Public Records Give You an Edge in Homebuying

Dig up data on the seller, street, and neighborhood to inform your home search and your buying decisions.

Mortgage Refinance

COVID-19: Timing Right for Mortgage Refi

Low and volatile rates are drawing many refinancers to the market right now.

The Secret to Comparing Solar Quotes

You can use this handy three-point checklist to look over competing solar offers.

Learning Center: Pros and Cons of 15- and 30-Year Mortgages

No one has a crystal ball to see 15 years ahead, much less 30, but if you can swing a higher payment, a shorter term will save you a lot of money.

Is Blockchain Pointing Its Gaze at the Background Check Industry?

With the new tech on the cusp of taking over, background reports may start looking a tad bit different.

7 Common Mortgage Myths Debunked

Don’t be swayed by misinformation when it comes to a home loan. Get the facts straight before beginning the search for your dream home.

Solar Incentives

What's the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

And how will it change over the years?

Return of the Cash-Out Refi

The current cash-out refi boom looks a lot different from last time. Here’s why.

Are You Vaccinated? The Answer Could Start Showing Up on Background Reports

Companies could potentially look to background checks for proof of vaccination.

Buying a Home With a VA Loan

No down payments and good rates are just two of the excellent mortgage benefits for military members.

Impressive Solar Ground Frameworks

Reimagine solar installations by getting off the roof.

Learning Center: Popular Loan Products at a Glance

Learn about the major choices because one kind of mortgage is the best fit for you.

Did You Just Swipe Right on a “Roach”?

Here's how to defend yourself from the disturbing online hookup trend known only as "Roaching"...

5 Common Uses for a Personal Loan

Here's a taste of what you can use loan money for.

Solar Incentives

5 Incentives to Solar Up

Concrete financial incentives that any homeowner thinking of solar power needs to know about.

Learning Center: Mortgage Myths Debunked

Some of what you have heard about home loans simply isn't true.

Is He Cheating? Know Once and for All

Don't be in the dark any longer.

Home Improvement

6 DIY Weekend Home Projects

Results in a weekend from these do-it-yourself home life improvers.

Solar Success Story: The Neumanns

Blackout? What Blackout? A couple's first 100 days with a cutting-edge solar system.

How Much Should You Save for a Down Payment?

We all know money talks. Here's what your down payment says to lenders.

Protect Your Information Online Like the Security Experts Do

Cyber crime is at an all-time high, and background checks might be the only answer.

How Much for a Down Payment?

Money talks. What does your down payment say?

The Main Benefits of Solar Power

From aggressive incentives to curbing greenhouse gases, there are so many advantages to installing solar panels onto your home.

3 Good Uses of a Cash-Out Refi

A cash-out refi can supercharge your mortgage with a new low interest rate and line your pockets too, but this is not mad money.

Seller Beware: Your Online Ad Draws Scammers

We are instinctively cautious when purchasing from strangers, but scammers also pretend to be buyers. Learn to spot them.

7 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Things you need to know before starting the search for your dream home.

Buying vs. Leasing Solar Panels

Which is right for you?

Solid Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

7 pieces of proven advice for tackling this milestone event.

The Telltale Signs You Married a Bigamist

You never really know who you just tied the knot with.

11 Mortgage Terms You Should Know

Head into the homebuying process well informed.

Solar Power Battery Basics

What can a battery do for your solar energy system, and is it worth the cost?

Reversing 6-Year Shrink, Homes Get Bigger

New single-family homes are growing again, but how are we using the extra space?

Shut It Down: How You Can Seal Your Court Records

These are the steps jurisdictions generally require before a judge might agree to seal, or even destroy, your records.

5 Simple Ways to Save for a Down Payment

Thinking about buying a home? Put money aside for a down payment with help from these tips.

4 Drawbacks to Leasing (and Why People Still Do)

In the long term, the benefits of buying are tough to beat.

Experts Agree: Before You Refinance, Master Your Credit

This one simple trick can save you thousands each year off your mortgage payments.

Global Cyber Criminals Are Getting Caught by Background Checks

Atlanta fraudster may have been stopped in his tracks by a background report.

What Is PMI and Can I Avoid It?

PMI is the drawback of buying a home for a low down payment, but equity earns your way out.

The Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Solar Panels

Got debris buildup? Read how to wash your panels without damaging them.

Criminals Are Hijacking Mortgage Closings

Beware! Scammers hiding inside compromised email accounts can steal your down payment.

The Colorado Elections Clerk Who Stole All the Info

Investigators turn to background reports to stop hackers in their tracks.

Negotiate a 2.79% Mortgage Rate Like This

It didn't happen overnight, but research and tenacity got them a dream rate.

The Impact Solar Panels Have on the Environment

Learn about three major benefits.

How to Speed Up Your Refi

Avoid having to wait several weeks for your lower payment to start by removing hurdles in the process.

Here's What Google Knows About You

If you printed out the personal details Google collects on the average person, the papers would stack as high as the Eiffel Tower.

Household Finances

3 Tips to Strengthen and Protect Your Credit Score

Work towards a high credit score so you can secure low interest rates on your mortgage.

Solar Incentives

How Strong Net Metering Benefits You

All about the incentive system and technology that monetizes your home's solar energy output.

Saving for a Down Payment: 5 Straightforward Tips

The money represents your instant equity in the new home, and with this advice you can save more.

She Opened Her Husband’s Laptop Only to Discover His Shocking Betrayal

Shocked and appalled, her next steps were not what you might expect.

4 Ways to Build Quick Equity

Tried and true strategies for optimizing the investment in your home in a relatively short time.

Solar Panels: Fact vs. Fiction

Let's get to the truth about renewable energy.

Hot Features You Should Look for in a New Home

Trends change; these are the feaures people want in new homes today.

