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Mortgage Article Library

Learn the mortgage process, rates, credit scores and loan programs that may apply to you. Happy reading, easy choosing!

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Mortgage Refinancing 101

Mortgage Refinancing 101

Mortgage Refinancing 101

Sep. 23, 2020
Why do homeowners decide to refinance their mortgage? Well, there’s a few reasons. Refinancing your mortgage could mean locking-in a lower interest...
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Understand Your VA Home Loan

Understand Your VA Home Loan

Understand Your VA Home Loan

Sep. 16, 2020
If you are an armed forces veteran and are planning to apply for a mortgage on a new home or refinance an existing loan, you might be eligible to s...
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Best VA Mortgage Lenders of {year}

Best VA Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Best VA Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Sep. 16, 2020
VA loans make purchasing a first home or getting a second mortgage easier for those currently serving in the armed forces, reservists, veterans, an...
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Purchase, Refinance, or Sit Out: How the Fed’s Rate Cut Will Affect Mortgage Costs

Purchase, Refinance, or Sit Out: How the Fed’s Rate Cut Will Affect Mortgage Costs

Purchase, Refinance, or Sit Out: How the Fed’s Rate ...

Sep. 14, 2020
Mortgage rates hit all-time lows after the Federal Reserve dramatically slashed the benchmark interest rate last week. What’s more, rates will prob...
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10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

10 Questions to Ask Your Mortgage Lender

Sep. 08, 2020
You’ve narrowed your search down to a short list of lenders, or perhaps you’ve even been pre-qualified for a mortgage. The next part is beginning y...
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The Top Three 30-Year Mortgage Lenders of {year}

The Top Three 30-Year Mortgage Lenders of 2020

The Top Three 30-Year Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Sep. 08, 2020
Shopping for a mortgage can be stressful. It’s hard to wrap your head around the various loan types, terms and lenders. It’s time to get down to ba...
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Managing Your Mortgage During a Housing Boom: Experts Weigh in

Managing Your Mortgage During a Housing Boom: Experts Weigh in

Managing Your Mortgage During a Housing Boom: Expert...

Sep. 03, 2020
The mortgage market is thriving thanks to record low rates. But what should you do? Refinance your mortgage, go into forbearance, or maybe renovate...
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Closing on a Mortgage From the Convenience of Your Lock-Down

Closing on a Mortgage From the Convenience of Your Lock-Down

Closing on a Mortgage From the Convenience of Your L...

Sep. 03, 2020
COVID-19 has changed the way we do business. Purchases and transactions that used to require in-person interactions have been replaced with simple ...
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Best FHA Loan Lenders of {year}

Best FHA Loan Lenders of 2020

Best FHA Loan Lenders of 2020

Aug. 19, 2020
FHA mortgage loans are an attractive option for first-time homebuyers. If you’re looking for your first home and don’t have 20% of the home purcha...
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FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

FHA Loans: Your Guide to Getting a Loan with Low Credit

Aug. 19, 2020
If you want to buy a new home, but have a low credit rating or don’t have a lot of cash, you may consider applying for a Federal Government-backed ...
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Which 15-Year Mortgage Lender is Right for You?

Which 15-Year Mortgage Lender is Right for You?

Which 15-Year Mortgage Lender is Right for You?

Aug. 17, 2020
So, you’re in the market for a house? You’ve probably been reading up on all there is to know about taking out a mortgage. The basics are pretty st...
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Is Refinancing Your Mortgage the Right Move for You?

Is Refinancing Your Mortgage the Right Move for You?

Is Refinancing Your Mortgage the Right Move for You?

Aug. 16, 2020
Times change, so why shouldn’t your mortgage? Mortgage refinancing (sometimes referred to as taking out a second mortgage) can help you save money,...
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Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers

Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers

Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers

Aug. 16, 2020
If you’ve decided it's time for a first-time home buyer mortgage and you fit the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) definition of ...
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Pay Little to No Down Payment With These Mortgage Lenders

Pay Little to No Down Payment With These Mortgage Lenders

Pay Little to No Down Payment With These Mortgage Le...

Aug. 16, 2020
So, you’re ready to become a homeowner? How exciting! But there’s one small problem - you don’t have the funds to make a down payment. Don’t worry,...
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Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Is Now the Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Aug. 16, 2020
Over the years your budget and lifestyle might have changed, meaning your mortgage may no longer be a perfect fit. If, for example, you have an adj...
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Expert Tips on How to Manage Your Money During Chaotic Times

Expert Tips on How to Manage Your Money During Chaotic Times

Expert Tips on How to Manage Your Money During Chaot...

