The best mortgage rates are offered to those with the highest credit scores. This is true now more than ever. Since the housing market crashed, lenders only offer good mortgage rates if homebuyers have good credit scores. [VIDEO] If a borrower’s credit score is too low, the loan may not be approved at all. People [...]
Tax season is right around the corner, so here’s how to get your IRS transcripts in a new way. The IRS just released an app called “Get Transcript,” and it allows any taxpayer to view, print, or download their own IRS transcripts online using a computer or smartphone. The breaking news is that now people [...]
Here’s the best way for a first-time homebuyer to search for their dream home: with a priority list. Being a first-time homebuyer can be daunting, but a priority list can be the best way to help homebuyers with their search for their dream home. To get started, homebuyers should narrow their choices by writing down [...]
While preparing for the 2014 tax-filing season, one of my clients received a notice from the IRS. It showed a balance of more than $1,200 due on her 2012 tax return, which made no sense because my client is meticulous about following instructions. Despite the fact that the IRS had reduced my client’s balance to [...]
A lot of nasty financial warnings went out during the Great Recession, including one that baby boomers wished they didn’t have to hear: Your credit score still matters. Boomers are plowing through the retirement gates at the rate of 10,000 a day, but the gate opened at about the same time that the bottom fell [...]
Important 2014 filing deadlines for the 2013 tax year are quickly approaching for individuals and businesses. Review this list to see what you need to file and when. For the necessary forms and information on how to file, visit www.IRS.gov. Tax Filing Dates 2014 for Individuals 1/15/14: Deadline for self-employed individuals to file fourth quarter [...]
Being prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage can help you determine how much home you can afford. If you are a potential homebuyer hoping to secure a new home that is within your family’s budget, get prequalified or preapproved for a home loan and determine the mortgage payments you can afford for your dream home. [...]
How much do you really know about life insurance? There are many myths surrounding it, and some of these myths may prevent people from buying a policy. As you shop for life insurance this year or consider whether you really need it, keep in mind the following six myths that many consumers believe: 1. Single [...]
How will the new mortgage rules affect you? If you're applying for a loan, whether it’s a primary loan to buy property or to refinance, the new mortgage rules matter to you. The new mortgage rules went into effect on January 10th. Basically they say that lenders have to make sure borrowers can afford to repay [...]
QM, or the qualified mortgage rule, kicks in Jan. 10. That means that mortgage lending is about to change somewhat as lenders deal with QM changes and work to meet all the rules they must follow to make a qualified mortgage. If you’re feeling confused—it is a tricky subject—this QM Q&A should clear some things [...]