How to Remove Your Personal Information From the Internet

Read our step-by-step guide to reducing your online footprint.

Home Improvement

3 Reasons to Go Solar in Your First Home

Ensure you get the most out of your first home by installing solar panels.

Where Solar Is Soaring and Why

These 10 states set the examples to follow coast to coast.

Silver Linings Playbook: Why Higher Rates Are Actually Good for Homebuyers

It’s counterintuitive, sure. It also just so happens to be true.

Why You Should Background-Search Yourself, and How

To potential employers, creditors, landlords, and strangers, your records are your reputation.

Sell Faster With This Home Staging Advice From the Experts

From first impressions to lasting appeal, smart staging makes your home stand out.

Panel Tech: the Breakthroughs

Technological leaps in solar energy systems then, now, and in the future.

Higher Rates, Lower Prices. The Housing Market Course Correction Is Here.

As sellers scramble, buyers suddenly find themselves in the catbird seat.

Beware Friends Reading Posts: The Scary Social Media Loophole

If you think that restricting your account only to friends makes your social media interactions private, think again.

The 7 Most In-Demand Home Features

Whether you're looking to buy or need some home improvement ideas, this list of the most in-demand house features can help.

Solar Panel Payback Period

How long will it take to break even?

How You Can Avoid Paying PMI

Putting 20% down is the surefire way to avoid PMI, but here are three other ways.

4 Tips for Finding Long-Lost Family

When you're ready to reunite with a loved one, use these proven tips.

VA Mortgage Refinance

VA Rate Reduction Refinance

Hello, my name is IRRRL: The faster, easier way that military members and families can refinance their VA loan and lock in lower rates.

The Rising Cost of Electricity

The lowdown on residential rates.

More Good Uses for a Cash-Out Refi (and One Bad Use)

The cash from a cash-out refinance can put you on stable footing to make smart moves with your money.

Credit Scores and Committed Relationships: Your Love Match

The surprising link between lasting relationships and matching credit scores.

Easily Improve Your Financial Health With These 5 Tips

Evaluate your financial health and get tips for ways to better prepare for your future.

Large-Scale Solar Projects on the Rise in 2020

The dependability and the cost-effectiveness of solar power shine in a year of much uncertainty.

Refi Breakeven Point: How to Calculate Yours

A mortgage refinance takes money in the form of closing costs, so when does the saving start?

The Free Tax Prep Service You Already Pay for But Probably Never Heard Of

70% of Americans could prepare their federal tax return easily online for free, if only they knew about the IRS Free File.

Mortgage Refinance

3 Good Reasons for a Cash-Out Refinance

Homeowners do a cash-out refinance so they can turn some of the equity they've built up in their home into cash.

Home Improvement

The Solar Panel Bump to Home Values

Energy bills down, home value up. We shine a light on the solar win-win.

Refi or Personal Loan to Vanquish Credit Card Debt?

Two popular strategies for escaping credit card debt are to refinance a mortgage or take out a personal loan.

Is Your Divorce Public Record?

The realities of (and alternatives to) your divorce records being open to public view.

Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

Learn the differences between the two so you don't miss out on your dream home.

Energy Saving Tips

Going Green Saves Green: a Cost-Effective Way to Live

A green household is more efficient and less expensive in these many ways.

5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Financial Health

These tips will help you evaluate your finances and prepare for the future.

Do Dating Apps Even Try to Verify Their Users' Backgrounds?

What the big services in the dating scene do to discourage abuse and how you can protect yourself.

Reverse Mortgage

Reverse Mortgage Pros and Cons

The controversial loan product does have sensible uses and lets homeowners enjoy the equity they have built up without selling.

Energy Saving Tips

Tips That Help You Get the Most out of Your Solar Panels

We help you maximize use and savings.

People Share the Bad Real Estate Advice They've Heard

What dubious tips have led some people astray in buying or selling a home? Hear the worst real estate advice going around.

Practice Safe Dating: Have You Done a Background Search on the Person You're About to Meet?

Catfish, cheater, axe murderer, felon—who could you be dating?

A Personal Loan Can Lift You Out of Credit Card Debt, Raise Your Credit Score

A personal loan is the flexible financial tool that lets you consolidate and pay down debts sensibly.

Water and Power: How Rain and Clouds Affect Solar Energy Generation

How much does inclement weather affect solar energy production, and does it mean we need to have battery backup?

How Often Can You Refinance Your Home?

Watch for these four signs to know when another home refinance might be worthwhile.

A Comprehensive Guide to a Background Check

What you need to know about a background check

Cash for Whatever: Check Out Personal Loans

Personalized terms and lower interest than most credit cards make personal loans a viable method of getting cash fast.

Home Improvement

Is a Grid-Tied Solar Panel System Right for You?

The pros, cons, and potential savings.

Four Proven Ways to Build Home Equity Quickly

Owning more and owing less is the heart of home equity, and here are proven ways to tilt the seesaw in your favor faster.

Could a Background Check Hurt Your Job Search?

Some employers will look beyond your resume, but there are rules for what they can see about you and how they use it.

4 Good Uses for a Personal Loan—and 1 Bad Use

From debt consolidation to home improvement, you can put a personal loan to smart use.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Solar Installer

These tips can help you choose a solar company.

Make Your Home Renovations Come True With Cash-Out Refinancing

Cash-out refinancing could be your chance to complete your home renovation checklist.

Defeat Porch Pirates: Tips for Avoiding Package Theft

Package thieves get bolder and smarter every day. Here's how you can outwit them and stop them from stealing your package.

The Secret to Getting the Best Interest Rate

Do this to get a low interest rate so you can save thousands over the life of a loan.

What's the Future of Energy?

