Are you interested in expanding your investment portfolio with hard, long-term assets that are almost certain to grow in value? If so, you will want to consider investing in real estate. Let's take a look at how you can get started with real estate investing in just three easy steps. Start By Budgeting Your Time And Money Real estate investing is just that – investing! Moreover, this, of course, means that you'll need to commit both money and time to see results. The great news is that if you're just getting started with real estate investing, you don't need to start with much of either. … [Read More...]
As with any loan or line of credit, there are benefits to getting your mortgage paid down. You'll pay less in interest, potentially saving thousands over the repayment period. Moreover, you'll own your home outright that much quicker. Let's explore four money-smart strategies that will help you to pay your mortgage off faster. Start With The Obvious And Increase Your Payments It won't come as a surprise that one of the easiest ways to get your mortgage paid off is to increase the amount you put towards your monthly payments. Most lenders will allow you to place any extra funds directly against … [Read More...]
Are you in the market for a new house or apartment? If you are financing the purchase by taking out a mortgage, you'll want to know how to make this transaction run as smooth as possible. In today's article, we'll share a quick four-step guide to speeding up the mortgage closing process. Step #1: Check In On Your Credit Score The first step before applying for your mortgage is to check in on your credit. Request a copy of your credit score and history from one of the major reporting firms. Go over this report, paying close attention to any old or outstanding items that you may have already … [Read More...]
Last week's economic reports included Case-Shiller's Home Price Indices, readings on new and pending home sales and Freddie Mac 's weekly mortgage rates report. Weekly jobless claims and reports on inflation and core inflation were also released. Case-Shiller Home Prices Rise in July; New and Pending Home Sales Lower in August According to Case-Shiller July Index reports, national home prices rose at a rate of 5.8 90 percent on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis as compared to June's reading of 5.80 percent. The top three cities in the 20-City Home Price Index were Seattle, Washington, … [Read More...]
Are you listing your home for sale? If so, it is time to get ready to meet with buyers and their real estate agents. And while you surely want to sell your home as quickly as possible, you will also want to do your homework to make sure you're selling to the right person. Let's explore the process of buyer qualification and why it's important to do a little digging into potential buyers of your home. Is Your Buyer Pre-Approved For Mortgage Financing? First, you'll want to check with your buyer to see if they are approved for mortgage financing. The last thing you want is to agree to an offer … [Read More...]
Do you have a baby on the way? If so, you are likely already wondering how you are supposed to make your home safe from harm. The good news is that with a little work, you'll be able to make your house or apartment that much safer. Let's take a look at how you can child-proof your home in under a few hours. Start With The Baby's Bedroom For the first few months, your baby will be spending a lot of time either sleeping or resting in their crib. You'll want to keep the crib away from any cords, blinds, drapes or other items the baby might get their hands on. The crib itself should meet … [Read More...]
