If you look at real estate listings, it's pretty common to see homes being sold with a home warranty. But what is a home warranty? Should you get one on your home? And is it worth it? What are the pros and cons of a home warranty? What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of certain appliances in your home. It covers issues not covered by your homeowners insurance. The coverage … [Read more...]
Buying A Home: Hidden Housing Expenses
I have told many people with ambitions of buying a home to take their time and do their due diligence in learning what it will take to afford and maintain property as an American homeowner. My friends who have purchased their own homes have learned there are pitfalls waiting for if you don’t know where to look. It does not matter if you are buying with a conventional mortgage, a VA home loan, or an FHA mortgage--you'll need to anticipate certain … [Read more...]
How To Buy A House During COVID-19
Do you need to buy a house during COVID-19? I know not everyone has the luxury of staying put during coronavirus--some need to go house hunting, in spite of the risks associated with in-person transactions. But I know many are aksing themselves how to find a new place to live in a pandemic? Fortunately, the housing industry has evolved to help with online closing procedures, appraisals that do not require the FHA fee appraiser to set inside the … [Read more...]
Why You Should Not Apply For A Subprime Loan
Why is it a bad idea to apply for a subprime loan? What follows is not MY advice, but rather the advice from credit reporting agencies like Experian, and from government watchdog agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. I preface today's article with that disclaimer because I want the message to be clear; applying for a subprime loan is something most consumers should think twice about doing. And that is according to the … [Read more...]
Hierarchy of Savings – What Should Come First?
It can be difficult to establish a hierarchy of savings. What should come first when you are paying yourself? Three basic areas represent parts of your life that need financial attention; your retirement fund, your money set aside for emergencies, and debt repayment. The last one doesn’t sound like you are paying yourself--at first. But debt management is an important part of establishing financial freedom. Emergency Fund: A Savings Account You … [Read more...]