While many home buyers and sellers are familiar with the home inspection that occurs at the beginning of the contract period, they may be less familiar with another inspection that can have an even greater impact on the home sale: the appraisal. The home appraisal looks at the property, both individually and within the context of its market, to determine whether it is being sold at fair market value.
Why the 20 Percent Down Payment Isn’t Always the Best Option
The 20 percent down payment on a conventional loan is one of those “everybody knows” items, as in “everybody knows you have to put 20 percent down.” In reality, however, there are a variety of down payment options available in the mortgage marketplace, and a 20 percent down payment may not be the best choice for your particular home purchase scenario. Find out what you need to know to determine the down payment amount that’s right for you and for your next home purchase.
The Difference Between a Recession and a Housing Crash
For many homeowners, the word Recession is practically synonymous with the 2008 mortgage meltdown. It brings to mind neighborhoods filled with For Sale signs and a massive foreclosure crisis. However, this is an artificial association based on recent history. If we take the long view of the economy, Recessions are generally no more likely to create significant housing downturns than any other movement in the economy.