7 Credit Score Destroyers

Your credit score not only determines whether or not you can get a credit card, mortgage, or auto loan, it’s also a critical factor in determining the interest rate you have attached to those items. A low credit score can cost a lot of money over your lifetime. Not everyone is aware of the many…

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The Hard Facts About Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages

In the realm of mortgages, a fixed rate mortgage is considered to be the perfect little princess. And, a variable rate mortgage is often thought of as the wicked stepsister. While variable mortgages can be detrimental to some, they can provide the most benefit for many others. The same logic applies to fixed rate mortgages. …

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How to Pay Off a Mortgage Faster

Owning a home is clearly number one on the wish list for many of us. However, owning a home outright is a close second. From a financial perspective, paying off your mortgage faster is a smart move.  Being mortgage-free allows you to decrease your monthly expenses dramatically and enables you to finally give your retirement,…

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9 Steps to Take Before Buying Your First Home

Are you planning the purchase of your first home? Buying a house is a major decision because the house will soon become one of your main financial assets. Plus, you’ll be making mortgage payments for at least ten years. Take these steps before you buy: Ask yourself if you’re financially stable. Have you had your…

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Are REITs the Right Investment for You?

Many people dream of investing in large apartment buildings, shopping malls, and commercial office space – yet few have the necessary funds and expertise for such investments. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are one way the average person can invest in large and expensive real estate properties. An REIT invests in properties that produce income;…

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Top 10 Tips for Choosing a Mortgage Broker

If you’re ready to start shopping for a home or wish to re-finance your current home loan, you’re probably wondering how you’ll find a mortgage broker who’s trustworthy, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Take a peek at these tips to select a mortgage broker that will best help you in your quest for obtaining…

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Practical Tips for the First-Time Home Buyer

The decision to go from renter to homeowner is a big one. When you own your own home there are a lot of responsibilities, but there are also a lot of benefits. Buying a home for the first time can be intimidating. The reason it’s daunting is because, for most individuals, it’s the single largest…

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6 Situations Where Paying Off Your Mortgage Isn’t Always the Best Strategy

You might be considering the idea of putting extra money toward your mortgage payment to eliminate your mortgage debt more quickly. However, paying off your mortgage early isn’t always a good idea. Each situation is unique, and no solution is the right choice for everyone. Eliminating debt is a great idea, but it’s not always…

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How to Buy the House of Your Dreams Even with a Low Credit Score

It’s reassuring to know that the large sum of money you’re putting towards your home each month is going towards an investment. And, if you’re a renter, your money is certainly going towards an investment – your landlord’s investment, that is! If you’re tired of paying someone else’s mortgage, it’s time to look into purchasing…

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Tax Tips for Homeowners

You may already know that you can deduct the mortgage interest you pay on your home, but what other tax advantages are lurking in that house? One of the biggest challenges of owning a home is dealing with the tax laws, especially those around points and cost basis. Just a little bit of knowledge can…

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