Financing

Financing How to Stick to a Budget Do you have financial goals but don’t know where to start? Setting a budget is the first step to financial success. However, many people will create a budget and fail to stick to the parameters they’ve put in place. So much for a budget, right? If managing money is not your forte, consider these five […]
Buying 3 Ways to Reduce Your Interest Rate When Buying a Home Are you kicking yourself for not buying when mortgage rates were lower? You’re not alone! With the housing market slowing, sellers reducing prices, and interest rates peaking at the highest level in 20 years, many would-be buyers have put their plans on pause. But is waiting the smartest strategy? While we try not to give […]
Buying How Many Times Can You Use A VA Loan? By: CrossCountry Mortgage LLC Whether it’s the need for more rooms, a backyard for the children to play, or extra storage space to store valuable things, ultimately, the hunt for the new “perfect” house begins. However, this process can be costly, as families try to save capital for a traditional down payment. Thankfully, this is […]
Buying Are VA Loans Assumable? By: CrossCountry Mortgage LLC VA loans offer many benefits for Active Service Members, Veterans, and Military Families, such as low closing costs, no down payments, and low interest rates. In addition, unlike many other mortgage options, VA loans are assumable mortgages. Even civilians not eligible for a VA mortgage can assume a VA home loan. […]
Buying What are the Benefits of a VA Loan? By: CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC Believe it or not, buying a home doesn’t always require a traditional 20% down payment. If you’re a current or former member of the U.S. Military, you may qualify for a VA loan, which allows you to purchase a home without a down payment. That’s just one of the advantages you […]
Buying Understanding The Unique Hawaii Closing Timelines Understanding The Unique Hawaii Closing Timelines by Jay Miller In the State of Hawaii, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the “closing date” for a real estate purchase transaction. The official closing date is more technically known as the settlement date/recording date in Hawaii and does not occur until the date the transaction records […]
Financing Tax Deductions on Rental Properties The 2018 Tax Cuts and Job Act introduced various adjustments for rental property owners that indicate that the business will be more profitable than it was previously. Since the details of how the federal tax changes affect individual property owners can vary, it is important to consult with a tax advisor who specializes in real […]
Financing What is Capital Gains Tax? The income tax you pay on gains from the sale of capital assets, such as real estate, is known as capital gains tax. So, if you sell your home for more than you bought it for, you will almost certainly have a capital gain and thus be required to pay capital gains tax on your […]
Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now
Financing 5 Tax Deductions to Take When Selling a Home You may recall that in 2018, the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act changed some restrictions for homeowners. However, if you sold your house in 2021 or plan to sell in the future, your tax deductions can still save you a lot of money when you file your taxes with the IRS. Here is the […]
Financing How to Calculate Property Tax Most individuals are aware that owning a home entails a substantial financial investment. There is your mortgage, but the expenses don’t stop there. You will also be responsible for paying property taxes. If you already own a home, you can look at your most recent property tax statement to see how your tax is calculated. […]
Financing 7 Tax Benefits of Owning a Home As you may know, there are many tax benefits of owning a home. However, you may be wondering if you are utilizing every benefit possible to help save you money during tax season. According to an article on Realtor.com, there are 7 tax benefits that you may not be aware of and should make use […]
Buying How Much Is Mortgage Insurance? If you bought a home with a down payment that is less than 20% of the purchase price, or if you refinanced with less than 20% equity, your lender will require you to purchase mortgage insurance. It’s important to note that not all loan programs will offer the same terms. That’s why it’s smart to […]
Buying Can You Buy a House with No Down Payment? One of the most important financial investments you’ll ever make is the purchase of a home. There will be long-term impact on your credit and finances, so the decision has to be a sound one. Add to this the fact that most traditional mortgages require a 20% down payment, and the situation can bring anyone […]
Buying Types of Home Buying Loans Thinking about purchasing a home? One of the decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan. Depending on the price of the home you’re looking for, you may need a jumbo loan. First, let’s define these terms so you have a better understanding of your options. Fixed-Rate Loan A […]
Buying What Are Closing Costs? What Are Closing Costs? Closing costs are fees paid in connection with the refinance or transfer of ownership in real property. They are paid by either the buyer or the seller on the settlement date. These fees will always vary. What you pay for one refinance or property transfer will not be the same as […]
Buying Tax Breaks for First Time Home Buyers Buying a home can sound like an intimidating undertaking if you’ve never done it before. The thought of relocating and the sheer level of financial investment gives many people anxiety. Luckily, the government wants to make the process easier and less scary, with a range of tax breaks for first time home buyers. To get […]
Buying First Time Home Buyers Use 401k For Down Payment Coming up with a down payment to purchase your first home can feel like a herculean task. How can you possibly save twenty, thirty, fifty thousand dollars—approximately 11% of your home purchase price in 2016 (National Association of Realtors)—to pour into a house? For most individuals, it can be incredibly tough to save enough, particularly […]
Buying How Much House Can You Afford? HOUSE POOR [adjective | hous – poo·r] A person who can afford his or her home mortgage payments, but can’t afford much of anything else. Discretionary spending on restaurants, furnishings, travel and clothes are severely cut back, due to a large proportion of his or her income going towards the mortgage payments, upkeep costs, and […]
Financing How to Sell a House That Still Has a Mortgage Most people won’t live in the same home for 30 years, the typical life of a mortgage loan. So, when it comes time to sell, many homeowners still have mortgage debt to deal with. Is this a problem? What happens to your mortgage when you sell your home? Once you sign your name on a […]
Buying A Beginner’s Guide to Homeowners Insurance A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Homeowners Insurance Buying homeowners insurance for the first time can be intimidating. Gaining a better understanding of what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how much coverage you need can help calm your nerves and build your confidence. While buying your first home is exciting, buying your first homeowners insurance […]