As many homeowners start to realize, interest is one of the biggest expenses incurred when paying down a mortgage. Because of this, many after reaching a certain point decide to refinance. When rates are low, as they’ve been as of recent, it looks like the right time, but are you making a good decision? Refinancing…
According to a recent article in Bloomberg, starter homes are making a comeback. These properties, for adults not yet ready to start a family but wanting to own instead of rent, tend to be on the smaller side and cost less than the market average. However, the changing real estate market pushed them aside for…
Everyone knows the home-buying process involves getting financing, or, more specifically, getting approved for a mortgage. However, this step ends up last on many buyers’ lists. In fact, a 2013 study by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows that half of potential homeowners didn’t shop around. As a goal, you must first get your…
Purchasing a home turns into a fairly lengthy process – one often far longer than most imagine. Even before you start browsing neighborhoods and checking properties, you should allot about eight weeks to financial preparation. At the same time, expect to spend roughly six months working with a local REALTOR® to learn about certain towns,…
The Department of Commerce and the Census Bureau just released their third-quarter figures concerning homeownership and vacancies, and data from the past three months shows a two-year trend might be reversing. Specifically, the percentage of Americans owning homes increased to 63.7 percent, up from 63.4 percent in 2015’s second quarter. However, while the amount bucks…