Aug. 16, 2020
We gathered four leading experts on personal finance to discuss the state of the economy, how it affects American households and what you can do to...
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Don’t Make These Common Young Homebuyer Mistakes

Don’t Make These Common Young Homebuyer Mistakes

Don’t Make These Common Young Homebuyer Mistakes

Aug. 13, 2020
The time has finally come. You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved up some money and you’re finally ready to put down some roots. It’s time for you to rea...
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Best Jumbo Mortgage Lenders of {year}

Best Jumbo Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Best Jumbo Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Aug. 13, 2020
A jumbo mortgage is exactly what is sounds like: A huge loan to buy a house. But “jumbo” is not just in the eye of the beholder; rather, a loan is ...
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Best Mortgage Lenders for the Self-Employed

Best Mortgage Lenders for the Self-Employed

Best Mortgage Lenders for the Self-Employed

Aug. 13, 2020
About 10% of Americans are self-employed as small business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers. You probably know about the many advantages of be...
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The Top Mortgage Refinance Companies of {year}

The Top Mortgage Refinance Companies of 2020

The Top Mortgage Refinance Companies of 2020

Aug. 09, 2020
If you’ve been paying a mortgage for some time now and would like to get more favorable loan terms, then you may want to consider refinancing your ...
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What's It Really Like to Get a Mortgage Online? 3 Borrowers Tell All

What's It Really Like to Get a Mortgage Online? 3 Borrowers Tell All

What's It Really Like to Get a Mortgage Online? 3 Bo...

Aug. 05, 2020
Traditionally, people take out mortgages at the local banks where they already have an account or through a local mortgage broker that has access t...
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Good News For Home Buyers: Mortgage Approval Rates Are Higher Than Ever

Good News For Home Buyers: Mortgage Approval Rates Are Higher Than Ever

Good News For Home Buyers: Mortgage Approval Rates A...

Aug. 05, 2020
Some good news to brighten the day of prospective homebuyers: you’re more likely to be approved for a mortgage than ever before. Total denial rates...
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Bad Credit? Check Out These Mortgage Lenders

Bad Credit? Check Out These Mortgage Lenders

Bad Credit? Check Out These Mortgage Lenders

Aug. 05, 2020
Times have changed in the world of mortgages. Having less than perfect credit is no longer a big red “X” against you when applying for a mortgage. ...
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The Alternatives to HARP Refinancing

The Alternatives to HARP Refinancing

The Alternatives to HARP Refinancing

Aug. 05, 2020
The Home Affordable Refinance Program, commonly referred to as HARP or the Obama Refinance Program, is a federal government-backed refinance progra...
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?

Aug. 05, 2020
If you have a) a mortgage and b) some spare cash, it might be tempting to use the cash to pay off your mortgage early. After all, who wouldn’t want...
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What You Can Do if You Suspect Mortgage Discrimination

What You Can Do if You Suspect Mortgage Discrimination

What You Can Do if You Suspect Mortgage Discrimination

Aug. 05, 2020
If you believe you’ve been ‘redlined’ because of your race, religion, age, or sex, there are a number of ways you can deal with it. Contact your le...
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Mortgage Pre-Approval: The Basics

Mortgage Pre-Approval: The Basics

Mortgage Pre-Approval: The Basics

Aug. 05, 2020
What does pre-approval mean when you’re looking to buy a home? Understand how it can help you and how to apply for pre-approval, which can give you...
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Top Resources For Millennial Homebuyers

Top Resources For Millennial Homebuyers

Top Resources For Millennial Homebuyers

Aug. 05, 2020
Although the popular image of millennials is of long-term renters who shy away from buying a property, recent market surveys show that this isn’t t...
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Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Difference?

Mortgage vs. Mortgage Refinance - What's the Differe...

Aug. 05, 2020
The more you understand about your home and the mortgage you pay, the easier it will be to sort through your finances and have realistic expectatio...
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Home Equity Loans vs. Parent PLUS Loans

Home Equity Loans vs. Parent PLUS Loans

Home Equity Loans vs. Parent PLUS Loans

Aug. 05, 2020
HELs and PLUS loans are just 2 of the ways parents can borrow the money needed to put their children through college. Compare the pros and cons and...
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LendingTree's Home Valuation Tool

LendingTree's Home Valuation Tool

LendingTree's Home Valuation Tool

Aug. 05, 2020
LendingTree’s Home Valuation Tool helps you make an informed decision for when it’s a good time to sell, or hold onto, you home. Learn about your h...
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Urban vs Suburban: Where Should I Buy My First Home?

Urban vs Suburban: Where Should I Buy My First Home?

Urban vs Suburban: Where Should I Buy My First Home?

