Depending on your financial goals, plans, and current age, the decision of whether to pay off your mortgage may be something that has crossed your mind. If you’re heading toward retirement, paying off your mortgage may certainly provide peace of mind. But, does eliminating the monthly payment actually improve your financial situation? When rates are as low as they are today, it’s worthwhile to carefully weigh the responsibility of a monthly payment against the rewards of having access to cash for investing and the pursuit of other goals. Living debt-free sounds great. But so does investing in your future. Here are some things to consider before deciding whether an early mortgage payoff is right for you.

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One benefit of owning your home is that you might qualify to borrow against it, and if so, the interest on your borrowing cost is tax deductible. A “home equity loan” can come in handy when you need funds for home repairs, debt consolidation, college tuition and more.

Read More “Accessing Your Home’s Equity: HELOCs and Second Mortgages” →

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In a competitive housing market, bidding wars are a sign that competition is fierce among potential buyers. While competition can be good news for sellers, for those looking to buy, it may cause dilemmas once it’s time to submit an offer. In fact, a recent survey by Redfin found that competition is a top concern for buyers, second only to affordability. Buyers know they must put their very best offer on the table, with aggressive timelines and as few contingencies as possible. So, how does a buyer who is financing their purchase improve their chances of getting an offer accepted?

Read More “Advance Approval May Help Win Real Estate Bidding Wars” →

Qualifying for a mortgage can be more complex for someone who does not have pay stubs and a W2 form to verify consistent income. If you’re an entrepreneur with your own business and fall into this category, don’t worry—there are loans for you. You just need to know how to navigate. I asked RPM’s EVP, Julian Hebron, to explain how specialized loan products serve the specific needs of self-employed home buyers.

Read More “What The Self-Employed Need to Know About Home Loans” →

There is no escaping it; debates, primaries and non-stop political rhetoric across all media channels. It’s 2016 and it’s an election year. And if you’re considering buying a home sometime in the next year, you may be curious about historical interest rate trends during the months before and after we’ve elected a new president.

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So picture this. You found your dream home, your offer is accepted, your target closing date is set, everything is packed, and you’re ready to move in. Then, BAM – you find out something has come up that will delay your closing. Or worse – cancel it.

Read More “How to Avoid a Mortgage Closing Meltdown” →

The concept of home is special to each of us in our own way, so shopping for a home can be emotional. Once you connect with a home that’s just right for you, emotions can run hot because that’s when you need to get the seller to accept your offer.

Read More “Can Your Home Purchase Financing Beat A Cash Offer?” →

Home ownership brings with it a sense of pride, accomplishment and responsibility. Being in your own home evokes a sense of peace and comfort. But, beyond these emotional factors, what are the more practical benefits of home ownership that can be realized during tax season?

Read More “Top 3 Ways Homeowners Save at Tax Time” →