Escrow accounts: what’s the deal?

By Susan B. Weiner  on November 25, 2011
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.

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Mortgage scam: equity stripping

By Donna Fuscaldo  on September 6, 2011
Originally published on June 13, 2011

The equity stripping mortgage scam could leave you with a hefty mortgage balance — but no place to live.

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FHA-backed loans make sense; it’s Congress’ whims that are nonsensical

By Matt Dornic  on June 13, 2011

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.

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7 mortgage interest deduction myths

By Dona DeZube  on May 13, 2011
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.

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5 tips for deciphering your home loan’s Good-faith Estimate

By G. M. Filisko  on March 8, 2011
Originally published on April 9, 2010

Knowing how to read your good-faith estimate can help you save money on your home loan.

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Life after bankruptcy

By Angie McKinney on January 5, 2011
Supreme Lending Mortgage Company
Contact: 334-714-8958 or angie.mckinney@supremelending.com

Bankruptcy is an uncomfortable subject for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is the potential havoc it can wreak on your finances. Running a close second is the negative stigma which is often attached to the process. Here are some tips to help you survive the bankruptcy process and also help you rebuild your credit in the future.

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What you must know about home appraisals

By G. M. Filisko  on December 6, 2010
Originally published on March 12, 2010

Understanding how appraisals work will help you achieve a quick and profitable refinance or sale.

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4 tips to determine how much mortgage you can afford

By G. M. Filisko  on December 4, 2010
Originally published on March 11, 2010

By knowing how much mortgage you can handle, you can ensure that home ownership will fit in your budget.

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FAQ by home sellers

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on September 22, 2010

If you are wondering about things such as the meaning of contingencies, material facts, required property disclosures, and the difference between an appraisal and market value, then these Frequently Asked Questions are for you.

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Setting the right price

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on September 20, 2010

A key part of the marketing plan is setting the list price. If a home is priced too low, you won’t benefit from the optimal profit. If a home is priced too high, potential buyers may be scared away. To determine the best asking price review the cost of recently sold homes, evaluate the competition and study marketplace trends.

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How to apply for a mortgage loan

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on August 27, 2010

Your chances of obtaining a mortgage really depend on all the information that will be contained in the credit report. So, it’s a good idea to get your credit report, before you apply for a mortgage, and correct errors. If there are any inaccuracies you don’t know about, this could cost you thousands of dollars in extra interest or even cause a denial of credit.

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Private morgage insurance (PMI)

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on August 27, 2010

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, insures the lender against a default. It is a special type of loan insurance that many lenders require borrowers to purchase if the borrower’s down payment is less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price.

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Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on August 27, 2010

The APR is the actual yearly interest rate paid by the borrower, figuring in the points charged to initiate the loan and other costs.

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Mortgage interest rates

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on August 27, 2010

A mortgage interest rate is the sum, expressed as a percentage, charged by the lender for making a loan. Some lenders are willing to negotiate on both the loan interest rate and the number of discount points.

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Paying all cash

By CENTURY 21 Key Realty  on August 23, 2010

Because all cash buyers sidestep the time-consuming loan qualification process, the deal can close very quickly. The primary advantage of buying a home with all cash is completely avoiding mortgage interest. Buyers also save money that would be spent on loan origination fees, required appraisal , some closing costs and various other charges imposed by the lender.

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The eye of an appraiser

By Michelle Beasley on August 18, 2010
REALTOR® Associate
Contact: (334) 333-1609 or michelle@c21keyrealty.com

An appraisal can make or break a sale, so make sure the appraiser is reputable and experienced. Getting an appraisal can help you also to set the price of your house if you are looking to sell. Remember, an appraiser looks through the eyes of a buyer and what the average buyer is looking for in a new home.

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Copyright 2010-11 Century 21 Key Realty. • Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. • Each office is independently owned and operated.

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