A second mortgage (sometimes just called a “second”) is when you take out a home loan against a property that already has a mortgage on it. When you get a second mortgage, you use your home as collateral to gain access to cash locked up in the value of your home. You can use this...

The role of a title company is to verify that the current owner can legally transfer ownership to the home buyer essentially, making sure the seller has the right to sell the property. In this blog, we’ll go over how a title company determines legal ownership and the process of transferring the title. The Title...

If you’re looking into real estate and home shopping recently, you’ve probably realized that the availability of houses for sale is limited, and the competition is fierce. Of course, this varies by neighborhood, but on average, we’ve found that there’s only about 3.5 months’ worth of new real estate available versus the usual 6 months’...

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a type of mortgage loan that acts similar to a credit card, except the line of available credit is tied to your home’s equity. So instead of using funds advanced to you by a creditor, you use the cash from the value of your home. HELOC Benefits...

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or an experienced homeowner, you may be wondering if it’s truly necessary to work with a real estate agent when buying a property. Here’s what you need to know about working with an agent and how to go about purchasing a home without one should you choose to. Benefits...

Have less-than-optimal credit? That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to put your dreams of homeownership on pause. There are several factors that mortgage lenders consider when you apply for a loan, and there are even options available specifically for those with poor credit. Read on to learn more about buying a home with low credit. What’s...

A lien is a property right someone else has on your property and gives the lienholder legal power to take your property as compensation if you default on your payments or break the contract terms. A mortgage is the most common type of property lien. If you don’t pay back the home loan, the lender can...

Your credit score matters in home loan approval and determining the rate you ultimately receive. Essentially, the higher the score, the lower the interest rate. That’s why you must consider any action that might affect your score, such taking out new credit. Even a small loan can have a significant impact. If you’re applying for...

An interest-only mortgage starts with payments that only pay down the mortgage interest. Generally, this makes your monthly payments lower than a typical mortgage payment. This option is attractive for those who cannot afford high mortgage payments. However, it has its drawbacks if you’re not careful. Let’s explore the benefits and disadvantages of interest-only mortgages....

Veterans have benefits awarded exclusively to them for their dedication and service, including disability and education compensation, career training, health care, and even home loans. However, with federally-funded home loans, there is more than one option. When it comes down to it, what is the best — FHA loans or VA loans? This article will...