Personal Finance and Home Buying Education

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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heloc loan questions and answers

Questions and Answers About Home Equity

By Austin White / January 18, 2023
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There are several ways to finance a big home improvement project. One is to refinance for cash out, the other is to apply for a home equity loan or line of credit. Here is what you need to know

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An Image of a Laptop with "Mortgage Loan" on screen

What to do if your home is “Underwater”

By John Chiappetta / January 13, 2023
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According to the World Economic Forum, global sea levels are rising and some of the world’s greatest cities could be underwater by the end of the century. Well, there is also a rising breach in the real estate market that…

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Understanding the Connection Between Inflation and Interest Rates

Understanding the Connection Between Inflation and Interest Rates

By John Chiappetta / January 6, 2023
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Well, 2022 is over and it’s been another wild and crazy year. 2022 saw inflation start at 7 percent then rise as high as 9.1 percent only to ease back down to 7.1 percent in December. At the same time…

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Everything You Should Know About Property Taxes

Everything You Should Know About Property Taxes

By John Chiappetta / December 2, 2022
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Over the last few years, homeowners have hit the jackpot in terms of home values. We’re talking double-digit gains in most cases. However, there may be a little devil hiding the details. Yes, we’re talking about property taxes. According to…

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Renter? — Buying a Home Could Save You Money 

Renter? Buying a Home Could Save You Money 

By John Chiappetta / November 4, 2022
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While home prices and mortgage and interest rates are rising, so are monthly rents. Rising rates and prices, however, should not be enough to keep you from purchasing a home. Take a look at the graph below, rents are absolutely…

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Opportunity Knocks with an FHA Loan

Opportunity Knocks with an FHA Loan

By John Chiappetta / October 21, 2022
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Probably the biggest thing holding many first-time buyers back from getting into their starter home is the 20 percent down payment. Not only is it a big chunk of change, but it also must be seasoned. No, not with salt…

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