Aug. 05, 2020
The bright lights of the city or the wide, open spaces of the suburbs? It’s one of the biggest dilemmas faced by first-time home buyers. This guide...
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Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

Refinance Without Closing Costs - Is it Right for You?

Aug. 05, 2020
With interest rates low, now might be a good time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Before agreeing to a new deal at the lowest rate, it is wo...
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The Ultimate First-Time Home Buyer Guide

The Ultimate First-Time Home Buyer Guide

The Ultimate First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Aug. 05, 2020
Buying a home for the first time can involve a lot of unfamiliar numbers and terms. Here’s what you need to know about payments, parts of a mortgag...
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Should You Tap into Your Home Equity to Help Your Kids Buy A Home?

Should You Tap into Your Home Equity to Help Your Kids Buy A Home?

Should You Tap into Your Home Equity to Help Your Ki...

Aug. 05, 2020
Thanks to secondary loans like home equity loans, you can use your home equity to help your kids buy into the property market.
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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Mortgage

Aug. 05, 2020
Unless you're one of the lucky few that can purchase a home for cash, you're likely to need some kind of a loan to realize your dream of home owner...
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How Much Does it Cost to Refinance Your Mortgage?

How Much Does it Cost to Refinance Your Mortgage?

How Much Does it Cost to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Aug. 05, 2020
Refinancing can be an easy way to afford large expenses like home renovations or college, to lower your interest rates (and therefore payments) or ...
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What is a Reverse Mortgage: the What, How and Who

What is a Reverse Mortgage: the What, How and Who

What is a Reverse Mortgage: the What, How and Who

Aug. 05, 2020
If you’re retired or semi-retired, own your own home, and are looking for extra income to fund a home renovation, medical costs, or other significa...
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To Rent or Buy: How Do I Know?

To Rent or Buy: How Do I Know?

To Rent or Buy: How Do I Know?

Aug. 05, 2020
Almost everybody will face the question at some stage in their lives of whether to rent or buy a property. We all need somewhere to live, and while...
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How Can I Get A Mortgage When I’m Self-Employed?

How Can I Get A Mortgage When I’m Self-Employed?

How Can I Get A Mortgage When I’m Self-Employed?

Aug. 05, 2020
More and more people in the US self-employed, whether freelancers, entrepreneurs, or small business owners. The advantages of being self-employed a...
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How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

How to Get a Home Loan When You Have Bad Credit

Aug. 05, 2020
Bad credit may seem like it stands between you and a new home purchase. Fortunately, there are ways to get a mortgage even with bad credit.
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Know Your Rights: Prevent Mortgage Discrimination

Know Your Rights: Prevent Mortgage Discrimination

Know Your Rights: Prevent Mortgage Discrimination

Aug. 05, 2020
The dream of buying a house is one that many can relate to. For many of us, saving the money for a down payment can seem like the most difficult pa...
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Need a Second Mortgage? Compare the Best Lenders

Need a Second Mortgage? Compare the Best Lenders

Need a Second Mortgage? Compare the Best Lenders

Aug. 05, 2020
Own a home and in need of a loan? One of the most convenient ways to secure the large amount of cash you need to fund that renovation, medical bill...
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LendingTree vs Quicken Loans: Choosing the Right Lender for You

LendingTree vs Quicken Loans: Choosing the Right Lender for You

LendingTree vs Quicken Loans: Choosing the Right Len...

Aug. 05, 2020
When shopping around for a mortgage, is it recommended to start your search with a marketplace or by going straight to a direct lender? Put this to...
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7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage

Aug. 05, 2020
When purchasing a home, a mortgage is almost always an inevitability. To ensure the best outcome, it’s important to plan ahead and make a decision ...
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Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Understanding Common Mortgage Terms

Aug. 05, 2020
Applying for a mortgage involves a lot of confusing numbers, but it's actually the words around those numbers that you should be focused on. Learni...
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6 Ways to Get a Mortgage When You Have Student Loan Debt

6 Ways to Get a Mortgage When You Have Student Loan Debt

6 Ways to Get a Mortgage When You Have Student Loan ...

Aug. 05, 2020
Many millennials dream of buying their own home, but feel held back by their student loan debt. Although student loan debt is a burden, it doesn’t ...
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What Kind of Home Should I Buy?

What Kind of Home Should I Buy?

What Kind of Home Should I Buy?

