Category Archives: Uncategorized

Do you like the idea of a no-fee mortgage?

  Of course. Most people do, at least until they learn the cost. If you’ve seen the ads for no-fee mortgages, you might think they’re just what you need. And for a few people, they are. However, nothing is really … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 106 Comments

Yes, there is a difference between mortgage deferment and mortgage forbearance.

  While the term “mortgage forbearance” is the one most widely used when speaking of relief from monthly payments, it is NOT what most homeowners want. Both mortgage forbearance and mortgage deferment allow borrowers to forgo payments for a set … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1,763 Comments

Is NOW the time for you to refinance your Texas home?

  You probably know that mortgage rates have been falling. Economists are predicting that they may fall even more, should the yield on the 10-year Treasury continue to decline. We thought rates were at a historic low some years ago … Continue reading

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Could Capital Gains Tax Erode your Texas Home Equity?

When many of us think about capital gains we think of investors, but you as a homeowner could also be subject to capital gains tax. It comes into play when you sell your home (or other assets) at a profit. … Continue reading

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The Tax Benefits of Home Ownership

  Does home ownership still offer tax benefits? Yes, depending upon several factors: The benefits aren’t as pronounced, however, since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018. This raised the standard deduction to $24,400 … Continue reading

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Money guru says: “Choose a 15-year mortgage.”

  Money guru Dave Ramsey has a lot to say about buying houses, and one of the things he’s most adamant about is choosing a 15-year mortgage rather than a 30-year mortgage. He also says that you should wait to … Continue reading

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Should you pay down your mortgage as fast as possible?

  When you obtained your mortgage loan you may have been given a choice between a 30-year payoff and a 15-year payoff. Perhaps you could have afforded the payments on a 15-year note, but wanted the security of the lower … Continue reading

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Co-signing a loan is a lot different from giving a character or credit reference

  Here’s what you need to know before you decide to add your name to that dotted line. First, what does co-signing really mean? At the bottom line, it means you are accepting full responsibility for making the loan payments.  … Continue reading

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Plan ahead to raise your credit score before shopping for a home

  When you apply for a mortgage loan to buy a home, the better your credit score, the better interest rate you’ll get. So even if your score is good, it pays to make it better. If your credit is … Continue reading

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Which Type of Home Loan is Right for You?

Unless you’re independently wealthy, shopping for a home means taking out a mortgage loan. Wise consumers shop for the loan before they shop for the house. Why? Because there are several types of home loans, and because different lenders offer … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 202 Comments