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By David Miller

Negotiate a 2.79% Mortgage Rate Like This

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

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This is the year my cousin Mike and his wife plan to buy a home. Their confidence waned in March 2020 for obvious reasons, but his career actually grew due to a restructuring at the office. As they watched the news, they also watched mortgage rates falling. "We had our hopes on a 3.50% rate when we started out," Mike said. "I'd used ...
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Home Buying

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make, and your credit score plays a crucial role in whether you get approved for a mortgage—and at what rate. A higher credit score can open the door to better loan options, lower interest rates, and long-term savings. If you’re planning to buy a home in the near future, it’s important to take steps now to improve your credit score. In this guide, we’ll cover what lenders look for, why your credit score matters, and action
Home Loan

FHA vs. Conventional Loans: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing the Right Home Loan Starts Here If you're shopping for a mortgage, you've likely come across two of the most common loan types: FHA loans and conventional loans. While both can help you buy a home, they differ in eligibility requirements, down payment amounts, credit score flexibility, and long-term costs. Understanding these differences is crucial to choosing the loan that fits your financial situation and homeownership goals. This detailed side-by-side guide will break it all down—s
Home Buying

Top 10 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

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Home Buying

Complete Guide to Mortgage Pre-Approval: Steps, Benefits & Timeline

What Is Mortgage Pre-Approval and Why It Matters If you're preparing to buy a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the most strategic first steps you can take. A mortgage pre-approval is a lender’s preliminary assessment of your creditworthiness and ability to borrow. It tells you how much home you can afford and shows sellers you're a serious, qualified buyer. Unlike a simple prequalification—which is typically based on self-reported information—pre-approval is a formal process

What is a Less Than Freehold Estate?

It’s important to comprehend your rights when it comes to renting or leasing real estate. A key phrase you might hear is “What is a less than freehold estate?” This can be puzzling, but it simply refers to the temporary use or ownership of another person’s property without really having it. Get A Free Mortgage Quote The terms of less than freehold estates, their many types, and the consequences for both landlords and renters are highlighted in the article that follows. Whether you're movin

Are Solar Panels Worth It? Breaking Down the Real Value

The solar power industry advocates solar panels to reduce utility expenses while transitioning people toward environmentally friendly choices. Does the monetary investment yield enough benefit for all homeowners? Get A Free Solar Quote The following exploration will analyze the actual benefits alongside the disadvantages of solar power and the necessary factors to evaluate before buying. If you've ever asked yourself why solar panels are not worth it, this guide is for you. The Promise

Alternatives to Rooftop Solar Sheds What You Need to Know

People generally envision solar power equipment through neatly arranged rooftop panels in their minds. The solar power layout must be reevaluated if your roof is unsuitable for standard panel installation. The roof might be shadowed or insufficient in size, or it might possess the incorrect orientation. Solar sheds offer an alternative solution that extends beyond this choice, with various other options available. Get A Free Solar Quote This document investigates suitable options beyond ro

Rambler House What It Is and Why It's Popular

When looking at different house types, you may encounter the phrases rambler and ranch. They have a similar tone, and they often do. Are they identical, though? And why are these houses so popular? The meaning of a rambler house, its popularity, and the differences between ranch vs rambler houses will all be covered in this article. Get A Free Mortgage Quote What is a Rambler House? A rambler house is a long, low, one-story house. Usually, it has: * A broad, level perspective from

Mortgage Payoff Statement How to Request and Read It

If you're about to pay off your mortgage—whether you're selling your house, refinancing, or just want to be debt-free—you'll need a mortgage payment letter. It provides you with the exact sum that you must pay to pay off your debt. Get A Free Mortgage Quote This document describes a payment statement, discusses how to request one, and shows how to read one. It also offers a payoff statement example to help you understand. What Is A Mortgage Payoff Statement? The amount you must pay in

How to Tell a Realtor You Chose Someone Else

It should be simple to buy or sell a house when you work with a real estate agent. However, things really don't work out at times. Maybe the agent is unreachable when you need them, doesn't know what you're seeking, or you just feel better at home with someone else. Get A Free Mortgage Quote It's extremely OK to switch. It's essential to know how to break up with a realtor in a polite and honest manner. Reasons to Consider Changing Realtors The following are some typical explanations

Mortgage Myths: Debunking Common Misconceptions

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How Much HOA Fee Is Too Much? Understanding the Costs

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Tankless Hot Water Heater Pros and Cons: Is It Right for You?

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Understanding LADWP Electric Rates: A Guide for Homeowners

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Protect Your Privacy

Can You Delete or Change Your Own Public Records?

From home addresses to court records, what personal information can you take down or change?
Background Search Basics

Do Companies Drug Test After Background Checks?

In this article, we will explore some important details about drug testing and uncover whether companies do drug tests after background checks.
Relationships

7 Tips for Safer Online Dating

Modern romance exposes us to strangers on the internet—protect yourself!
Court & Criminal Records

Legal Lingo Explained: Breaking Down the Meaning of “Awaiting Disposition”

If you're unfamiliar with legal jargon and need to know what "awaiting disposition" means, we'll cover every aspect in today's article.
Background Search Basics

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Run a Background Check on Yourself

Discover how to run a quick background check on yourself and the eight steps to follow for a successful outcome.
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