Which energy sources are set to dominate the industry?

When Can I Refinance My Home?

Discover the best time to refinance your home and the perks of doing it.

Find Hidden Social Media Profiles

Put on your sleuthing cap and deploy these 5 tried-and-true tricks to uncover hidden social media profiles.

Getting Started

Don't Make These 4 Common Mistakes of First-Time Homebuyers

As record-low interest rates battle with record-low inventory, you can benefit by learning what first-time buyers wish they'd done differently.

Markets Are Moving Away From Fossil Fuels

You're probably divesting from fossil fuels without knowing it as markets shed carbon companies in favor of clean tech.

Mortgage Broker, Mortgage Banker, or Loan Officer? What's the Right Call?

The differences can be subtle but crucial. Here’s what you need to know.

What Do Employers Look for in a Background Check?

Know what employers look for in a background check so you can be prepared.

Here's Why Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Is So Important

A low DTI paves the way for a competitive mortgage.

Clean Energy Jobs Pay Better

Jobs in clean energy pay much more than average and, after the pandemic, are likely to recover quicker than fossil fuel jobs.

Identifying a Property With Better Short-Term Rental Potential

How to pick a winning vacation rental and what to do if yours isn't generating the income you expected.

How Long Do Background Checks Take?

Discover how long a background check typically takes and what you can expect during the process.

Mortgage Refinance

2 More Good Reasons for a Cash-Out Refinance—and 1 Terrible Reason

Convert equity to cash with a timely cash-out refinance, but if you don't have a sensible plan for the money you're better off leaving it in the home.

Oil Companies Blend Renewable Energy Into the Mix

Profit and predictability drive a growing investment by Big Oil in solar, wind, and other green resources.

Can You Increase Your Preapproval Amount?

When the right homes always seem just out of reach, here’s how to get preapproved for a bigger mortgage.

How Long Does a Misdemeanor Stay on Your Record?

Even though a misdemeanor is a minor violation, it is still considered a criminal offense and will appear on a person's record.

Household Finances

The True Cost of Late Mortgage Payments

Learn about the cost and other impacts of missing a mortgage installment.

Should You Buy a Home With Solar Panels?

What you need to know about buying a house with a renewable energy system.

Your Refinancing Options If You Have Bad Credit

We think everyone deserves a chance to refinance their home mortgage.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?

Understand the scope and limitations of background checks regarding the timeframe of past records.

How Home Buying Is Different Right Now

With interest rates that previous generations could only dream of and a low housing supply, the market is red-hot despite the chill over the rest of the economy.

Continued Strong, Growing Support for Renewable Energy, With a Generation Gap

Most Americans favor expanding our renewable energy sources, with the under-40 set most keen, surveys show.

Everything You Need to Know About VA Loans

Understanding how a VA loan works will help determine if it’s the right mortgage for your home purchase.

Can You Pass a Background Check With a Misdemeanor?

The possible consequences of having a misdemeanor on your background report, and how long it stays there.

Mortgage Process Checklist

Ready to buy a house? Follow these 10 easy steps to secure your dream home.

Energy Saving Tips

5 Energy-Saving Tips for the Holidays

Combat a rise in energy expenses while spending time with your loved ones.

7 Expert Tips on Home Staging to Sell Faster

Help your home stand out with this proven advice for attracting more potential buyers and selling faster.

What Is a Military Background Check, and What Does It Include?

As you would imagine, military background checks are quite thorough. Could you pass one?

Mortgage Refinance

Act Now to Avoid the Adverse Market Refinance Fee

Thinking of refinancing? Do so before a new fee goes into effect.

Energy Saving Tips

Use These 6 Household Appliances Smarter for Lower Energy Bills

Many people are more familiar with the settings on their smartphone than their household appliances, but smarter use of your appliances will lower your energy bills.

Deed Vs. Title: What Are the Differences?

When buying or selling real estate, the terms ‘deed’ and ‘title’ are often used interchangeably.

How Do I Know If I Passed My Background Check?

Are nerves getting the best of you when it comes down to knowing if you passed your background check? We'll talk about the basics of background checks, how they work, how long they take, and what to do if you don't pass your background check.

The Home Equity Boost From Going Solar

The verified boost in home value is great enough to offset the installation cost of solar panels.

With 1.5 Gigawatts of Big Installed Solar, Southeast Outpaces California for Third Year

America installed 4.5 GW of utility-scale solar in 2019, bringing the country's cumulative capacity to 29 GW.

What Is a Buyer's Agent and What Do They Do?

You might want to rely on the experience and expertise of a buyer's agent when shopping for property.

Know Your Neighbor: A "Golden Girls" Lesson

You might be friendly with the new neighbors at first, until George Clooney shows up.

Cosigners and Mortgages: What Borrowers Need to Know

A mortgage cosigner could mean better terms and interest rates for the primary borrower, but how is the cosigner affected?

Remarkably, Solar Stayed Strong in Rocky 2020

How solar energy managed to thrive in a tumultuous year full of challenges.

FHA Construction Loan Requirements

Are you looking to have a house built? Today we’ll discuss the critical requirements for the FHA construction loan.

6 Negotiating Tips for Winning When You Buy a Home

We are in a seller's market, but you can still get ahead of the competition with this expert advice.

4 Surprising Ways Las Vegas Leans Green

Conservation makes fiscal sense in the Entertainment Capital of the World, but it's important that guests still feel dazzled and pampered.

What Is a Real Estate Broker? Definition, Types, and Duties

Real estate brokers have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, which they use to guide you through every step.

Household Finances

Mortgage Prepayment: The Surprising Savings of $100 Extra

Paying down your loan principal with a little extra each month saves you big money in interest and builds equity quicker.

So We've Reached Grid Parity. What's Ahead?

