Major Purchase
Public Records That Can Harm Your Credit Score
Any public record on your credit report is a mark against you, but some are worse than others.
The three major credit reporting companies—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—use public records. Public records are the data and documents filed by federal, state, and county government. They are visible to the public by default. Keeping records public has the protection of the First Amendment because knowing the workings of their judicial system i...
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VA Home Loan
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.
Home Buying
Quitclaim Deeds Explained
A quitclaim deed is a fast way to transfer property, but unlike other ways, it includes no protections for the buyer.
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.
Home Loans
Pros and Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
A variable interest rate might be invitingly low for a while, but what happens when it's time for the rate to adjust?
Home Loans
FHA Loans Vs. Conventional Loans
Get educated on FHA loans and conventional loan basics and see which loan is right for you.
Home Loan
Mortgage Underwriting: What It Is and What to Expect
Understanding this vital step in the home loan process.
Buying a Home
Your Ultimate Guide to the Difference Between Pre-Qualifying for Mortgage vs. Pre-Approval
We’ll give you a better understanding of what it means to be pre-qualified vs. pre-approved for your 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.
Home Loans
The Difference Between APR and Interest Rate
Two percentages matter when you're comparing home loans, and one is more important.
Refinancing
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.
Buying a Home
How You Can Avoid Paying PMI
Putting 20% down is the surefire way to avoid PMI, but here are three other ways.
News & Views
Higher Rates, Lower Prices. The Housing Market Course Correction Is Here.
As sellers scramble, buyers suddenly find themselves in the catbird seat.
Buying a Home
Silver Linings Playbook: Why Higher Rates Are Actually Good for Homebuyers
It’s counterintuitive, sure. It also just so happens to be true.
Buying a Home
Hot Features You Should Look for in a New Home
Trends change; these are the feaures people want in new homes today.
Solar News
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.
Green Living
Green Clean: Let's Tackle the Kitchen
Safe, natural, and economical cleaning tips for the heart of your home.
Solar Basics
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.
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.
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.
