Category Archives: Uncategorized

What Homeowners Need to Know about Capital Gains Taxes

  First, what is a capital gain? It’s the profit (if any) that you make on property, such as a personal residence, that you sell after owning it for a year or more. Capital Gains Tax is the tax on … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 59 Comments

Expenses to prepare for as a First Time Homebuyer

If you’re a first time homebuyer, you may have thought ahead to a few of the expenses you’ll face over the next year. For instance, if you now own a lawn, you might have set aside money for a lawn … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 64 Comments

The Population of Texas is Exploding. Why?

About 14% of U.S. citizens migrate from one state to another each year, and for the past several years, Texas has been one of their most favored destinations. Last year, the two fastest growing population centers in the U.S. were … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 151 Comments

What is a FICO Score and Why Does it Matter?

FICO is the credit score used by banks to determine whether they’ll grant you a mortgage loan and if so, what interest rate you’ll pay on that loan. FICO is just one type of credit scoring. Insurance companies and others … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

2018 Mortgage Advice Not Valid for All Borrowers Today

Looking for advice about getting a home mortgage loan in 2019? Don’t ask someone who got a loan 10 years ago – or even last year. Advice that was valid then might not be right for you today. As the … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 37 Comments

Are You Required to Have a Mortgage Pre-approval Before You Choose a House?

Is mortgage pre-approval required? Yes and no. Legally, you can search for a home and write an offer without being pre-approved for a mortgage loan. However, many real estate agents won’t show you homes until you either show proof of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 2,518 Comments

Mortgage Advice You Should Ignore

When you start talking about buying a new home, you’ll start getting advice. Some will tell you where and what to buy and others will give you mortgage advice. Before you listen, check it against our list of 5 pieces … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 134 Comments

3 Reasons to Talk to a Lender Now if Buying a Home is a Long-term Goal

    There are three good reasons why: Preparing ahead means you’ll get the best loan when the time comes. A good lender will show you what you need to do now and in the coming months to assure that … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 118 Comments

What is a Credit Freeze – and Should You Get One if You’re Going to Need a Home Mortgage?

As evidenced by the many security breaches in recent years, consumers can no longer trust that their information is safe with banks, retailers, credit reporting agencies or even the Veteran’s Administration. No one knows where the next security breach may … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 62 Comments

When You Need to Use the Equity in Your Home…

When You Need to Use the Equity in Your Home… When you need to exchange the equity in your home for cash, and assuming you have the income and the credit to obtain a new loan, you have three choices: … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 1,444 Comments