Aug. 05, 2020
Buying a house isn’t only the biggest financial decision most people make - it’s also the most personal. There is no one-size-fits-all house, espec...
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How to Get the Best Mortgage Rates

How to Get the Best Mortgage Rates

How to Get the Best Mortgage Rates

Aug. 05, 2020
Mortgage rates are little numbers that are a big deal for anyone looking to purchase or refinance a home. Interest rates are a percentage of the ov...
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Best Lenders for Home Equity Loans

Best Lenders for Home Equity Loans

Best Lenders for Home Equity Loans

Aug. 03, 2020
If you own a property, the value of that property minus the outstanding mortgage is known as equity. With a home equity loan (HEL), you put that eq...
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The Complete Guide to Cash-Out Refinance

The Complete Guide to Cash-Out Refinance

The Complete Guide to Cash-Out Refinance

Jul. 29, 2020
If you’re a homeowner, one way to convert some of that equity into actual cash is with a cash-out refinance.
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The 3 Best Mortgage Refinancing Lenders

The 3 Best Mortgage Refinancing Lenders

The 3 Best Mortgage Refinancing Lenders

Jul. 15, 2020
For those looking to refinance their mortgage there are a lot of lenders to choose from and a number of factors to consider. Each lender has their...
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What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

What Type of Mortgage is Right for Me?

Jun. 22, 2020
As you shop for a mortgage, it’s important to understand what each option means for you and your budget. The top mortgage lenders offer a range of ...
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How to Take Advantage of Falling Mortgage Rates

How to Take Advantage of Falling Mortgage Rates

How to Take Advantage of Falling Mortgage Rates

Jun. 15, 2020
For millions of Americans, buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage is about to get easier. Here's some background about the current mortg...
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COVID Crisis Is a Financial Wake up Call for Millennials and Gen Zers

COVID Crisis Is a Financial Wake up Call for Millennials and Gen Zers

COVID Crisis Is a Financial Wake up Call for Millenn...

Jun. 07, 2020
We began 2020 in a fairly healthy economy—stock market prices were high and unemployment rates were low. The COVID crisis derailed financial securi...
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Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qualify

Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qualify

Tougher Mortgage Requirements? Learn How You Can Qua...

May. 25, 2020
As mortgage lenders are raising the bar on their requirements for borrowers, getting a mortgage becomes harder and harder. Now is the time for home...
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The Best 5 Mortgage Lenders

The Best 5 Mortgage Lenders

The Best 5 Mortgage Lenders

May. 04, 2020
The American mortgage industry is competitive, with around 12,000 institutions offering home loans at last count. With so much choice, it can be ha...
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How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

How I Saved Thousands Negotiating My Mortgage Terms

Mar. 30, 2020
Buying a house is an exciting time, but it isn’t a stress-free process. Part of the process is getting approved for a mortgage to help pay for the ...
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How Much Will the Fed’s Near-Zero Rates Actually Help Borrowers?

How Much Will the Fed’s Near-Zero Rates Actually Help Borrowers?

How Much Will the Fed’s Near-Zero Rates Actually Hel...

Mar. 24, 2020
Here is proof that even the darkest clouds have a silver lining. As humanity faces its greatest challenge this century, one small upshot is that bo...
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The Mortgage Hack That Can Save You Tens of Thousands of Dollars

The Mortgage Hack That Can Save You Tens of Thousands of Dollars

The Mortgage Hack That Can Save You Tens of Thousand...

Feb. 27, 2020
When it comes to mortgages, lenders generally let you choose the repayment term but not the frequency of payments. Most mortgage lenders offer a ch...
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What to Consider as Rates Rise in {Year}

What to Consider as Rates Rise in 2020

What to Consider as Rates Rise in 2020

Feb. 27, 2020
In its final decision for 2018, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate from 2.25% to 2.50% but lowered its forecast for 2019 from 3...
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Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest in Over a Year

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest in Over a Year

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest in Over a Year

Feb. 27, 2020
US home prices have risen 7% in the past year, yet it’s cheaper to buy now than at certain points in the last 12 months. How could this possibly be...
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These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit Score

These Simple Steps Can Help You Improve Your Credit ...

Feb. 26, 2020
Applying for a term loan can be difficult and tedious, not to mention all the different eligibility criteria. Applying for a mortgage? Be aware of ...
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A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

A Guide to Lowering Your Monthly Mortgage Payments

Feb. 25, 2020
​Your mortgage has been approved, you’ve made your down payment and paid all closing costs, and you’re ready to move into your new home. But your b...
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HELOC Popularity Rises with Household Home Equity: Know the Pros and Cons

HELOC Popularity Rises with Household Home Equity: Know the Pros and Cons

HELOC Popularity Rises with Household Home Equity: K...

Apr. 23, 2019
Most homeowners have heard of home equity loans and cash-out refinance, but neither of these is the most popular product when it comes to home equi...
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