Credit scores

Why is My Credit Score Lower From My Lender?

If you have recently been on a personal finance site to check your credit score and then applied for a mortgage you may have been surprised at the difference in your credit score. That’s because more often than not, the score you received from the personal finance site is going …

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Piggyback Mortgage

Are Piggybacks Making a Comeback?

Piggyback mortgages that is, not the ride children love. Piggyback mortgages, a.k.a. second mortgages, are a loan that rides on top of your primary mortgage. In combination with your down payment, these mortgages allow you to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI). They were extremely popular in the early 2000s …

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Waiting to Buy a New Home Could Cost You - Calculator

Waiting to Buy a New Home Could Cost You

Home prices Thinking about buying a new home in the next few years? Moving up your timetable could save you money. As of February 2018, Zillow states home values have risen 7.6% in the last 12 months. It also predicts homes values will continue to rise another 3.5% in the …

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Foreclosure or Bankruptcy

There is Hope After Bankruptcy or Foreclosure

Millions of Americans have been affected by a short sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy and may be afraid they will never be able to own a home again. Luckily, a derogatory credit item doesn’t mean an end to homeownership. Check out the chart below to view waiting periods, by loan type, …

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Is an ARM right for you?

Is An Adjustable Rate Mortgage Right For You?

An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is a mortgage that offers an introductory fixed rate for a limited period of time, then adjusts annually to reflect market conditions. This introductory rate is typically lower than a 30-year fixed rate. This can make ARM’s attractive options for the right buyer. We all …

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