Why you should get preapproved now — BEFORE the house hunt

When you’re out shopping for a home, it’s essential to prove you’re the best buyer out there. Sellers and real estate agents will want to be assured of your qualifications and assets. So, to prove you’re a qualified buyer, a preapproval can be the secret weapon that...

How can you find a reliable realtor?

Arguably, one of the most important parts of house hunting is choosing a reliable real estate agent. Some people do choose to embark on the hunt or sell their house without professional support, but the process is complicated, so working with a realtor makes it much...

What’s the difference between mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders?

To buy a house, most people know they’ll need a mortgage. And many just assume that their current bank is the best lending option. But not so fast — there are thousands of lenders out there who may have better rates and deals for you. But how do you sort through them...

What you need to know about closing costs.

Just when you think you’ve saved up enough to put the down payment on your dream home (with maybe a bit more set aside for improvement projects), BAM — closing costs hit. They’re a routine part of buying a home, but many buyers (and sellers) may forget to account for...

Everything you need to know about your credit score when buying a house.

The credit score—something that can make even the most financially responsible adult quake in fear. This number can unravel important financial milestones, like buying a house or applying for a new credit card. These three little digits may seem like a mysterious,...

Wait—there’s more than one type of mortgage?

That’s right! Just like there are different varieties of houses (ranch, Cape Cod, colonial) there are different styles of mortgages. And just like one person may prefer a Craftsman home over a Tudor revival one, one mortgage type may work better for them than another....