Is refinancing your 30-year, or 15-year, mortgage really a good decision? Depending on the market and refinancing fees, this change may save you a bundle! Q: If you have a fixed rate mortgage why would you ever want to refinance if you plan to stay in the home for the duration of the mortgage? [...]
What resolutions should home sellers make this year? If they want to get the most out of their investment, starting with these four resolutions can help. As 2019 gets going, it’s worth looking back at another year in which home sellers did well, but often at the expense of home buyers. First, in much of [...]
What happens to real estate when the government is shut down? Fannie Mae released temporary guidelines for loan processors to assist federal workers and contractors during the government shutdown. Homebuyers, lenders and real estate agents might experience closing delays as the U.S. partial government shutdown continues. And, there’s nothing that increases personal and financial stress [...]
Do you need to renovate an old inherited home before selling? The first step to deciding involves speaking with a local real estate broker to lay down the numbers. Q: Our sister recently passed away leaving the family home that mom left her six years ago. She had no will and left outstanding debts as [...]
What you need to know about using an installment contract for deed. From closing on the sale to monthly interest payments, here’s what you can expect. Q: I am selling a commercial building and giving the buyer financing through a contract for deed. In the purchase agreement, the buyer asked about a prepayment penalty, but [...]
These are the 4 personal finance resolutions you need to make ahead of a potential recession in 2019. Putting them to work now can help your financial foundation in the future. Here’s something we haven’t heard in a long time: whispers of a looming recession. And those in the know think it could start in [...]
What you need to know about buying a home in 2019. From low housing inventory to mortgage rate hikes, let these four tips be your guide. In the twenty-five years or so that we’ve been writing this column, we’ve started each new year with a look back at the year that was (in this case, [...]
Housing forecast highlights you need to know. Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or investing in real estate here’s what you need to know about the housing market in 2019. It’s that time of year again. In addition to unwrapping packages and stuffing yourself with sweets, real estate industry observers have been at [...]
Real estate challenges and opportunities in the New Year. Whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or investing in real estate here’s what you need to know about the housing market in 2019. As we start 2019, there are some important changes that you need to know about, starting with the increased loan limits [...]
How do you know when your real estate investor is giving you a good deal? In this reader’s case, research and trusting their instincts are a must. Q: I’m in the process of selling my home fast to an investor. The settlement is soon. I chose this way of selling to avoid showing my home. [...]
