4 WAYS TO AVOID SURPRISES AT THE CLOSING TABLE
A lot of work goes into getting to the closing table when you are purchasing a home. Here are some tips you should adhere to help thwart any last minute glitches or hitches that could come between you and your new home – or your cash.

5 NEED TO KNOWS BEFORE YOU MOVE INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD
Buying a home can feel like the most intense research project ever. From mortgages to contracts to property condition issues, there’s a lot to look at. An additional area you’ll definitely want to investigate in detail: your new neighborhood. Here are five items you definitely need to know.

CREDIT DO'S AND DON'TS DURING THE LOAN PROCESS
Good credit is critical when it comes to obtaining the best interest rates and terms on a mortgage. This guide shows some credit do's and don'ts when looking for a mortgage loan and help with the approval process.

FIELD GUIDE TO THE BENEFITS OF HOME OWNERSHIP
Being a home owner is more than just having a roof over your head. Home ownership instills feelings of comfort, security, stability and pride. However, in addition to these important benefits are substantial social benefits for families, communities and the country as a whole. Here are just a few...

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN HIRING A MOVER
You've got your loan, selected your dream home and the keys are in your hand. Now it's time to make your move. These questions can help when looking to hire the best mover to help you make the transition to your new home.

IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE
FICO scores are based on specific credit history, with hundreds of inputs used to find your score. There are 5 main parts of your credit score. Learn what these are and how important they are to your home loan approval.

LEARN ABOUT FHA MORTGAGES
The Federal Housing Associate (FHA) helps to create homeownership opportunities. FHA–insured mortgages are one of the safest and most affordable types of mortgages available to homebuyers. Learn what FHA programs are available and how valuable an asset they are your realtor and you as a home buyer.

ARE MOVING EXPENSES TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Some moving expenses are tax deductible if you qualify under certain circumstances. Tolls, costs of starting and stopping utility services, packing and moving and more could be tax deductible. Learn what to look for to determine if your move could be a deduction.

OVERVIEW OF BUYING A HOME
There are several important steps in the home buying process. Here, each step is briefly explained to give you a clear overview to help you understand it a little better, and hopefully help make your home buying experience a pleasant one.

PRE-QUALIFICATION VS. PRE-APPROVED
Identify your property price range, and strengthen your bargaining power by understanding the difference between these two buyer tools. Some lenders offer pre-qualifications and pre-approvals. Here is the difference...

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL
It’s easy to get overwhelmed at the sight of the numbers and paperwork involved in financing a home. However, your long-term fiscal success hinges on being aware and informed on a few key mortgage facts. Here are 6 questions every smart buyer (or refi-er) should ask their mortgage professional before they borrow...

SAVING FOR A DOWN PAYMENT
Research has shown time and again one of the greatest hurdles to home buying is coming up with the, sometimes dreaded, down payment. Here are a few softer practical strategies to help you clear the hurdle and come up with the cash you need.

WHY WORK WITH AN ACCREDITED BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVE (ABR)?
You're ready to buy a home and you'd prefer to work with the most qualified real estate professional you can find to walk you through this complex financial transaction. Find out why working with a Realtor who is an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) gives you an edge.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A REALTOR
All real estate licensees are NOT the same. Only members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) can call themselves REALTORS®, which means they adhere to NAR’s strict Code of Ethics. Whether you’re buying or selling, find out why it pays to look for the REALTOR® logo when choosing your real estate agent.