Shopping for the best mortgage involves more than just checking interest rates and loan terms. Many borrowers are surprised by the many additional costs involved in closing the loan. Almost all closing costs relate to fees that the mortgage lender is charged by a third-party company and then passes on… read more →
Many renters find out, after they’ve already moved in, that not all landlords are created equal when it comes to respecting a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of the property. It may be a landlord who mysteriously appears often at the property, one who enters without notice or one who… read more →
The latest study from Harvard University found that half of the 43 million renter households in the U.S. spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent payments. A shortage of affordable housing units combined with increased housing costs means it’s more important than ever for low-income, elderly and disabled… read more →
You want to start climbing the property ladder. You want to buy your own home. But there’s just one problem: You don’t have the cash for a 20 percent down payment. What should you do? First, let’s assess your current situation: Are you a first-time homebuyer? Or do you own a home?… read more →
A properly locked door is your first line of defense against intruders. Of course, that defense is not very reliable if you’re not sure who has keys to those locks. There are many reasons for changing a lock, including: You’ve just moved into your house. You’ve lost a key. Your… read more →
Rent is one of the largest monthly expenses for most people and, as a result, dictates the budgeting process. It’s common knowledge you can get kicked out of your place if you fail to pay (that’s usually spelled out pretty clearly in rental agreements), but eviction is only one of… read more →
Location is a huge factor in successful homeownership. Just a mile—in some cases just a city block—can make a difference in home values, health risks, crime and the general quality of life for you and your family. Everyone has different priorities, but neighborhoods that are more likely to cause trouble for… read more →
Home sellers who receive an abundance of offers might be tempted to grab the highest price and call it a deal. But that might not be the smartest way to choose the best offer of the bunch. A better approach is to consider a variety of factors, including the buyer’s… read more →
Selling a home is stressful. And poorly behaved buyers add to the strain: hot prospects who become no-shows, gladiator wannabes who ink a deal, then constantly demand concessions, or buyers who think purchasing a house entitles them to their pick of the furnishings. A little give-and-take is normal, but some… read more →