Financial
Shared Equity Programs – Helping Buyers Put Down 20%
Down payment assistance is a hot topic in the mortgage industry right now, especially for first-time home buyers who struggle to provide a 20% down payment. Although a 20% down payment is not required, there are advantages to putting such a large amount down. Shared equity programs are an emerging resource in the mortgage market that help home buyers reach the
How Does the Tax Reform Effect YOU in 2019?
Just when you were starting to get comfortable with your annual chore of tax filing, things changed. The 2018 tax reform bill hit the scene. Over the past year, you’ve heard about updates ranging from tax rates to deductions . . . and your head is spinning. Not that you’ve ever loved tax season (who does?), but now you’re really dreading it.
What are Loan Limits and Why do You Care?
What are Loan Limits? A conforming home loan is one that meets, or “conforms” to, certain guidelines set forth by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Freddie and Fannie are government-sponsored enterprises that purchase mortgages. When a loan meets the purchasing criteria used by Freddie and Fannie, it is said to be a conforming loan. There are various criteria used to define
Watch Out for Budget Breakers this Holiday Season
As we head into the holiday season with the endless gift lists and sudden sales, emotional spending is at an all-time high. All of the sudden you look around, your budget is busted and you might have even spent your savings or gotten yourself into debt. Here are some emotional purchases that might make your holidays a little less merry:
How Do I Catch Up on My Retirement Savings?
When you’re in your 20s, you feel like you have your whole life ahead of you. The word retirement makes you think of a gated community, golf carts and grey hair. Who cares about that stuff? But something happens when you turn 40. Your body starts to remind you that you’re not as young as you used to be. In fact, my
How to Score Babysitting for Cheap
You and your partner NEED a night out. An adult evening away from the kids, just the two of you. Just one problem, your piggy bank is feeling a bit light and you don’t know if you can afford childcare for the evening. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve that date night out at
What Is the Capital Gains Tax?
If you make money on a home sale, you may have a tax bill coming. Selling your home and finding a new place to live can be exciting—especially if you anticipate making some money in the process. But as anyone who has received a paycheck knows, earning income and paying taxes go hand-in-hand. If you stand to profit from selling your home, you
