Posts from March 2014
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 16 Posts
- 2025 | 77 Posts
- 2024 | 85 Posts
- 2023 | 73 Posts
- 2022 | 72 Posts
- 2020 | 44 Posts
- 2019 | 27 Posts
- 2018 | 20 Posts
- 2017 | 29 Posts
- 2016 | 85 Posts
- 2015 | 85 Posts
- 2014 | 117 Posts
- 2013 | 50 Posts
- 2012 | 32 Posts
- 2011 | 35 Posts
- 2010 | 16 Posts
28
How to Buy a House with Less than 20 Percent Down
When many people start the process of buying a house they assume putting 20 percent down is required. However, this is not the case and many lenders and mortgage brokers offer options for borrowers looking for mortgages that have a small down payment. Don Frommeyer, CRMS, President of NAMB (The Association of Mortgage Professionals), shares his advice for potential homeowners searching for mortgages with less than 20 percent down payment.
"There are a couple of things you'll want to make sure you have before researching mortgages, including solid credit standing and a steady income," says Frommeyer. "The options are out there and exist to make sure that people have the ability to buy and invest in real estate, even in... 21
Common Myths about Appraisals in the Home-Buying Process
We often encounter misperceptions about the appraisal process in real estate transactions – from how an appraisal is ordered and carried out, to the type of communication permitted with appraisers. As a result, we have compiled the most common myths that we hear from lenders, borrowers, real estate brokers, and homebuilders.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a real estate professional with years of experience, you may be surprised.
Lenders:
Myth: A lender and an appraiser cannot communicate before, during, or after an appraisal is complete.
- Fact: Not only are lenders permitted to talk to appraisers, they must. Com...
18
Avoid Moving Day Woes by Getting a Jump Start on the Process
If it's been a while since your last move, you probably don't realize how much stuff you truly own. There's all your furniture, personal items, kitchenware, clothes, toys, tools, bikes, books and every little thing in your home. Not only does it take time to box up all your belongings properly, you'll also want to be sure that you have the most reliable movers transporting your stuff.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for a stress-free move:
Eliminate Possessions: Like most people, you probably hold an inordinate amount of knickknacks and other junk that you don't want to part with, but moving offers the perfect opportunity to do away with items you really don't need. Start off on the...
11
5 Things to Know about Getting a VA Mortgage
(MCT)-As banks tighten lending standards, demand has increased tremendously in recent years for Veterans Affairs mortgages, known as VA loans.
The VA loan remains one of the few mortgage options for borrowers who don't have down payments. Available to more than 22 million veterans and active military members, VA loans are somewhat easier to qualify for than conventional mortgages.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is not a direct lender. The loan is made through a private lender and partially guaranteed by the VA, as long as guidelines are met.
The VA has guaranteed nearly 500,000 loans this year, says John Bell, assistant director of loan policy at the VA. That's 30 percent more than the number of VA loans issued last year and...
9
Living Smart: Remodeling trends
(MCT)-Remodeling's on the upswing, with homeowners investing in projects that enhance efficiency and comfort. Among the trends for 2014, according to highly rated remodelers and interior designers:
Open space between the kitchen and other rooms. Removing walls to create flow between rooms makes smaller homes seem larger. It also creates a warm atmosphere in which household members can do many things, from cooking and eating to homework and socializing. Options include placing an island between two previously separate rooms and creating continuity between spaces by using hardwood flooring instead of tile in the kitchen.
Customization. Projects include turning unused rooms into places for specific purposes, such as dens, offices, hobby spaces and playrooms. Also, remodelers r...