Love is blind but mortgage companies surely are not. This fact of life is one many newlyweds encounter when hunting for their first home and discover their cumulative credit is far from lovable. So what happens to their “American Dream” when one spouse’s credit is terrific but the other’s isn’t?… read more →
It takes a special person to see the potential in a home that’s in need of serious rehab. If you’ve got your heart set on buying a dream fixer-upper — but don’t have the savings to cover both a down payment and a renovation — there are loan products out… read more →
If you’re a recent college grad, you’ve likely heard speeches about pursuing your passions and believing in yourself, but you probably haven’t heard much about establishing a good credit history. Here’s what you need to know. Qualifying for mortgages, auto loans, apartments and even jobs has become dependent, to some… read more →
Tip etiquette is a touchy subject under any circumstances. It’s even more fraught with questions when deciding whether to tip your movers. Because movers are entrusted with your personal possessions and do much of the heavy lifting (pun intended), you may feel obligated to reward them for their hard work.… read more →
The VA appraisal is a crucial part of the home-buying process for qualified veterans and service members. VA appraisals focus on valuation and a more broad-based check of property conditions that could affect health, safety, or marketability. Every VA buyer needs to clear the appraisal hurdle. But understand that an… read more →
About Septic Systems A septic system is one way of dealing with wastewater after it is flushed down your toilets or washed down your drains. Septic systems, unlike sewer systems, are privately owned and maintained. They’re common in rural areas where municipal sewer systems do not exist. Septic systems consist… read more →
Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD’s Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In… read more →
We get it. Refinancing can seem stressful—who wants to crunch numbers and talk with lenders when you already have your home? But there’s something more stressful than refinancing: leaving free money on the table. Rates are at historic lows, and many experts believe the only direction they can go is up in… read more →
If you’re thinking about selling your house, sinking a bunch of bank into home improvements probably isn’t high on the priority list. But inexpensive upgrades are crucial to curb appeal. Or as Marita Ryan Kenna, an associate real estate agent at Eugenia Anderson in Pearl River, NY, puts it, “Pay… read more →