Blog
What Is Prime?
No, we're not talking about Amazon Prime. In the context of real estate, the Prime Lending Rate - sometimes just called “Prime” - is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. Some consumer rates - like ARMs - are set in relation to Prim...
Should You Escrow Your Property Taxes?
For many new homebuyers, escrow of property taxes can be a confusing topic. Some wonder if they need to do it. Others may be unsure how their property taxes actually get paid. Escrowing your property taxes is actually a very simple concept and a common way to pay your p...
Where Did My Money Go After Selling My Home?
For a lot of home sellers, there’s an expectation that if the buyer pays a certain amount for the home, that’s the amount of money the seller should receive, right? But in real estate, things aren’t always so cut and dried, which can lead to the question: “Why i...
Do Lenders Have To Approve Your Loan In 3 Days?
If your loan is approved on the terms you requested, the lender is required to provide a Loan Estimate within 3 business days. However, if they determine that your application will not or cannot be approved, they do not have to provide a Loan Estimate.
Likewise, ...
The Difference Between Rural, Suburban, and Urban Communities
When deciding where to live, it’s important to not only consider the features of the house you’re hunting for, but what type of community you’d like to be a part of. There are three common types of communities to consider: rural, suburban, and urban. Each location...
How Title Insurance Works With Your Mortgage Loan
When you purchase your home, you will be given a title (deed) to your new property. A deed is a legal document that proves you own the property, and then a policy is issued stating so. Your interest in the property is now protected from title defects that may arise.
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What Are VA Home Loans?
The VA (short for “US Department of Veterans Affairs”) is the Federal military veteran benefit system. The VA administers benefits and services for Service members, Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. Programs related to home loans are one of their key se...
Home Selling Snafus: Error On the Deed
Let’s say you’ve owned your home for a while now and have finally decided it’s time to sell it. You find a buyer, and their lawyer asks for the deed in order to review the manner in which title was originally received. Upon this review, the lawyer discovers that t...
How to Minimize Flood Damage To Your Home
With hurricane season upon us (and a recent scare from Tropical Storm Elsa), there are many things that homeowners must keep in mind in case a major storm targets their area.
What Closing Costs Are Associated With FHA Loans?
Except for the addition of a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premium, FHA closing costs are similar to those of a conventional loan. As of 2013, the FHA requires a single, upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 2.25% of the mortgage to...