While the essential elements of shopping for a mortgage are the same for a purchase or refinance, refinancing usually starts with a decision to improve your cash flow or change your debt profile. You should determine your goal for refinancing before you meet with a mortgage professional. Once you’ve… read more →
Going away to college and living in an apartment for the first time can be a challenge. While having newfound freedom is a plus, keeping tabs on a place is yet another big responsibility for young students. Along with this responsibility comes safety concerns. How can you keep your apartment safe while… read more →
To many buyers, a house that’s been on the market a long time must have hidden problems. And that could lead to unnecessary and endless price reductions. Luckily, even in a distressed market, there are ways to prevent roots from sprouting under the ‘for sale’ sign. Leave it to the… read more →
Going away to college and living in an apartment for the first time can be a challenge. While having newfound freedom is a plus, keeping tabs on a place is yet another big responsibility for young students. Along with this responsibility comes safety concerns. How can you keep your apartment safe while… read more →
Congratulations on moving into your new — or at least new to you — house. But now that you’ve settled in, you may have noticed some flaws that weren’t evident during the honeymoon period. Hallway floors that squeak in an annoying way, for example. Or pipes that clang, doors that… read more →
If you’re in the market for a mortgage, chances are you’ve been instructed to shop around for the best rates. But just because you’ve been told to shop around doesn’t mean you know how. After you organized your financial information and decide which loan is best for you, follow these… read more →
So, you’ve found a house you like, come up with a down payment and gotten preapproved. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty, if you and your agent rush through the deal without doing all the homework. Buying a house is like getting into a marriage: You must make sure there… read more →
Like the national pastime of baseball, purchasing a home supposedly comes with its own set of “unwritten rules.” Conventional wisdom and considered opinion have long led consumers to believe you never make an offer on the first home you tour, or you always close at the month’s end. The reality… read more →
Local counties in Virginia and Maryland top a list of the happiest places in the United States. SmartAsset ranks Loudoun and Fairfax counties in Virginia, as well as Howard County, Maryland, in the top 10. #1: Loudoun County, Virginia Loudoun County has grown rapidly in recent years. The population has… read more →
Getting a mortgage can mean keeping track of a lot of moving parts. Savvy shoppers know to ask lenders about interest rates, closing costs and how much they can borrow. But even seasoned buyers may not know to dig a little deeper. Here’s a look at five key things that… read more →