Now that cities can build solar fields for no more money than coal plants, advances will accelerate.

Insight Into Seller Concessions

Offering concessions can be a powerful tool for sellers by making their home more attractive to buyers.

Mortgage Refinance

How Often Can You Refinance Your Mortgage?

Learn more about refinancing so that you can take advantage of falling interest rates.

Covid-19 Hastened Peak Oil, If It Isn't Already Here: Experts

The pandemic set oil production back two years while investments in alternative energy grew, leading some forecasters to predict an earlier arrival of peak oil.

5 Signs You're Ready to Buy Your First Home

Your go-to checklist for homebuying.

Tech Heavyweights Pledge Green Futures

This decade, the world's most valuable companies (all of them American) will be putting their money where their mouth is.

Getting Started

What You Should Know About Making Rental Income With Your Home

Making money off extra living space in your home is definitely worth considering, but don't go in blind.

How Many Hours of Sunlight Do Solar Panels Need?

And how to calculate those peak hours.

Mortgage Refinance

Refinancing a Mortgage When You Have Bad Credit

Everyone deserves refinancing options. Do you know yours?

Solar Panel Inspection and Permit Process

What to expect when the time comes to go solar.

Reverse Mortgage

Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? Q&A

For certain people a reverse mortgage is a worthwhile loan product, but how do you know if you're one of them?

How Much Solar Would It Take to Replace Your Energy Bill?

A simplified look at how powerful a solar energy system your house would need for you to replace your energy bill.

Mortgage Refinance

Refinancing vs. Loan Modification

Refinancing isn't the only way to get new mortgage terms!

Reap the Benefits of Off-Grid Living Without Going Hermit

As scientists increase their understanding of how nature benefits humans, we've learned how to bring the goodness to where we already live.

Your Guide To Common Mortgage Options

Learn about three mortgage options that are popular among first-time buyers.

Solar Incentives

Energy Prices to Rise 5% by Next Year While Solar Gets Cheaper

Rate trends strengthen home solar's value proposition.

Advantages of Buying in a New Neighborhood

New construction has the appeal of freshness but costs more.

Energy Saving Tips

The 3 Biggest Energy Hogs in a Typical Home and What You Can Do About It

Electricity is America's number one power source, so where is most of the juice going in your home?

5 Things You Shouldn't Do After Applying for a Mortgage

Ready to close? Steer clear of these common pitfalls.

Home Improvement

Replacing Your Roof? Why Not Go Solar As Well?

Combining both jobs can save you serious cash.

What's Coming If You Buy or Refi in 2021

Low rates and decelerating home prices are two pieces of good news for anyone who wants to buy a home in the new year.

How Green Energy Is Facing the Challenges

Popular and pollution-free energy resources need to scale up and spread out, as the green energy industry well knows.

Paying Closing Costs Now vs. Rolling Them Into a Home Loan

Should you pay closing costs out of pocket or finance them with the loan?

Several U.S. Solar Companies Want Trump's Tariffs to Stay

If we want to transition to clean Energy by 2035, this is the way.

Your Guide to Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

Get to know this popular loan option!

Disgraced Governor Cuomo Blocks HOAs From Restricting Solar

Measure may be his last bill signing.

Mortgage Refinance

How Long Does It Take to Refinance a Mortgage?

Here's how soon you could have a refinanced mortgage contract in hand.

Level Up to As Much Solar As Suits You

Solar offers levels of participation (all of them rewarding) to match any homeowner's commitment.

Mortgage Refinance

3 Big Money Mistakes to Avoid in 2021

Get your financial health back on track!

Going Solar Might Get Much Cheaper

New bill introduced in Congress could make it happen.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refinance Checklist #1: Your Goals

The first step in your refinance journey is deciding what you hope to achieve.

Home Improvement

Easy DIY Under-$200 Home Security Kit

7 straightforward items (including 1 freebie!) to secure your home affordably.

Mortgage Refinance

How to Boost Your Home's Appraisal Value When Refinancing

Three low-cost upgrades to tackle this weekend.

Previously Hesitant Homeowners Are Now Going Solar in Droves

As energy costs rise, solar keeps getting cheaper.

Reverse Mortgage

More Q&A to Decide Whether a Reverse Mortgage Is Right for You

You've got more question about reverse mortgages, and we've got the answers.

Why the Value Proposition of Solar Keeps Improving

Marvel at all the ways solar keeps getting more affordable compared to the only real alternative people have, the grid.

Mortgage Refinance

Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loan

Which route is right for your cash needs?

California Sued Over Bogus Solar Rule

The California Solar and Storage Association is fighting back.

Mortgage Refinance

3 Things Homeowners Wish They'd Known About Refinancing

When focusing on lowering their monthly payment, some refi customers lose sight of these other effects of a mortgage refinance.

Is Minnesota Poised to Take Over the Solar Industry?

Minnesota’s Iron Range is planning an enormous solar panel manufacturing facility.

Mortgage Refinance

5 Fantastic Cash-Out Refinance Home Improvement Projects

High ROI upgrades to tackle with your influx of cash.

Home Improvement

The Most Effective Winter Energy Tip Just Got a Lot More Important

One home improvement brings you a 117% ROI and could save you hundreds this winter.

Things to Consider Before You Try House Flipping

Learn the best advice from experienced house flippers because it's not as easy as it looks on TV.

Solar Success Story: The Urban Farmer

Energy independence and the environment were important incentives, but the biggest was the write-off.

Household Finances

9 Easy Ways to Save Money During COVID-19

Employed or not, here's how to get the most bang for your buck!

Solar Incentives

When It Comes to Solar Rebates & Tax Credits, Every State Is Different

We break it all down for you here.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refinance Checklist #2: Does It Make Financial Sense?

