What Is Included In A Monthly Mortgage Payment?

The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. But most lenders also include local real estate taxes homeowner’s insurance, and mortgage insurance, if applicable. If you are refinancing compare what is and isn’t included in your financing...

How Large A Down Payment Do I Need?

There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. You’ll see some pictures in this video to help you remember later – the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity...

What About A Home Located In A Flood Plain?

A flood plain is an area of land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences flooding during periods of high discharge. Watch this video and it’ll make sense. If you live in a flood plain lenders will require that you have flood insurance before lending any money...

What Is Earnest Money, And How Much Should I Set Aside?

Like the video shows, “earnest money” is money you put down to demonstrate your seriousness about buying a home. It must be substantial enough to demonstrate good faith and is usually between 1-5% of the purchase price though the amount can vary with local customs and...

What Questions Should I Ask When Looking At Homes?

As you’ll see in this video, many of your questions should focus on potential problems and maintenance issues. Does anything need to be replaced? What things require ongoing maintenance like paint, roof, heating and AC, appliances and carpet? Also ask about the house...

How Can I Keep Track Of All The Homes I See?

There are some great tips in this video, like: if possible, take photographs of each house: the outside, the major rooms, the yard and extra features that you like or ones you see as potential problems. Write things down as you go. And don’t hesitate to return...

What Should I Look For When Walking Through A Home?

As we show you in this video, in addition to comparing the home to your minimum requirement and wish lists use the HUD Home Scorecard and consider the following: Is there enough room for both the present and the future? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Is the...