When you’re applying for a mortgage, you know that your credit score plays a big role in your approval — and it can affect your interest rate too. But do you know how your score is calculated? The FICO Score is often…
The kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where you cook family meals, bake birthday cakes and enjoy countless hours spending quality time with your loved ones. So, whether you’re buying a new house this year or just looking…
Moving into a new place is exciting, but it can also be a lot of work. You’ll want to clean the space (and sometimes repaint or make other small renovations). Plus, there’s the time it takes to get used to…
No matter what your current situation looks like, there are often opportunities to improve your financial strength and build wealth — especially when it comes to homeownership. So sit back and think: What financial goals do you want to achieve?…
Whether you’re planning to buy a new home, refinance your existing mortgage or stow away extra cash for retirement, having good financial habits in place can help. Those habits should include managing your bills, budgeting, keeping an eye on your…
Home equity is the stake in your home you actually own. The more equity you have, the more you stand to gain when it’s time to sell later on. You can also tap home equity via loans or lines of…
A 30-year, fixed-rate home loan isn’t right for everyone. Depending on your plans, it might actually cost you more in the long run. Though they’re less common, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are a better fit for many homebuyers. They may offer…
Mortgage rates are near all-time lows right now, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way forever. That’s where a rate lock can come in. Rate locks guarantee you a certain mortgage rate for an extended period, protecting you from…
There’s a lot to consider when you’re searching for a home. You have to ask important questions: Which features are must-haves and which ones are simply desirable? How far are you willing to commute to work, grocery stores and other…
You love your home. You’ve made it your own and have lots of happy memories there. But maybe it no longer suits you and your family as well as it did before. Maybe it’s too small or lacks the features…