Sometimes fees and penalties mean that you barely break even with a refi, so you definitely want the numbers on your side before getting started.

Fierce Competition Benefits Solar Customers, Keeps Industry Tense

Neighborhood solar companies succeed because they offer what the public wants.

Mortgage Refinance

Cash-Out Refinance Eligibility Requirements

Cash-out refi options at a glance. Which do you qualify for?

Two California Senators Just Changed the Solar Game With This New Bill

Less expensive solar panels and slashed energy bills promise to make this solar bill wildly popular.

Getting Started

All Points Bulletin: What Are Points When It Comes to Mortgages?

What are buying points and discount points? Is refinancing different from purchasing? You have questions, so we get right to the point.

Solar Incentives

Energy Efficiency Makes Way for Enhanced Quality of Life

Energy conservation and health are intertwined.

Mortgage Refinance

Is Refinancing Worth the Effort for Just a 1% Lower Rate?

As rates drop, here's what to consider before you make the most popular mortgage move.

Winter-Prepping Your Home Solar Energy System

Preparing your solar power system for the cold season mainly involves battery maintenance because the panels are already winter-tough.

The Pros and Cons of Popular Mortgage Payment Options

Personal check? Online payment service? Credit card? What's the best way to pay installments?

Dragonscales and Power Flowers: the Evolving Shape of Solar

Efficiency meets beauty in the latest, most intriguing solar capture designs.

Mortgage Refinance

More Things People Wish They'd Known About Refinancing

Continued: By focusing on lowering their payment, some refi customers lose sight of these other effects of a mortgage refinance.

Smart Electric Panels Are Coming to Solar Homeowners

Here’s what that means for you.

Getting Started

3 Important Money-Management Lessons to Teach Your Kids

How to set your children up for financial success.

Solar Panels vs. Natural Disasters

How do renewable energy systems fare when confronted by Mother Nature?

Home Improvement

Don't Lose 10% of Your Home's Value: Spring Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the ideal season to retain or renew your home's value through these mostly DIY-friendly tasks.

Is 2022 the Year of Going Off-Grid With Solar?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen.

Mortgage Refinance

Don't Believe These 3 Popular Money Myths

Doing so could cost you big!

Energy Saving Tips

4 Little Projects to Cut Energy Costs Throughout the House

Green guru shares money-saving tips from basement to attic.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Interest Rates Over Time

6-year data that could help you make smart money moves.

Can You Add a Battery to Your Existing Solar Energy System?

Everything you need to know about adding a battery after the fact.

Mortgage Refinance

3 Ways You Can Speed Up Your Mortgage Refi

Due to the soaring popularity of refinancing, the process can drag, but here are ways to accelerate it.

Will Biden’s Plan Really Cut 30% Off the Cost of Solar?

The White House claims Build Back Better will do just that.

Discount Points vs. More Money Down: The Best Use of Your Cash

Common sense says to put as much money down on a home as you can afford, but the power of discount points is undeniable.

Revealed: World's Biggest Solar Battery

Record-breaking storage technology extends the viability of utility-scale solar after dark.

Mortgage Refinance

The Relationship Between Equity and Refinancing

What happens to your hard-earned equity when you replace your mortgage contract?

Senator's New Bill Means Big Solar Incentives, But Will It Pass?

Homeowners clamoring for more solar incentives may get their wish.

Mortgage Refinance

Experts Urge People to Switch to 15-Year Fixed, and Here's Why

Combine a shorter term with one of today's low refi rates and you get a double dose of savings.

Same-Day Permitting Launches Home Solar Into Warp Speed

Solar Access Act to reduce permit wait times to a matter of hours.

Mortgage Refinance

Tax Deductions and Your Mortgage Refinance

Refinanced in 2020? Here's what you need to know about tax deductions!

Solar Panels vs. Other Home Improvement Projects

Tackle big-ROI upgrades.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refinance Checklist #3: The Documents You Need

The paperwork you need and where to get the documents for a faster and more informed refinance.

Home Improvement

Solar Success Story: A Home in the Woods

Follow the straightforward installation of an 18-panel rooftop solar energy system that paid for itself in five years.

Household Finances

Spring Clean Your Finances in 5 Easy Steps

It's time for a fresh financial start!

Solar Incentives

2022 Is the Final Year to Claim Your 26% Solar Tax Credit

Homeowners who don’t go solar this year are set to miss out big-time.

Household Finances

Homeowners Can Save 20% on Energy Bills With This Appliance Makeover

When your home needs new appliances, remember that one label means energy efficiency, quality assurance, and claims verified by third-party testing.

Customization Makes Going Solar Easier Than Ever

Systems can be tailored to most any home, and you can mix and match options to your liking.

Mortgage Refinance

50-Year Historic Low Interest Rates As a Result of Fed’s Stimulus Program

How to secure a historically low interest rate. Pay off your mortgage fast!

Green Clean: Let's Tackle the Kitchen

Safe, natural, and economical cleaning tips for the heart of your home.

Mortgage Refinance

Homeowners Are Frantic to Secure Insanely Low Refinance Rates

The Federal Reserve slashed its rate to near zero; that's great news for homeowners!

Biden Extends Solar Tariffs, but There's a Catch

When it comes to President Biden’s solar tariff extension, the devil is in the details.

Debt Consolidation

Easily Calculate Your Net Worth

Calculate your net worth to see if your finances are on track.

Energy Saving Tips

How to Reduce Peak Demand Charges on Electricity Bills

Four things you can do today to lower your bill.

Mortgage Refinance

How to Calculate the Breakeven Point of a Refi

Getting the ball rolling on a mortgage refinance takes money in the form of closing costs, so how long does the ball have to roll before the savings kick in?

