General home improvement projects don’t usually help homeowners when tax time rolls around. But there are a few home improvements that entitle homeowners to tax breaks. With a few weeks left in the year, you still have some time to make a few tax-saving home improvements. So check out the ideas below. Keep in mind: if you want to claim the tax credits for this year, you’ll … [Read more...] about 3 home improvements that can lower your tax bill
taxes
4 Homebuying Tips for Tipped Employees
Plenty of people rely on tips for some or all of their income. In fact, millions of Americans work in the kinds of service and hospitality industry jobs that have traditionally relied on tips for compensation -- and that number is expected to increase in the coming decade. You might think that buying a home is just for people with desk jobs and salaried gigs. But that’s not the … [Read more...] about 4 Homebuying Tips for Tipped Employees
Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Insurance
Putting together enough money for a down payment on a home isn't easy. For many people—and especially for many first-time homebuyers—scraping together the traditional 20% down payment may feel next to impossible. Luckily, would-be homeowners without loads of money for a down payment have other options. Mortgage insurance makes homeownership possible for folks who don't have … [Read more...] about Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Insurance
Don’t Wait: Five Good Reasons to Buy a Home in 2017
Homeownership is a dream for many Americans. 2017 might just be the year to make that dream a reality and finally buy a home. If you’ve been on the fence about it, here are five excellent reasons to consider becoming a homeowner this year. Interest rates are still low, but starting to rise Mortgage interest rates have been at or near historic lows for the last few … [Read more...] about Don’t Wait: Five Good Reasons to Buy a Home in 2017
Do you Understand Your Monthly Mortgage Bill?
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t read your monthly mortgage statement too carefully. Perhaps you double-check the statement from your mortgage lender for the exact dollar amount due when it’s time to write out the check for your mortgage payment each month. But if you’re a little fuzzy on what all of the charges that show up on your bill are actually for, … [Read more...] about Do you Understand Your Monthly Mortgage Bill?
