Real Estate Financing

Financing February 6, 2017

How Mortgage Interest Deductions Can Help You Save on Taxes

If you have a mortgage, you could be looking forward to a federal tax break in the form of a mortgage interest deduction. Here's how that works.

Financing February 6, 2017

How to Sail Through the Home-Closing Process Without a Hitch

Few steps in the home-buying process are as stressful as the closing, also called “settlement” or “escrow.” So what can go wrong?

Financing February 6, 2017

What Is a Promissory Note? What You're Really Promising, Revealed

What is a promissory note? It's an important but often misunderstood part of getting a mortgage to buy a home.

Financing February 6, 2017

How to Refinance a Mortgage—and Why a Refi Might Be Right for You

Even after you've bought your home, you'll want to know the ins and outs of how to refinance a mortgage—which can come in handy for a variety of reasons.

Financing February 6, 2017

The Clock's Ticking: Here's Why You Should Use HARP to Refinance, Pronto

Although interest rates have recently increased, they remain at historic lows. That makes this an ideal time to refinance with HARP.

Financing February 6, 2017

What Is a Mortgage Rate Lock? The Key to Scoring a Cheap Home Loan

What is a mortgage rate lock? It guarantees a home loan at a specific interest rate for a designated period of time.

Financing February 6, 2017

What Is a Silent Second Mortgage? It Can Land You a Loan (or in Jail)

What is a silent second mortgage? And why is it quietly tiptoeing around the world of lenders? We tell you loud and clear below.

Financing February 6, 2017

What Is a Streamline Mortgage? The Easy Way to Refinance Your Home Loan

The term "streamline mortgage" sounds too good to be true. If you've heard it, you may have wondered: What is a streamline mortgage, anyway?

Financing February 6, 2017

When to Lock In Mortgage Rates: 4 Signs It's Time

One huge question among home buyers who need a loan is this: when to lock in mortgage rates. Some say do so ASAP, while others say it's smarter to hold off.

Financing February 6, 2017

Pretty Fly for a Refi: 5 Reasons to Refinance Your Home in 2017

You still have time to refinance your home and take advantage of rates that, historically, are still low. But you'd better get moving quickly. Here's why.

Financing February 6, 2017

What Is a Reverse Mortgage? The Real Risks and Rewards, Revealed

Most home buyers know what a mortgage is, but what is a reverse mortgage? People are often confused about the details, so allow us to explain.