Integrated Solar: a Look at Leading-Edge Tech

When it comes to advances in green tech and design, there are always new ideas under the sun.

Mortgage Refinance

5 Signs It's Time to Refinance Your Mortgage

Do any of these situations apply to you?

The Lifespan of Solar Batteries

Is storing excess energy right for you?

Getting Started

So You Want to Be a Landlord? How to Run a Credit Check on a Prospective Tenant

The legal way to screen out unreliable tenants and turn extra rooms into extra income.

America's Biggest Urban Solar Farm to Cap a Landfill

On top of a former landfill the nation's largest urban solar farm is about to rise.

Home Improvement

3 Home Remodeling Facts No One Likes to Talk About

Are you prepared for what's to come?

Homeowners Going Solar This Summer Are in for a Pleasant Surprise

With more government rebates and incentives than ever before, solar homeowners have reason to celebrate.

Mortgage Refinance

Why Switching Your ARM to Fixed-Rate Is More Important Than Ever

Lock in a low interest rate today before the inevitable climb.

Green Energy Breaks World Record in 2022 per International Energy Agency

Despite supply chain issues, solar comes out on top once again.

Home Improvement

7 Home Renovations That Can Hurt Your Home's Value

Are you helping or hurting your bottom line?

When Is the Best Time to Go Solar?

If you are considering renewable energy, read this first!

Getting Started

This Happens to Your House If You Die Without a Will

To your spouse, to your kids, or to the (gulp) state—where does your house go if you leave no will?

3 Unexpected Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Conservation's far-reaching perks!

When Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Believe it or not, mortgage prepayment isn't for every borrower.

Don't Install Solar Before Reading This

These expert tips are considered absolute musts.

What Usually Causes a Home to Fail Inspection?

When a sale falls through after a home inspection, it's often because the buyer's expectations didn't match reality.

Biden Announces Two-Year Pause on Solar Panel Tariffs

Experts agree solar could be the key to offsetting inflation.

The 3 Best and 3 Worst Ways to Use Your Home Equity

Protect your hard-earned investment!

Energy Saving Tips

5 Ways to Naturally Cool Your Home in Summer

Beat the heat without breaking the bank.

Mortgage Refinance

The Risks and Rewards of Locking In Your Mortgage Rate

Locking in a low rate seems like a simple decision, but is there a catch?

Off-Grid Living Reality Check

Total independence is a lofty goal, but some dependencies are worth every penny.

Mortgage Refinance

Does Unemployment Affect Your Credit Score?

How unemployment can't—and can—affect your credit score.

7 Surprising Facts About Solar Energy

Is a renewable energy system right for your home?

Getting Started

5 Household Expenses You Cut Right Now, Easily

Because you can think of better uses for your hard-earned money.

Solar Outshines Nuclear for First Time in U.S. History

Wind provides the assist for renewables to blow by legacy power systems.

2021 Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast

The low-rate window is coming to a close!

Could You Possibly Live a Carbon-Negative Lifestyle?

As if living carbon-neutral weren't challenge enough, could you (or anyone) actually live carbon-negative?

Mortgage Refinance

5 Mortgage Refinance Tips That Save Time and Money

What all borrowers need to know.

What to Expect for Installation

Every year, solar panel installation gets simpler and faster, but it still requires the expertise of an electrician who has solar installation training.

What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Rate-Shopping Window

It's all about your FICO score!

Home Improvement

Lights, Camera, Traction: Latest in Solar-Powered Security

Innovative security tools draw power from the sun for cordless, hassle-free protection around your home.

Getting Started

How to Compare Mortgage Loan Estimates

Interest rate is not the only detail to focus on when comparing home loans.

6 Things You Can Stop Paying for Without Giving Anything Up

Money-saving tips that just happen to be clean and green too.

Mortgage Refinance

Is Now Still a Good Time to Refinance a Mortgage?

What borrowers need to know.

How to Avoid Solar Scams

What to watch for when you upgrade your home to affordable solar energy.

Mortgage Refinance

What a Smart Cash-Out Refi Looks Like

3 features of a cash-out refinance that indicate you are making a wise move.

Solar Incentives

Here’s How to Take Advantage of the Federal Government's Solar Tax Credits, Solar Rebates, and Solar Incentives

Learn more about how solar energy is more accessible and affordable to Americans than ever before.

Home Improvement

The Unglamorous Truth About Home Improvement Return on Investment

Don't expect a wow factor from the project with the best ROI.

Solar Incentives

Your Guide to $0 Down Solar Panel Installations and “Free” Solar Panels

Learn more about $0 down solar panels and the myth behind “free” solar panels.

7 Tips for Securing Your Home Before Vacation

Many of us can't wait to travel again, but before we head out, we should take measures to keep bad guys from getting in.

3 Solar Panel Trends for 2023

Where is the renewable energy market headed?

Home Improvement

This Summer's Hot Patio Trends

Your home has two sides: Enjoy the outside this summer with our inspiring ideas.

RV and Skoolie Owners Are Hitting the Road Using Solar Energy Panels

Glamping has officially become more independent with solar energy panels.

Mortgage Refinance

Will Closing a Credit Card Help You Qualify for a Refinance or Mortgage?

Don't do this before applying for a mortgage or refinance.

5 Simple Ways You Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today

Combat climate change with these easy and eco-friendly tips.

Home Improvement

Home Maintenance This Summer

The long summer days give you ample time to tackle these four tasks and get back to the fun.

Everything You Need to Know About Bifacial Solar Panels

Get a better understanding of how bifacial solar panels work and whether they’re right for you.

Mortgage Rates Set to Skyrocket in 2022?

What does the future hold for refi rates?

Home Improvement

Your Guide to Solar Tankless Water Heaters

See how solar, tankless water heaters are a game-changer for solar panel homeowners.

