How Much Can You Afford? Understanding how much you can afford is one of the most important rules of home buying. Depending on your individual situation, your budget can affect everything from the neighborhoods where you look, to the size of the house, and even what type of financing you choose. Bear in mind, however,…
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Paying Points On A Mortgage
Should I pay points on my mortgage? When it comes to comparing interest rates for a mortgage loan, homebuyers often have the option of choosing a loan with a lower interest rate by paying points. What are points on a loan? Simply put, a point is equal to 1 percent of the loan amount. For…
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Understand Your Credit
Your Credit History Define Credit Report As part of the loan application process, virtually all lenders will want to see a copy of your credit report. The report will list all your long-term debts (credit cards, mortgage payments, automobile and student loans, etc), as well as your payment history. If you don't have a copy…
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Financial Assessment
Getting Your Finances in Order A crucial step in starting your search for a new home is having a clear idea of your financial situation. By getting a handle on your income, expenses and debts, you'll have a much better idea of what you can afford and how much you'll need to borrow. For lenders…
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Refinancing Your Home Mortgage
Home Loan Mortgage Refinance Refinancing your home can be an excellent way to bring down your monthly mortgage payment, raise cash, or consolidate debts with high interest rates. However, you need to do your homework before deciding to refinance. One important factor is the difference between current interest rates and the rate of your original…
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