If you’d like to buy a house, you may think your first step should be driving by homes you’re interested in or visiting an open house. But the home buying process should start before you ever look at a single home. That way, you’ll be in the best possible financial […]

Once you pay off the debt, the lender owes you a document that would tell anyone looking at the title to your home that the mortgage or deed of trust had been released. (Dreamstime.com) Q: I recently paid off my mortgage and received a certificate of satisfaction from my lender […]

Let’s say you’re ready to buy your first home — but your bank account isn’t. If you don’t have the down payment money, loved ones are allowed to help. What a great holiday gift, right? But you’ll need what’s known as a “mortgage gift letter.” What’s a mortgage gift letter? If you […]

Buying a house is, even in the simplest transactions, never easy. It’s frustratingly bureaucratic. It’s stressful. But, if all goes well, it’s something you won’t regret. And if you just want to kick back in your new home and relax without a care, here are five things you should do […]

While car insurance is a must-buy, there are so many other types of cover available, it can be hard to work out which ones you really need – and even what you might already be covered for. Use our guide to ‘must-have’ and ‘do-without’ insurance to make an informed decision […]

The ultimate guide to buying a home in your 20s In your 20s, buying a home may seem like a pipe dream. You’re a recent graduate, you’re dealing with student loan debt, and you’re doing it all on an entry-level salary with no raise in sight. Though home buying might […]

If you’re looking to buy a house, you’re probably eager and excited. That’s fine, but just keep in mind that in this heightened emotional state, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and behave, well, not perfectly. This can lead to trouble since, just like anything else, buying a […]

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Q: I am almost 61 years old and single. I moved to Baltimore and would like to buy a small two-flat to live in for the rest of my days. I am able to pay cash, and I don’t need a mortgage. I recently read online that I am considered […]

Mortgage rates have plummeted this week to levels not seen in over a year, offering borrowers the chance to save thousands of dollars in interest costs over the life of a home loan. So if you’ve been thinking about buying a house or refinancing your existing mortgage to take advantage of […]