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The Keys to Homeownership

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Latest Articles

Mortgage 101

Why Does it Take 30 Years to Pay Off a Mortgage?

Long story short- it doesn’t. Homebuyers often choose a 30 year loan because it creates a more feasible monthly payment.

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Mortgage 101

Can You Borrow Money for a Down Payment?

The down payment is often the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Saving enough money can take months or years, keeping you renting even...

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Mortgage 101

Is it Better to Put a Large Down Payment on a House?

For decades, conventional wisdom told us to make a down payment of at least 20%. But times are changing with the average first-time buyer...

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Mortgage 101

Homeownership and Divorce: What You Need to Know

The divorce rate in the U.S. continues to decline, with just 2.9 people per 1000 getting divorced each year. But, when you’re the one going...

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Mortgage 101

Closing Costs: A Basic Guide

When you buy a home, it’s understood that you have to account for ancillary costs. Doing your homework is part of being a responsible...

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Mortgage 101

How Does an Appraisal Affect a Mortgage?

So you made an offer on a house, the seller accepted, and now, like nearly half of all Americans, you need a mortgage to make that house...

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Mortgage 101

What Credit Score Do You Need for a VA Loan?

The United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) is known for the health care it provides to veterans. The VA is a cabinet-level...

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Mortgage 101

Do Mortgage Preapprovals Affect My Credit Score?

Your credit score is one of those big, important financial things they don’t teach you about in school. A high credit score can open the...

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Mortgage 101

Pros and Cons of a Conventional Loan

Conventional loans can be a great option for homebuyers, but before settling on this particular form of financing, do yourself a favor and...

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Mortgage 101

Should You Make an Extra Mortgage Payment?

Maybe you've owned your home for several months or several years. Either way, you might be curious about how you might fast-track paying...

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