Almost everyone has been locked out of their home before. If you do not have a hidden key or someone else with a key, it can be stressful to wait for a locksmith to come and open the door. Fortunately, there are ways homeowners can address this issue, and one of the options is to get a smart lock or an electronic lock instead. How Smart Locks And Electronic Locks Work Every smart lock is different; however, they have a few themes. Basic electronic locks have a combination that someone has to enter before the door unlocks. Other electronic locks use fingerprints, RFID, or Bluetooth recognition to allow someone to enter. Many smart locks also allow the owner to give out digital keys that … [Continue Reading...]
There are a number of significant advantages that come with homeownership, and one of the biggest advantages is the ability to take out a home equity loan. As homeowners pay off the mortgage, the amount of equity in the house increases. Homeowners can borrow against the equity in their house to fund other projects. For example, homeowners could borrow against home equity to complete a home renovation, pay medical expenses, or pay down student loans. The most common home equity loans include cash-out refinances, a traditional home equity loan, and a home equity line of credit. Which is the best option? A Cash-Out Refinance The first option is called a cash-out refinance. Essentially, … [Continue Reading...]
It is exciting to hear that an offer has been accepted, and many homeowners are ready to move into their new houses as quickly as possible. At the same time, homeowners must take the time to review all documents associated with the purchase. Purchasing a house is a major financial decision, and homeowners need to understand what their obligations are. That is where the closing disclosure is critical. What type of information is included in the closing disclosure, and what do homeowners need to know now? The Closing Disclosure Includes Fees And Costs First, homeowners need to take a look at the numbers included in the closing disclosure. Of course, the biggest number will be the purchase … [Continue Reading...]
Last week’s economic reports included readings on construction spending and labor-related reports on jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly data on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published.
Residential Con
The Commerce Department reported overall construction spending rose by 1.30 percent in January, which was the largest increase since April of last year. Private residential construction spending fell by 0.30 percent in January; this was the sixth consecutive month for declining private-sector residential construction spending.
Construction Spending Falls in January
Analysts cited costly building materials, fewer available options for prospective buyers, … [Continue Reading...]
The vast majority of people will need to go through a mortgage lender when purchasing a home. One of the last steps in the purchase process is the home appraisal. The lender wants to make sure they are not lending more money than the house is worth. If the appraisal value comes in above what the buyer is paying, then the buyer is happy because they might be getting a great deal. On the other hand, if the appraisal comes in below what the buyer is paying, this can be frustrating. What is the appraisal gap, and how does it work? Buyers Might Be Asked To Bring More Cash Or Pay PMI In many situations, buyers will be asked to pay PMI if they are not putting 20 percent down. For example, if … [Continue Reading...]
Are you buying a property as your second home? Perhaps you are looking for a small cottage or apartment where you can escape to for your vacations, or maybe you want to have another home closer to your relatives? Maybe you want to rent out your second property and make a steady income from your investment. Whatever the reason, a second piece of real estate can be a fantastic investment. However, sometimes getting a mortgage on your second home can present a challenge. Generally, a mortgage lender will have tougher standards for vacation home -- or second home -- loans than primary home loans. This is because usually when you are buying a second home your finances will be stretched thinner … [Continue Reading...]
