Getting Started With Buying a Home Last Updated: Aug 17, 2024 When buying a home, it is important to do your research and be practical. Don't be afraid to seek out advice from government programs and other agencies during your homebuying process. Welcome to our homebuying guide for those who don’t know all the ins and [...]
Are adjustable-rate mortgages safer now than they were in 2008 Adjustable-rate mortgages are gaining ground amid rate hikes for fixed-rate mortgages. Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the market for a home loan. As interest rates rise for conventional loans, home buyers are turning to adjustable-rate mortgages in increasing numbers. According to [...]
Saying “I Do” to Homeownership: How to Prepare for This Big Commitment Buying a home is a major commitment. It’s a bit like, well, getting married: you’ve got to be ready and you have to find the right “one.” And, like a marriage, homeownership is a dynamic experience that requires a tremendous amount of care [...]
Four things every homebuyer needs to know about Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) If you’re shopping for a home, you’ve probably heard of an Adjustable Rate Mortgage or ARM. It’s a type of home loan with an interest rate that changes over time. The main perk is that it usually comes with an initially low rate, [...]
Are you behind on your mortgage? The Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund offers up to $20,000 in grants for past due housing expenses as a result of COVID-19. Get Help Paying Past Due Housing Expenses from the Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund For Oklahoma homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 Up to $20,000 in grants available per household [...]
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. You want to make sure you’re getting the best house at the best value, but without prior experience, how can you really know? Here are some helpful pointers for first-time homebuyers: 1. Avoid making large purchases before you apply for your [...]
Why is it so hard to buy a house right now? Thinking of buying a house? So is everyone else. Why are homes so hot? Mortgage rates have risen slightly in the past few months, but are still near record lows, driving high demand for homes. Some people hope to capitalize on these low rates, while [...]
How to buy a house in 2021 Your guide to getting a mortgage and buying a home. Set a budget Get mortgage preapproval Find a house and make an offer Secure your mortgage loan Wait for underwriting to complete Set up a home inspection Sign paperwork and close Buying a home is much [...]
Top 5 Expenses When Building a House To build the house of your dreams, it helps to understand the cost breakdown and some of the most expensive parts of building a home. The key to staying within your budget (while still having everything you want) lies in making wise decisions. Keep in mind these top [...]
3 Ways to Refinance to a VA Loan A VA refinance is brand new loan, not just an adjustment of a current one. A VA refinance will require a new loan application, a new title report and depending upon the type of VA refinance, more paperwork. Today, there are three different VA refinance loans. The [...]
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for a VA loan, you or your spouse must meet the basic service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), and satisfy credit and income requirements. You may be eligible for a VA loan by meeting one or more of the [...]
When Veterans Should Use a VA Loan VA loans are federally backed loans available to eligible military service members who are looking to buy a house. In many cases, it will be your best option thanks to the perks like no down payment, competitive rates, limited closing costs, and no private mortgage insurance premium (PMI). [...]
Even when rates are low, refinancing your mortgage isn't always the right choice. Here are some points to consider before you refinance. Deciding when to refinance your home loan depends on several factors besides whether you can get a better mortgage rate than you already have. And though there are many reasons people refinance their [...]
No doubt about it—buying a home is a big investment. You’re on the hook for a long-term mortgage, and responsible for repairs and any other unforeseen expenses. But don’t get discouraged just yet. If you have strong money management skills (and cash saved up), you may be ready for homeownership. Here are three signs that [...]
Buying a home is at once an exciting and challenging venture. With commitment and planning, you can become a successful homeowner. This post covers everything you need to know to start the home buying process off right, including: Preparing for Homeownership Understanding Mortgages Getting a Loan Searching for a Home and Making an Offer Closing [...]
Refinancing is the process of paying off an existing loan with the proceeds from a new loan and using the same property as collateral. Usually, the interest rate on the new mortgage will be less than the old, the loan will cost less and you will save money. However, refinancing isn’t appropriate for every homeowner. [...]
The process of buying a home can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. You want to make sure you’re getting the best house at the best value, but without prior experience, how can you really know? Here are some helpful pointers for first-time homebuyers: 1. Avoid making large purchases before you apply for your [...]
