Helpful Articles

Am I Ready to Buy a House?

As the Northern Hemisphere heats up, so too does the housing market. If you stop and listen you might be able to hear, with an almost collective synchronicity, the sound of dreamers everywhere typing “houses for sale near me” into their browsers.

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I'm a first-time homebuyer.

• 9 Homeowner Tasks to Prepare for Winter
• Read Between the Lines
• Buying a House: Right Size vs. Right Budget
• 4 Things to Know About an HOA
• The Top Tax Benefits of Homeownership
• Purchase an Existing Home or a New Build?
• 4 First-time Homebuyer Mistakes
• 5 Tips for First-time Homebuyers
• Which Loan Program is Right for You?
• Comparison of 4 Popular Loan Types

I want a low down payment.

• How Much Do I Need For a Down Payment?
• Down Payment Myths (Infographic)

I'm worried about my credit score.

• 3 Insider Tips on Your Free Annual Credit Report
• Facts About Credit Scores (Infographic)

I'm tired of renting.

• 7 Reasons to Ditch Your Rent Payment Today
• Am I Ready to Buy a House?
• Plan for the Future with Pre-approval
• 6 Mortgage Facts That May Surprise You
• Get Yourself Mortgage Ready
• Benefits of Homeownership
• 6 Things to Do Before Moving

I want to understand the mortgage process better.

• Virtual Homebuying and Financing
• Can Quick Be Too Quick?
• Calculating Your DTI
• Appraisals vs. Home Inspections
• 4 Benefits of Working With a Real Estate Agent
• Product Solutions for Today’s Unique Market
• What is a Home Mortgage?
• FAQs About Mortgages
• Fixed vs. Variable
• Conventional Mortgages
• Residential Mortgages
• Tips for a Simple Loan Approval
• E-Consent and E-Sign
• Viewing the Closing Disclosure
• Do I Need Flood Insurance?

I'm in the military or a veteran.

• 6 Benefits and Challenges of Homeownership for Vets
• Why Veterans Love VA Loans (Infographic)

I'm buying a home that needs repairs or renovation, OR I'm making repairs and renovations on my current house.

• An All-in-One Renovation Loan Can Save You Money Compared to a Purchase-Only Loan!
• 7 Tips for Finding the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvements
• What is the Best Way to Finance Your Home Improvements?
• What Renovations Add the Best Value to Your Home
• Should I Stay or Should I Go?
• Home Renovation (Infographic)

I want to lower my current interest rate, reduce my monthly payments, or tap into equity.

• How Your Home Can Fund Your Dreams
• The Best Time to Refinance Your Mortgage
• 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Refinancing (Infographic)
• Weighing Your Refinance Options (Infographic)

I'm ready to move or want to sell my home.

• Love It or Leave It
• Five Easy Ways to Prepare in Winter to Sell Your Home in Spring
• Five Basic Tips for Staging Your Home for a Sale
• Boost Your Performance in a Tech Industry Hotspot
• Seven Cost-Effective Ways to Increase Curb Appeal

I'm going through big life events, but have a mortgage to pay.

• 4 Tips to Downsizing for Empty-Nesters
• 6 Mortgage-Related Things to Do in a Divorce
• 4 Things to Do for a Cross-Country Move
• How Does a Job Change Affect My Ability to Qualify for a Mortgage?

I'm looking for the perfect neighborhood.

• 4 Virtues of Older Homes
• Where to Plant Your Roots: Small Town Living vs. City Living
• 5 Things to Look for When Choosing the Perfect Neighborhood
• Pet-Friendly Cities

I am a homeowner and looking for tips.

• Show Your Pet Some Extra Love
• Tips for Starting a Flower Garden
• Tile Trends on the Rise in 2020
• Tips to Trim Your Energy Costs