When you purchase your first home, you will be inundated with terms you may find difficult to understand. This is not your fault. The American educational system—even at the collegiate level—is woefully deficient when it comes to preparing us for real-world financial situations. (more…)
Price conscious customers are always looking for the best deal. How often and to what extent do households shift their mortgage type or structure because of a lower rate and/or some other reason? (more…)
How much are you paying for the peace of mind of owning a free and clear home?
We are taught from an early age that debt is bad, and in most cases, carrying significant debt is not a good idea. If you are carrying a large balance on your credit cards, you should pay that off as soon as you can. If you have other secured or unsecured debt, you should pay that off as well. But when it comes to your mortgage, opinions differ regarding whether you should pay your mortgage off early or use the money for other purposes. (more…)
When applying for a home loan, one of the primary questions you must answer is whether to choose a 15-year, 20-year, or a 30-year fixed mortgage. All three options have their merits and flaws, and with interest rates at near historic lows, it is an excellent time to apply for or refinance to a 15 or 30-year mortgage, or even the less common but very sensible 20-year mortgage. Rates are great, but which is the best option? Not surprisingly, it depends on your personal goals and your financial situation. (more…)