Taxes. No one likes them but everyone pays them. And the beginning of a new year means it’s time once again to gather documents and receipts in preparation for the April tax filing deadline! For homeowners this means being prepared with some specific documents in addition to the usual tax statements from employers, banks and stockbrokers. Keep an eye out for the items below in your mailbox (or email inbox if you opted for electronic statements) and set them aside for your tax preparer! Read More “Paperwork Homeowners Need To Prepare For Tax Time” →

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is often thought of as a “necessary evil.” It protects the lender and helps you purchase your home, but, it’s an added monthly expense that you will likely be anxious to get rid of as soon as possible. So, how do you eliminate monthly mortgage insurance? Below are some options to consider.

Read More “Eliminate Mortgage Insurance Faster and Save” →

The financial markets reacted to the initial uncertainty surrounding the Trump Administration with a post-election uptick in mortgage rates. Despite the recent increase, interest rates are still lingering near historic lows. But, how long will the low rates last? According to a recent Zillow article, “This dramatic rate spike might level off near-term, but don’t count on a reversal back to record lows.” If the economy continues to gather momentum and inflation picks up, chances are good that the Fed will increase rates at the final policy meeting of the year in mid-December. There’s still time to act on low rates before another increase and a rate lock can help ensure that you don’t miss an opportunity! Here’s what you need to know:

Read More “What You Need To Know About Locking A Rate” →