Category Archives: Real Estate

Buying a Home: Lower Price vs. Higher Interest Rate

There is a lot of talk right now about how now is a good time to buy a home. If you hurry, you might be able to squeeze in a home buyer tax credit. You have to have a home under contract by April 30, though. And you have to be or first time home buyer, or you have lived in your home for five of the last eight years to qualify. Since I don’t fit either requirement, I’m in no hurry to rush into getting something that I might not really want. But my husband and I are looking — tentatively — for a new home. We’ve been in this one for three years, and with my husband finishing his Ph.D., we might look for an “upgrade” if he gets a job in this area.>>> [Read More]

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Payment Priorities: Making Your Mortgage Payment First

When you are in financial trouble, it can be difficult to decide which obligations to pay, and which to let slide. In a perfect world, of course, you wouldn’t have to make this decision. But many are finding themselves in this heart-wrenching situation — even if they made all the right moves before buying a home. The economic climate has led to a lot of reductions in income due to fewer hours, fewer benefits and even outright job loss. As emergency funds (for those who have them) run low, and as the bills pile up, which of those bills to pay becomes a matter of serious thought. One thing to consider, though, is that you should put your mortgage payment near the top of that list.>>> [Read More]

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Before You Buy: Practice Home Mortgage Payment

Buying a home is not something that should be done willy-nilly. In fact, it is wise to plan out your home purchase, making sure that you save up money for a down payment, and making the necessary adjustments to ensure that you truly can afford the mortgage that you want. One way to help you decide whether or not you can buy a home is to practice making home mortgage payments.

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3 Things to Ask Yourself When You Refinance

One of my financial New Year’s resolutions this year is to refinance my home while mortgage interest rates are relatively low.>>> [Read More]

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