Sep 29, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Jamie Wiebe Sep 26, 2023 (Getty Images) If you’re thinking of investing in real estate by buying a home and renting it out, there’s one term you’ll need to know above all else: “cap rate.” Cap rate, or capitalization rate, is the ratio of a...
Sep 28, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Home Buying 101, Real Estate
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann Sep 28, 2023 (Getty Images) When purchasing a new-construction home, most buyers prepare for the down payment, closing costs, and subsequent monthly mortgage payments. But one additional expense that sometimes gets forgotten in...
Sep 25, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Jamie Wiebe Sep 19, 2023 (Getty Images) Home appraisals are a piece of the selling process where you may have to let go of the reins. Lenders often require the use of their own, FHA-approved home appraiser. That means you get zero say in who’s...
Sep 21, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Home Buying 101, Real Estate
By Lisa Marie Conklin Sep 12, 2023 (Getty Images) The current inventory crunch means finding a house within your budget is tougher than ever. But what’s that you say? You found a house that’s half-built and on the market at a bargain price? There are myriad...
Sep 19, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Kimberly Dawn Neumann Sep 19, 2023 (Getty Images) If you’re thinking of buying a brand-new home, you might be wondering if securing a mortgage will differ from one for a previously owned property. While much of the financing works the same for homes both...
Sep 18, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Maureen Dempsey Sep 13, 2023 (-Oxford-/iStock) The home-buying process is a high-stakes thrill ride full of exhilarating ups and scary downs, but unquestionably one of the most deflating moments is when the appraisalcomes in significantly lower...
Sep 15, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Ana Durrani Sep 12, 2023 (Getty Images) Anyone new to real estate investing may hear some terms thrown around that they may not fully understand. One of these terms is the “1031 exchange,” which is a common tax strategy that can help real estate...
Sep 11, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance
By Lisa Kaplan Gordon Aug 29, 2023 (DNY59/iStock) Life is short. And while no one wants to focus on the end, forcing yourself to do so can ultimately makes things a bit easier for your loved ones—not just emotionally, but financially too. One way to deal with the...
Sep 8, 2023 | Consumer News and Advice, Real Estate
By Angela Colley Aug 22, 2023 (Getty Images) Yay, you got a mortgage! And boo, you have to read a bunch of paperwork with words that may not make any sense (securitization, anyone?). Alas, every homeowner should go over their mortgage agreement with a fine tooth...
Aug 29, 2023 | Home Buying 101, Real Estate
By Kelly Burch Aug 23, 2023 (Getty Images) It’s all coming together: You’ve got your eye on a home, and you’ve called your agent at all hours to tour the place repeatedly and make sure it’s absolutely perfect. You’re ready to lock this down and make an...