by Kathy Kohler | Sep 7, 2021 | Buyer Tips, Financial
Prequalified vs. Preapproved: What’s the Difference? The difference between preapproval and prequalification can depend on the creditor and the type of loan or credit card—some creditors may even use the terms interchangeably. In either case, a creditor has done an...
by Kathy Kohler | Oct 22, 2020 | Buyer Tips, Selling Tips
Contingencies are a common occurrence in real estate transactions. They simply mean the sale and purchase of a house will only happen if certain conditions are met. The offer is made and accepted, but either party can bow out if those conditions aren’t satisfied. Most...
by Kathy Kohler | Sep 27, 2019 | Buyer Tips
Here’s a checklist of things to remember to get ready to buy a home. Check your credit score Do not pass “Go,” do not start browsing homes until you have checked your credit score. This is the number that mortgage lenders will look at to determine...
by Kathy Kohler | Feb 11, 2019 | Buyer Tips
How much house can I afford? When buying a home, most mortgage lenders require a down payment between 3 percent and 20 percent of the home’s price. Some loans may have a lower threshold, but down payments below 20 percent will mean paying for private mortgage...
by Kathy Kohler | Jan 22, 2019 | Buyer Tips, new construction
If you’ve chosen to build your dream home rather than buy an existing one, it may surprise you to learn that you won’t be getting a traditional mortgage. Instead, you’ll likely get a construction loan. Not all banks or lenders offer construction...
by Kathy Kohler | May 14, 2018 | Buyer Tips
When searching the market for a new home, you’ll run across properties in several states of activity. What do you do when the home you’re interested in is marked as “contingent” or “pending”? What’s the difference between the two, and what are your options for making...