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rundown house as an example of buying a home as-is
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How Bad Is It To Buy A Home “As-Is”?

The phrase “as-is” shows up often in real estate listings, and it tends to raise eyebrows. For some buyers, it feels like an opportunity – a chance to get a deal on a property that others might overlook. For others, it sounds like a trap.

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Home Equity
The Best Way to Consolidate Debt: Comparing HELOCs, Home Equity Loans, and More

Struggling with high-interest credit card balances or juggling multiple monthly payments? Consolidating your debt with a home equity loan or HELOC could help you save money, simplify repayment, and reduce financial stress.

Renovations & Remodeling
The Best Way to Fund Home Renovations: Comparing HELOCs, Home Equity Loans, and More

Planning to upgrade your kitchen, add a bathroom, or tackle long-overdue repairs? Before you start swinging the hammer, it’s smart to get clear on how you’ll finance the work.

Financial Health
What Is a Second Mortgage — and Why Do People Get One?

Let’s clear up the confusion. Second mortgages sometimes get a bad rap. They’re often lumped in with risky debt or financial desperation. But for many homeowners, they can actually be a practical, strategic tool.

Financial Health
Can You Have a Good DTI but Low Credit Score? Here’s What to Know

It might seem like keeping your debt low should guarantee a strong credit score – but that’s not always the case. In fact, it’s entirely possible to have a good debt-to-income (DTI) ratio while still having a low FICO score.

Financial Health
What is LTV?

LTV, or Loan-to-Value ratio, is a key metric used by lenders when assessing the risk of a loan, particularly mortgages. It essentially compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value of the property being financed.

Homeownership
Summer Home Maintenance: This Season's Steps to Protect Your Best Investment

Summer brings sunshine, long days, and of course – the perfect opportunity to take care of your home! Warm weather is great for relaxing, it’s also ideal for tackling key maintenance tasks that help preserve your home’s value and prevent costly repairs.

Homeownership
Summer Home Maintenance: This Season's Steps to Protect Your Best Investment

Summer brings sunshine, long days, and of course – the perfect opportunity to take care of your home! Warm weather is great for relaxing, it’s also ideal for tackling key maintenance tasks that help preserve your home’s value and prevent costly repairs.

Home Equity
More Than Just Payments: How Your Home Equity Grows

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Your monthly mortgage payment may seem like just another bill, but behind the scenes, you're steadily building something far more valuable: equity.

Financial Health
10 Commonly Overlooked Tax Breaks and Deductions You Might Be Missing

When it comes to filing your taxes, missing out on valuable deductions and credits can mean leaving money on the table. Some tax breaks are easy to overlook! They may be less well-known or hidden deep within the fine print.

Financial Health
What Are Property Taxes For? How They Work and Why They Matter

When you buy a home, you’re not just investing in the property itself. You’re also committing to paying property taxes, which can feel like an extra burden. But property taxes serve an important purpose in supporting the communities we live in.

Financial Health
What Is DTI? Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) is one of the most important numbers lenders look at when evaluating your ability to repay a loan. Understanding your DTI can help you prepare and potentially qualify for better terms.

Financial Health
Equity-Sharing Home Loans vs. HELOCs: Building an Emergency Fund

When it comes to building an emergency fund, one option many homeowners consider is leveraging their home’s equity. Two common ways to do this are through an equity-sharing home loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).