Drawbacks of home equity loans
Originally published on September 28, 2009
Taking out a home equity loan against the value of your property can backfire if you fail to avoid these common pitfalls in the borrowing process.
Read More →How Foreclosure affects your Credit Score
Originally published on June 11, 2010
Foreclosures–and how you handle them–may have long-term credit score implications.v
Read More →Improve credit score with these home finance tips
Originally published on October 22, 2010
How you manage your home ownership finances affects your credit score—and your ability to refinance later.
Read More →5 reasons for a mortgage refinance other than lowering your payment
Originally published on October 22, 2010
There’s more to a mortgage refinance than lowering your monthly payments.
Read More →Escrow accounts: what’s the deal?
Originally published on October 22, 2010
Does your escrow account ever cross your mind? Probably not. But forgetting to monitor it can lead to lost money and a big headache.
Read More →Mortgage scam: loan flipping
Originally published on June 13, 2011
Loan flipping mortgage scams prey on the twin problems of financial anxiety and ignorance. Educate yourself to mount a defense.
Read More →Would you refinance to get an interest rate below 3%? What if that rate would only last for five years? Read this article before deciding…
Read More →Mortgage scam: equity stripping
Originally published on June 13, 2011
The equity stripping mortgage scam could leave you with a hefty mortgage balance — but no place to live.
Read More →What affects credit scores? 7 misconceptions
Originally published October 22, 2010
If you’re trying to raise your credit score to get a good rate for a refinance or HELOC, you might be surprised by what affects—or doesn’t affect—your score.
Read More →5 steps to owning a home again after foreclosure
Originally published July 8, 2010
Foreclosure is just a one-time event–with discipline and perseverance, you can get a mortgage and become a homeowner again.
Read More →FHA-backed loans make sense; it’s Congress’ whims that are nonsensical
Does your credit score fall below the 640 to 650 range? If so, good luck getting a home mortgage or refinance through traditional lending channels. Since the housing market crashed in 2008, lenders have tightened their belts and turned away borrowers who have less-than-perfect credit scores or low downpayments. Luckily for you, if you’re looking to buy or refi, the local bank isn’t your last resort for a home loan.
Read More →Online tool helps you discretely explore options to Foreclosure
Originally published on June 3, 2011
When financial trouble makes it hard to pay your mortgage, it’s hard to talk to a stranger at the bank about your problems. Taking a quick online quiz to see what loan workout programs can help you stop foreclosure is a less painful and simpler way to dip your toe into the loan modification pool.
Read More →7 mortgage interest deduction myths
Originally published on February 16, 2011
Think losing the mortgage interest deduction would be no big deal? We bust seven myths to show why the cost is bigger than you think.
Read More →Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: a look at mortgage lending without them
Originally published on April 25, 2011
Some legislators say we don’t need mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. What would happen if lawmakers got their way?
Read More →Recap: Alabama’s Foreclosure Prevention Program
REALTOR® Associate
Contact: (334) 714-7673 or priscilla@c21keyrealty.com
Here is a review of a program aimed at helping families keep their homes safe from foreclosure. Read more about how the Hardest Hit Alabama program may help your family.
Read More →How to buy a foreclosure and save 3.5% on closing costs through June 30, 2011
REALTOR® Associate
Contact: (334) 805-7658 or harry@c21keyrealty.com
Now is a great time to buy a foreclosure because there is a HomePath® Buyer Incentive in which Fannie Mae is currently offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through June 30, 2011. Read more to find out if you might be eligible for this savings.
Read More →8 tips for finding your new home
Originally published on February 10, 2010
A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.
Read More →7 tips for a profitable home closing
Originally published on February 10, 2010
Be sure you’re walking away with all the money you’re entitled to from the sale of your home.
Read More →Find the home loan that fits your needs
Originally published on February 10, 2010
A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you.
Read More →5 tips for deciphering your home loan’s Good-faith Estimate
Originally published on April 9, 2010
Knowing how to read your good-faith estimate can help you save money on your home loan.
Read More →The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a Rural Development program to help home buyers purchase homes in certain areas with no money down. Read more to see how both buyers and sellers can benefit from this program.
Read More →If you are a veteran and are thinking about getting a VA loan, here are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
Read More →Extended Homebuyer Credit for members of the Military and certain other Federal employees
Because they may not have been able to participate in the original Homebuyer Tax Credit which ended in April 2010, there are extended benefits for members of the military and certain other federal employees. Military personnel and some federal employees serving overseas may still be able to claim the credit on home purchases made before April 30, 2011.
Read More →“I’m ready to buy a house—now what?”
REALTOR® Associate
Contact: (334) 333-1609 or michelle@c21keyrealty.com
So you have made the decision to buy a new home! I am going to give you a few tips on making the home buying process go smoothly.
Read More →Renters have much to gain by pursuing home ownership
Supreme Lending Mortgage Company
Contact: 334-714-8958 or angie.mckinney@supremelending.com
Buying a home vs. renting is a big decision that takes careful consideration. But the rewards of home ownership are great. Not only is purchasing real estate an extremely profitable investment. It is also an achievement that offers a sense of pride, financial stability and potential tax advantages.
Read More →
