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Home Maintenance Checklist: Monthly, Seasonal, and Annual
Home maintenance may seem daunting if you are unsure where to begin and what to do; however, home repairs and improvements may save you from larger potential issues and unexpected costs in the future. Follow this monthly, seasonal, and ann...
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Paying Cash for a House vs. Getting a Mortgage
If you have the means to do so, you may be wondering if you should pay all cash for a home or get a mortgage. Some believe it may be better to put an all-cash offer on a home in today’s competitive housing market. However, getting a mortgage could...
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What is Included in a Mortgage Payment?
If you are thinking about buying a home or reviewing your current loan terms, you may be wondering what is included in your monthly mortgage payment. Your monthly payment will consist of the principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, and w...
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What is an Appraisal? The Home Appraisal Process
Appraisals are a standard part of the home buying process, usually required on a purchase and refinance transaction. This page will outline everything you need to know about the home appraisal process ranging from preparing befor...
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Reasons to Buy a Bigger House & How to Afford a New Purchase
After buying a home, your needs and desires may change years later. The home you purchased five or ten years ago may no longer be suitable for you and your family. So, what are some common reasons that many people choose to upgrade and buy a bigger ...
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Home Buying Process Step by Step: 2021 Guide on How to Buy a House
One of the most significant decisions that anyone can make in their life is purchasing a home. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be wondering, “I want to buy a house; where do I start?” Our goal is to make the home buying process as sea...
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What is a Condop? How to Get a Mortgage for a Condop
A condop is a mixed-use building found in New York City rarer than traditional condos or co-ops. It is referred to as a condop because of a co-op forming within a condo.
What Does a Condop Look Like?
Since a condo...
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Tricks to Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio when Applying for a Mortgage
What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt expenses to your monthly income. This evaluates how much debt you have and your ability to repay those debts with your current income stream.
How to...
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What is Mortgage Insurance?
Mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that protects the mortgage company if you happen to default on your loan. There are different insurance policies that may be required when buying a home, but primate mortgage insurance (PMI) is one of the mo...
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What are the 5 C’s of Credit?
The 5 C’s of credit are a way for financial institutions to evaluate how responsible and trustworthy you are based on your ability to handle and repay debt obligations. This is also referred to as your ‘creditworthiness.’ The 5 C’s include c...
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