Should I Pay Mortgage Taxes and Insurance on My Own?

Should I Pay Mortgage Taxes and Insurance on My Own?

When you buy a home or refinance, your lender will talk about setting up an “escrow” account. They may also refer to the charges in that account at “impounds.” If you are new to mortgage loans, you may not understand what these ter

Dec 30, 2020 | Homeowner Tips Mortgage Basics

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage with My 401(k)?

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage with My 401(k)?

The COVID-19 crisis has left millions of Americans unemployed and uncertain of how to make their mortgage payments and other debt obligations. In response to the need for emergency funds, the government created the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Se

Nov 04, 2020 | Homeowner Tips

How Bad Is It to Miss a Mortgage Payment?

How Bad Is It to Miss a Mortgage Payment?

No one signs a mortgage contract thinking they won’t be able to keep up with the payments. And yet life sometimes throws us curveballs. The recent coronavirus crisis, for example, has sent millions into unemployment and a state of financial unc

Aug 20, 2020 | Homeowner Tips Credit

Can a Higher Interest Rate Actually be a Better Choice?

Can a Higher Interest Rate Actually be a Better Choice?

Mortgage interest rates are near record lows again. This can mean great deals for homebuyers and great savings for homebuyers. Some lenders will even start advertising rates that are at least a half-point lower than the average national rate. Buyers and r

Mar 27, 2020 | Home Buying or Selling Homeowner Tips Interest Rates

Why NOT to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Why NOT to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Your mortgage payment is likely the biggest one you make each month. The thought of getting rid of that payment sooner and saving on some of the interest payments can be very attractive. However, there are plenty of trade-offs when you start diverting muc

Jan 29, 2020 | Homeowner Tips Lifestyle

What Costs Can I Expect as a Home Seller?

What Costs Can I Expect as a Home Seller?

When you bought your house, the fees you paid included the closing costs for your mortgage, your down payment, and maybe some mortgage points. Now that you are ready to sell, there are a few more costs that you need to anticipate. In fact, according to Re

Jan 15, 2020 | Home Buying or Selling Homeowner Tips