A new study shows that many home sellers are unrealistically optimistic, asking considerably more than they’re likely to get. As a result, they risk long delays in finding buyers, which means a lot of lost revenue while the house sits idle on the market. What’s more, homeowners who bought after the… read more →
Banks are getting very cautious about home mortgage loans these days — right up to the closing date. Even consumers with good credit and plenty of cash may find themselves out on the sidewalk if any of these last-minute loan application issues pop up. To make sure you’re on the right end… read more →
In a perfect world, landlords and tenants would work together like a well-oiled machine, both generously doing their part to keep each other happy and not disturb their neighbors’ “peaceful enjoyment of the premises,” as phrased in Mississippi’s landlord-tenant law. In fact, lots of tenant-landlord relationships fit this description, but we’ve… read more →
There are many factors your lender will take into account when assessing the type and quantity of a home mortgage loan you will qualify for. Of course, your credit standing is just one such variable. Good credit has never been more important for obtaining a loan. Your broader financial picture,… read more →
Do you want to pay an extra one or two months’ rent? Of course not!. But your security deposit probably represents one to two month’s rent, and countless renters never see that money again. Here are six tips to avoid losing thousands to lost security deposits. Take Photos or Video… read more →
If you have been booted from your apartment, it might seem like you will be facing certain disaster in trying to rent another place. An eviction can definitely damage your rental and credit history, but if you take the right steps, it can be more like a bump in the… read more →
Death isn’t on the minds of most homeowners on closing day, because we all live forever, right? Unfortunately, no. Let’s face it: it’s really never too early to consider what happens to your mortgage should you pass away. The financial obligation of a home loan does linger after death. There’s… read more →
Ah, your first apartment. It may be smaller than a closet with a next-door neighbor who likes to blast Celine Dion into the wee hours of the morning, but hey, it’s a space to call your own. Whether you’re moving away from college or out of Mom and Dad’s house,… read more →
Your offer has been accepted. You’re counting the days until you can move into your new home, but one question is lingering in the back of your mind: What happens if the property has liens on it? Fortunately, the title company or agent typically will uncover any liens — unpaid property taxes,… read more →
Rental vacancy rates have dropped, which means competition for apartments and other rentals can be fierce. But if you’re a renter looking for a new place, you still need to be sure your home will meet your needs, and that means looking for more than just adequate square footage, a… read more →