Ask any friend or family member that owns a home and they will share that it takes a bit of management to keep all the expenses under control. Let's explore the concept of PITI and why it is vital to have a clear picture of how much your home is costing you each month. Just What Is PITI, Anyway? PITI is an acronym that stands for "principal, interest, taxes and insurance," which are the four main components that make up your housing costs. Principal - this is the amount that you are paying against the total amount that you borrowed when you purchased the home. For example, if you used a mortgage to cover $200,000 of the home's purchase price, the remaining balance of that $200,000 is the … [Read more...]
3 Ways That a Reverse Mortgage Can Transform Your Retirement
Are you a retired individual looking for ways to increase your financial security? If so, you may have heard of a home equity conversion mortgage, more commonly known as a reverse mortgage. Used correctly, this is one of the most effective financial products for retirees who own their home. Let's explore three ways that a reverse mortgage can help to transform a dull retirement into one filled with excitement. It's All About Flexibility The primary benefit that one receives with a reverse mortgage is financial flexibility. It is an excellent way to tap into the equity that has built up in your home over time without having to sell the house and move out. Moreover, unlike a traditional home … [Read more...]
Mortgage 101: How Interest-Only Mortgages Work and Why They’re A Good Solution for Some Buyers
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced real estate investor, if you are planning to borrow funds to buy a home you will want to choose the right mortgage product. In today's blog post we'll explore how interest-only mortgages work and why they're the perfect choice for some homebuyers. How Interest-Only Mortgages Differ From Conventional Ones As the name suggests, interest-only mortgages are loans where you are only required to pay off the interest portion of the loan each month for some specific term. The length of these loans can be up to ten years, although five or seven is the most common. Once this period is over, you will have some options. Some choose to refinance … [Read more...]
Considering a New Home Next Year? Start Now and Get a Jump on Improving Your Credit Score
With the new year right around the corner, that leaves you with precious little time to get your finances in order. Let's explore a few tips that will help you get a jump on improving your credit score before the end of the year. Grab A Fresh Copy The first step is to order a fresh copy of your credit report from one of the major agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to access a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. So, if you have not ordered a copy recently, it is time to do so. You can access this free service through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is a website recommended by the Federal Trade Commission. Clean Up Anything Outstanding Now that you have a copy … [Read more...]
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