Personal Finance and Home Buying Education

Owning vs. Renting: A Side-by-Side Comparison with Real Numbers

Owning vs. Renting: A Side-by-Side Comparison with Real Numbers

By John Chiappetta / March 8, 2024
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Choosing between owning and renting is more complicated that one might think. To help you better weigh the options, here’s a comparison with real data points, acknowledging the pros and cons of each approach. Owning Potential for appreciation: While past performance…

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Does Refinancing Hurt Your Credit?

Does Refinancing Hurt Your Credit?

By Embrace Home Loans Staff / December 27, 2023
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With the recent rise in interest rates, homeowners who were once eager to refinance might be wondering: is it still worth it? While historically low rates have faded, refinancing may still offer advantages depending on your individual situation and the…

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6 Reasons to Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup in 2023

6 Reasons to Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup in 2023

By John Chiappetta / November 29, 2023
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Mortgage rates have been on the uptick in 2023, and home values are still rising, although not as quickly as they did in the past few years. This means that it’s more important than ever to make sure your mortgage…

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4 Must-Know Facts about Mortgage Points

4 Must-Know Facts about Mortgage Points

By John Chiappetta / November 1, 2023
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With mortgage rates having tripled over the past few years, many homebuyers may be concerned about the impact on their long-term financial commitments. And many first-time buyers may wonder if they will ever get their dream home. Even worse, people…

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A Rise in Household Debt

A Rise in Household Debt

By John Chiappetta / October 13, 2023
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The COVID-19 pandemic has created a financial landscape filled with uncertainty and unprecedented challenges. One of the most notable trends that have emerged during this time is the substantial increase in household debt. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this…

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Should You Roll Your Student Loans Into Your Mortgage?

Should You Roll Your Student Loans Into Your Mortgage?

By John Chiappetta / September 22, 2023
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Student loan debt is a major burden for millions of Americans. In 2023, the total outstanding student loan debt in the United States is over $1.6 trillion. The average monthly payment for those with outstanding student loans is over $300.…

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The Difference Between a Co-Borrower and a Co-Signer

The Difference Between a Co-Borrower and a Co-Signer

By John Chiappetta / February 24, 2023
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You’ve probably heard the terms “co-borrower” and “co-signer” used interchangeably, but there are some very important differences between the two. If you’re thinking about taking out a mortgage or a home equity loan with someone else, it’s important that you…

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Jumbo Loan vs. Conforming Loan: What’s the Difference?

Jumbo vs. Conforming Loan: What’s the Difference?

By Jon Clark / February 22, 2023
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If you’re new to home buying, you’ll probably notice that there are a lot of mortgage loan types to choose from. From fixed rate and adjustable rate to FHA, jumbo, and conforming loans, the choices are endless—and probably more than…

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Which Two Mortgage Types are the Easiest to Get Approved For

Which Two Mortgage Types are the Easiest to Get Approved For?

By John Chiappetta / February 10, 2023
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Since 2009, the government has imposed massive regulations on banks to avoid a repeat of the housing crisis. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau developed the rules, which were mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, to prohibit many of the loose practices…

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How to Protest Your Property Taxes (And When)

How to Protest Your Property Taxes (And When)

By John Chiappetta / January 27, 2023
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If you haven’t been paying attention, things are expensive nowadays. Everything seems to be skyrocketing in price. From food, to used cars, to gas, to rent to home prices. It’s as if someone has been holding a beach ball under…

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