What's the Deal With Those "We Buy Ugly Houses" Signs?

Predatory flippers have expanded their hunting grounds, but ugliness is in the eye of the beholder.

A Guide to Ground-Mounted Solar Panels

A home solar energy system mounted somewhere other than the roof can be larger and more productive.

Mortgage Refinance

A Cash-Out Refi Can Make People Love Their Home Again

Features and upgrades so enticing in a new home can be added to an existing home and paid for with equity.

Your Ultimate Guide to How a Solar Panel System Works

Learn about the basic solar system fundamentals, how it operates, and what to expect.

Household Finances

I Can Rent Out THAT?! Make Bonus Money From Space and Things You're Not Using

Thanks to our always-connected economy, something of value that you aren't using at the moment could bring you fast cash.

Debunked: Why People Think Solar Won't Work Where They Live

Harnessing the sun's power is possible in a surprisingly wide variety of locations and weather.

Home Improvement

Sweat Equity? No Sweat!

Leverage your home improvement skills into big bucks.

All About Solar Inverters: Which Is Right for Your Home?

The optimal solar energy system for your home will rely on one of three solar inverter types, and we explain the pros and cons.

Home Improvement

How One Man Started a Real Estate Empire Without a Dollar to His Name

And you can too...

Pros and Cons of a Solar Panel Lease

Considering investing in a solar panel lease? You need to understand some pros and cons before making the final decision.

Household Finances

When to Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

5 reasons it might be time to review your coverage.

The Solar Panel Installation Process

The benefits of solar panels are well known (saving money!) but how do you get there?

Advantages of Buying in an Older Neighborhood

A more walkable life in a place with character and trees can be yours when you buy an older home.

Energy Saving Tips

Why Is My Gas Bill So High? Top 5 Reasons

Are you wondering why your gas bill is so high? If so, read this article to check out the most common reasons for this problem!

Refinance Rates Freefall After Government Eliminates Universally Hated Fee

Refi fee costing homeowners thousands at closing is no more.

NCM Batteries Explained

Learn more about the intricacies of an NCM battery, its maintenance as well as the impact of these batteries on the environment.

Household Finances

Stop Wasting Money Buying Rental Car Coverage Twice

Insurance by your credit card, even if there's a flat fee, is bound to be cheaper than what's offered by the rental car company.

The Basics of Geothermal Energy

Learn how geothermal energy works and where it comes from, starting with the basics!

Mortgage Refinance

Are You Sitting on Refinance Gold?

A housing market downturn is great news for refinancing homeowners.

Getting Started

Shape Up Your Finances Prior to a Refi or Mortgage

Follow this 4-step financial fitness program so lenders will see you at your best.

Mortgage Refinance

Cash Out Refinances Are Suddenly All the Rage

Historically low rates are driving more and more homeowners to tap into their home equity.

Mortgage Refinance

One Brilliant Way a Cash-Out Refi Can Pay the Mortgage

Boss-level home improvement: Build a tiny house on your property, and the renter pays your mortgage.

Homeowners Find Themselves Sitting on a Fortune

The time to cash out is right now.

Household Finances

Money Right, Sleep Tight: 5 Tips to Destress Your Finances

Many people lose sleep worrying about money, while others practice these five strategies.

Mortgage Refinance

Need Mortgage Refi Advice but Not Sure Where to Turn? Try Warren Buffett!

Buffett chimes in on mortgage refi boom with words of wisdom.

Breaking Down Fixed-Rate Refinances by the Years

The only answer to a volatile market is picking the right term.

Getting Started

Have You Ever Gotten Bad Real Estate Advice?

People share their top picks for the worst real estate advice out there.

The Federal Government Just Made Refinancing Way Easier

New programs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac set to change the mortgage refi game.

Beware the Mortgage Closing Scam

Criminals hijack the closing process to steal down payments, crushing people's dream of homeownership.

Mortgage Refinance

Ready to Refinance? Here's How to Get the Lowest Rate Possible

Unlock the key to your credit score and save big.

Homes Are Growing Bigger Again

Reversing a 6-year trend, new single-family homes get bigger, so how are we using the extra space?

2022: The Year of the Cash-Out Refi

Home equity is booming, interest rates are dropping, and homeowners are laughing all the way to the bank.

3 Pleasant Side Effects of Your Home's Increased Value

How your finances change when you suddenly own a lot more home than before.

Is This the Last Time We'll See Mortgage Rates Dip?

Why refinancing right now might be the only move to make.

Mortgage Refinance

Watch for These 3 Things When Shopping for a Refi

Comparing offers is most effective when you know what might be hiding in the details.

Turn Your Cash-Out Refi Into Riches With This One Simple Trick

Mortgage experts agree: 2022 is the year to cash-out refi into stock gold.

Debt Consolidation

Here Are the Best VA Refi Options for 2022

We break it all down here.

Mortgage Refinance

Do This If You Have 3+ Years Left on Your ARM

In a time of low rates, refinancing can put homeowners into a more comfortable, predictable fixed-rate mortgage.

Mortgage Refinance

How a "No Closing Costs" Refinance Really Works

Though you may have the option to sweep closing costs out of sight, don't push them out of mind.

Home Sales Are Up, But What Does That Mean for Mortgage Rates?

With spring just around the corner, new homeowners wonder if rates under 3% are still out there.

Rising Mortgage Rates Are Actually Good for Buyers—Fact or Fiction?

Believe it or not, this is looking like a cold hard fact.

Home Improvement

Summer Home Improvement Projects: Bang for the Buck

Plans we have been dreaming up all winter now have the time and sunlight to be realized, but think small and smart so you don’t miss out on the season’s fun.

