The Federal Reserve has proposed a new set of lending regulations designed to help protect borrowers. In an effort to tighten up some of the questionable lending practices that are being blamed for much of the current credit crunch, the Fed is calling for stricter guidelines for mortgage lenders. |
Although it may seem overwhelming, the mortgage foreclosure process is actually easy to understand. This article breaks down a typical foreclosure process, stage-by-stage from beginning to end. |
Learn about important real estate technology tips to make your home selling and buying much easier. Forrest Luff doesn't have to be at his office to look up real estate listings, send and receive e-mails or work up a sales contract. A "smart" cell phone, a wireless connection and a portable printer are all the real estate agent needs to help clients buy and sell homes no matter where he is. |
If your new home closes before the one you are selling, you'll probably need bridge financing. Here's how it works. |
You wouldn't head to a cash-only farmer's market or craft fair without knowing how much cash you had in your wallet. So why would you start shopping for the biggest purchase of your life, a new home, without knowing how much you could spend? |
Choosing a mortgage lender can be a daunting task for first-time homebuyers, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to choose a mortgage lender that's deserving of your business. By Erin Huffstetler |
Expensive homes lead to high mortgage payments and those mortgage payments may lead you to wonder how you could pay them if you lost your job or your health. Mortgage protection insurance is one answer to that question. |
It's a good idea to get prequalified for your mortgage before shopping for a home. Prequalification involves supplying a lender with basic information regarding your debt, income and assets. From this information, lenders can get an idea of the mortgage amount for which you qualify, and it can usually be done at no cost. |
Now that you've chosen your lender, you'll want to get preapproved. Preapproval means that your lender has thoroughly checked your finances, including your income and debts, and has given you the thumbs up for a loan of a certain amount. |
First-time home buyers tend to focus their attention on their monthly mortgage payments and the other costs associated with buying a home. But owning a home entails new expenses as well. Here are some of the items that belong in a typical household budget. |
