Education
Escrow and the Role It Plays in the Home Buying Process
If you’re buying a home, you’ve probably heard your real estate agent mention the term “escrow.” However, you may be wondering, “What is escrow — and what role does it play in the home buying process?” In that case, you’re…
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8 Ways Parents Can Pay for College
Let’s face it: college is expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, four years at a public university clocks in at just under $69,000, while at a private school, it edges upward of $178,000 by the time graduation…
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Freddie and Fannie Who?! 13 Mortgage Terms You’ve Heard and May Not Understand
The mortgage process can be pretty overwhelming — especially if it’s your first time around the block. In fact, according to a recent study from credit bureau TransUnion, a whopping 34% of first-time homebuyers aren’t familiar with a single mortgage…
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4 Reasons to Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup
You get an annual physical. You see the dentist once or twice a year. You sit down with your accountant yearly, too. Shouldn’t you check in on your mortgage just as often? Your mortgage might clock in at hundreds of…
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How Traditional Real Estate Commissions Have Changed (And What That Means for Buyers)
Though real estate agents have traditionally claimed between 2 and 3% of a home’s sale price, many of today’s pros are challenging this status quo, instead offering flat-fees, reduced commissions, and even commission rebates to homebuyers and sellers alike. The…
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9 College Scholarships with Quick and Easy Applications
College is expensive. The average cost of public college is nearly $10,000 per year for in-state residents and more than twice that for out-of-state residents. Add that up over four years and you’ve got a pretty hefty sum of money…
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Real Estate Investing Basics: How to Start Building Your Portfolio
There’s money to be made in real estate — and many of our country’s most successful leaders and influencers are the proof. If you’re hoping to join their ranks, then you’re not alone. As billionaire Andrew Carnegie once put it,…
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10 of the Best Personal Finance Podcasts
Podcasts are the perfect mix of media. It’s like listening to music and reading a book all at the same time — and the best part? You can enjoy them anytime, anywhere. Blare one on your commute into work, plug…
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4 Must-Know Facts about Mortgage Points
When you obtain a mortgage, your lender may charge “mortgage points.” What does this mean, and how can the concept be used to your advantage? A single mortgage point is equal to one percent of the total mortgage amount. For…
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5 Steps for Rebuilding Your Credit After Bankruptcy
Your credit rating is an important part of your overall financial picture. And when you’re in the market to buy or refinance a home? Simply put, good credit gets you a better interest rate because the lender know there’s less…
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