Personal Finance and Home Buying Education
Owning vs. Renting: A Side-by-Side Comparison with Real Numbers
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…
Read MoreDoes Refinancing Hurt Your Credit?
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…
Read More6 Reasons to Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup in 2023
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…
Read MoreA Rise in Household Debt
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…
Read MoreShould You Roll Your Student Loans Into Your Mortgage?
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.…
Read MoreThe Difference Between a Co-Borrower and a Co-Signer
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…
Read MoreJumbo vs. Conforming Loan: What’s the Difference?
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…
Read MoreWhich Two Mortgage Types are the Easiest to Get Approved For?
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…
Read MoreHow to Protest Your Property Taxes (And When)
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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