Mortgage Rates and Listing Prices Just Dropped at the Same Time

Now's the time to strike for both homebuyers and refinancers alike.

Mortgage Refinance

Boom or Bust? The Time to Cash Out on Home Equity Is Now

Turn your record-high home value into a lifelong fortune with these tips from our experts.

Mortgage Refinance

Finally Enough Cash

Surging home values draw more to the cash-out refinance.

Economists Predict the Buyers Market Will Reach All 50 States by Month’s End

As housing prices tumble from coast to coast, the time to negotiate is now.

Getting Started

Figure Your DTI in 3 Easy Steps

You should know your DTI when you shop for a loan just like you know your size when you shop for shoes.

15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage: Making the Choice

No one has a crystal ball to see 15 years ahead, much less 30, but if your income is strong and stable, a larger monthly payment will get you to the finish line sooner.

Home Improvement

Wondering What a Bathroom Renovation Costs?

A cash-out refinance could be the key to covering the whole thing.

Getting Started

Choosing the Right Loan Product

So many options are out there, but one loan product is the best fit for you.

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Refi vs. Personal Loan to Escape Credit Card Debt

What are the pros and cons of these two popular debt consolidation strategies?

Household Finances

The Only Times You Should Close a Credit Card (and How to Do It Right)

Close a credit card only for a good reason, and do it this way.

Mortgage Refinance

Inflation, Skyrocketing Rates, Fed Rate Hikes Oh My!

Between inflation and the latest fed rate hikes, should you consider home refinancing?

Mortgage Refinance

Should You Refinance Your Home Again?

4 advantages to refinancing a home mortgage after only 4 years.

Tap Into Your Home’s Equity With a Cash-Out Refinance or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and Get Money for the Things You Need

Which should you choose? Cash-out refinance vs. home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Mortgage Refinance

Cash-Out Refinance to Buy a Second Home

Why you should consider a cash-out refinance to buy a second home for vacations, future retirement, or rental income.

How a VA Loan Works: Explained

Your thorough yet simplified guide to one of the most substantial benefits of military service.

Reverse Mortgage

Is a Reverse Mortgage a Good Idea [2023]

A reverse mortgage might be a decent home loan option for certain people. Are you one of them?

Mortgage Refinance

Your FICO Score 5 Is the Credit Score Mortgage Lenders Look At

A credit check reveals a lot about you to lenders, but they focus on one particular rating.

Getting Started

Your FICO Score 8: What Is It and How Can You Raise It?

Learn about the one score that blends your activity from all three credit reports.

Getting Started

Your FICO Score 9 Explained

How FICO Score 9 works and how you can boost your credit score.

Best First Time Home Buyer Tips of 2023

7 tips every first-time homebuyer needs.

Household Finances

The Credit Scores That Matter Most in Your Situation

Learn about the particular credit scores that stand between you and a new credit card, a car loan, or a mortgage.

Household Finances

Your FICO Score 10 and 10 T Explained

All about the latest FICO credit score and why it might become the new standard in home mortgages.

Mortgage Underwriting: What It Is and What to Expect

Understanding this Vital Step in the Home Loan Process

Mortgage Refinance

Mortgage Recasting Explained: Why You Might Want to Do It

Keep your great low interest rate while lowering your payment—the double benefits of mortgage recasting.

Quitclaim Deeds Explained

A quitclaim deed is a fast way to transfer property, but unlike other ways, it includes no protections for the buyer.

VA Loan Appraisal and VA Inspection Requirements, Including the VA Minimum Property Requirements for 2023

Everything you need to know about the VA loan appraisal process and VA inspection, including the VA Minimum Property Requirements for 2023.

Tenancy In Common (TIC) In Real Estate Explained

Get a quick breakdown of one of the real estate’s most popular terms, tenants in common or (TIC), how it works, and the pros and cons to see if making this real estate move would benefit you.

Household Finances

12 Retro Household Savings Tips

Which of these vintage money-saving hacks around the house will you share first?

Townhouse vs. Condo: Understanding the Differences

These two ownership options are different in many ways.

Tenancy By Entirety: Important Details You Should Know

See if tenancy by entirety is a good choice for you and your significant other

VA Construction Loans Explained

How a VA construction loan works: Borrow and build exactly the home you want.

Grantee vs Grantor in Real Estate Explained

Grantee vs grantor simplified. We explain these common real estate roles.

Getting Started

What Is Digital Real Estate?

Find out what digital real estate is and if you should start investing!

Joint Tenancy With Right of Survivorship: What to Know

Set yourself up for a smoother transfer of a home in trying times by signing on for joint tenancy with right of survivorship.

Mortgage Refinance

Can You Refinance an FHA Loan?

Despite the unique features of an FHA loan, refinancing one is a lot like a conventional loan.

How Do I Get a USDA Home Loan?

Discover if a USDA home loan is right for you and if you qualify.

Getting Started

How to Find Out Who Owns a Property

Are you trying to find out the ownership details of a particular home or property? We discuss numerous avenues to determine a property's owner.

Tax Lien Investing Explained

In many states you can buy the right to collect someone's tax debt and charge high interest, but proceed with caution.

Getting Started

What Is A Warranty Deed - Top Things You Should Know

Find out what a warranty deed is, learn the benefits, and see if it’s the right real estate move for you.

Getting Started

What Is An Easement?

Easement in real estate explained.

Getting Started

Seller Financing: How It Works, Pros And Cons, And If It’s A Right Move For You

Gain a better understanding of seller financing, how it works, and the pros and cons from a buyer and seller perspective.

Assumable Mortgages Explained: The Appeal and the Pros and Cons

Becoming a homeowner by taking over someone's mortgage can be especially beneficial in times of high interest rates.

mortgage

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