Being able to purchase a home is often tied to how much of a down payment you have saved. If you have never bought a house before, you may not understand what a down payment is or why it is so important. Here’s the basics you need to know as you sav
Although they are not nearly as common today, some mortgage loans do come with a prepayment penalty. Home loan borrowers should be aware of them before signing their names on the dotted line. Here’s what you need to know about prepayment penalties:
As you near retirement, you may be anxious to completely pay off your mortgage and be debt-free before your traditional income stops. In most cases, this is the best plan but there are situations when holding on to your mortgage into retirement may
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a smart step before you go out looking for a home. A pre-approval letter shows sellers that you have already proven to a lender that you have the income and down payment to qualify for a mortgage loan. This allows se
The majority of American home buyers sign up for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) – the staples of mortgage lending. And yet there is another option that may serve many borrowers better: the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. Both loans include an inte
In the past decade, reverse mortgages have gained a lot of traction as a retirement tool. And yet, many people still do not understand reverse mortgages or their purpose. If you are one of those people, here’s what you need to know: What Is It? A