A recently released TransUnion survey shed light on consumer confusion when it comes to credit scores. In fact, nearly half of all consumers falsely identified rental (45 percent) and cell phone (47 percent) payments as those that directly affect their score; however, these are not regularly reported to credit bureaus.
Owning a home for the first time is exciting, but that excitement can fade quickly if faced with extensive (and expensive) damage. New homeowners often inadvertently cause damage that can cost thousands of dollars or more in repairs. The Home Book authors David MacLellan, George Wolfson and Douglas Hansen recommend steering clear of these common first-time homeowner mistakes.
Contrary to popular belief, Millennials think buying a home is a good investment. Checkout these numbers from Millennial home buyers in 2014.
Recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced new disclosure rules, which will go into effect this summer. While their activation is still months away, lenders are already weary that it will make the closing process much more complicated, and could possibly mislead consumers. “New disclosure forms for real estate transactions will completely change the homebuying process as it’s known …
Tax time is almost here and many people, when they see their tax bills, will be wondering what they can do to pay less next year. Buying a home continues to provide great tax benefits as well as other advantages for Americans looking to build wealth. Below, top-ranked national real estate expert and consumer advocate Rhonda Duffy shares 5 benefits …
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of buying your first home, but being a first-time homebuyer comes some unfamiliar territory. As a new homeowner, it’s important to understand the functionalities of your HVAC system to help you better determine when something is not working as it should be. “The HVAC system is the largest source of energy …
It’s rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even among those …
RealtyTrac recently released a Down Payment Resource (DPR) on the availability of down payment programs across the country. Out of more than 78 million U.S. single family homes and condos, more than 68 million (87 percent) would qualify for a down payment program available in the county where they are located based on the maximum price requirements for those programs and the …
Most couples share comfort, joy and faith, but how many share financial responsibility? One spouse usually takes the lead on financial matters and ignorance is not bliss for the financially inactive spouse. Life changing events, such as death, disability or divorce, can wreck havoc when the financially aware partner is gone.
