Why We Don’t Use Escrow
We bought our first house in 2014. However, we didn’t have enough for a 20 percent down payment, so we had to take out private mortgage insurance (PMI). Therefore, we also had to have an escrow account for our homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. We didn’t realize that our property tax would go up the following year, and we’d have to either pay a lump sum for the difference or increase...
more →
more →
How to Increase Your Credit Score Quickly
If you’re in the market for a new home now that the interest rates are at historic lows, you may need to increase your credit score quickly. If you’re able to increase your credit score, you’ll be eligible for the lowest interest rates available. After all, the better your credit, the better loan terms you can get. If you have three to six months before buying, here’s how to improve your chances...
more →
more →
How to Maintain Two Homes Efficiently
Many are tempted, but fewer have good ideas starting out how to maintain two homes efficiently. If you’ve ever been tempted to own a second home there are considerations to remember that can help you own and maintain two properties.
Before You Buy
If you are looking for a second home to purchase and need to buy on a budget, remember that government-backed mortgages such as FHA loans, USDA mortgages,...
more →
more →
Tips To Improve Your Finances
People find out that I write about personal finance issues, and start asking me questions about how to improve their finances–especially the budget and overall financial bottom line.
Some of the most common issues when trying to manage your personal finances have to do with the information, how often you get it, and what you do with it. Here’s a list of tips that can help you do better...
more →
more →
Mortgage Relief, COVID, Wildfires, And More
Homeowners are being hit hard on all fronts, it seems. Those seeking mortgage relief from COVID-19 economic hardship are joined by those who have had homes threatened, damaged, or destroyed by forest fires in the west, hurricanes in the east, and there seems to be a never-ending supply of problems coming hand-in-glove with coronavirus issues.
What is a homeowner to do about their financial situation...
more →
more →
