Congratulations! You passed the pre-approval stage for getting a home, but what happens next? Once you have a pre-approval letter from your lender, you can start looking for a home to purchase. Keep in mind that the letter is only good for 60 to 90 days, depending on the type of approval you received. Why… Read more »
Category: Buying a Home
How to get pre-approved for a mortgage
If you are new to the home-buying process, you are probably aware that one of the best first courses of action is to get pre-approved before you start house hunting. So, you head to your bank or financial institution, but you have no idea what goes into the process of pre-approval. What do you need… Read more »
How a HELOC Can Help You Become Your Own Boss
Michelle Huizinga is a hairdresser in West Michigan, but you won’t find her at a retail salon near a grocery store. Instead, Michelle, like many enterprising entrepreneurs, works from her own home. Through a room she renovated in her home, Michelle now sees her clients and her children with no travel time. “I started working… Read more »
How a Refi Can Help You Care for Aging Parents
No one likes the idea of sending their parent away to a nursing home to be surrounded by strangers all day. But is there anything else that can be done? Maybe you want to have them live with you in a spare bedroom. But what about the cost of upgrading your home to meet their… Read more »
How to avoid or get rid of PMI
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender in case you default on your loan. In most cases, unless you have a 20% down payment, you would have to pay PMI. But if that sounds like one more expense you can’t afford, here are some ways you can avoid PMI or get rid of it if… Read more »
How can I lower my monthly mortgage payments?
So, you’ve had a home for awhile, but you feel like your budget is just too tight. You scrimp and save, but it’s never enough. If the biggest expense you have is your mortgage, maybe it’s time to refinance your mortgage. Refinance to a lower rate Rates are very low. Right now, for a 30-year… Read more »
VA Loans for Reservists and National Guard
As a Reservist or member of the National Guard, did you know that you could be eligible for a no down payment VA Loan? If you’re thinking about refinancing or buying a house, maybe you didn’t even realize the VA Loan could be an option for you. Although your role is different than that of a… Read more »
You’re recently divorced. Can you buy a home?
So, the marriage is over. Does that mean your dream of owning a home is, too? The short answer: No! You can still get a loan, as long as you keep in mind the following: Keep Good Records This is usually a good practice to have for any person, but especially true if you are… Read more »