Category: 1st Time Homebuyer
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First-Time Homebuyer CT: Common Mistakes to Avoid
So you’re thinking about becoming a first-time homebuyer in CT? Congratulations! The Nutmeg State is a great place to call home, with proximity to Boston, New York City, and Providence, Rhode Island, and more than 600 miles of its coastline hugging the Long Island Sound. While the wooded state is beautiful and filled with tons…
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Evaluating School Districts before Moving: Do Your Homework
A Comprehensive Guide to Evaluating & Comparing School Districts Clothing store jingles, parents and children stocking up on classroom supplies, traffic behind the yellow bus. These telltale signs can only mean one thing: back-to-school season is upon us once again. Moving to a new location can be an exciting yet daunting task — especially when…
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FHA Loan Down Payment and Closing Costs
Buying a home for the first time is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make — which is why it’s so important to learn about FHA loan down payment and closing costs. After all, becoming a homeowner is a massive investment, and the journey to homeownership includes all kinds of twists and turns —…
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10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in New Jersey
Are you thinking about becoming a first-time homebuyer in New Jersey? Purchasing your first home is an exciting milestone for anyone, and if you’re considering making New Jersey your home — the state that gave us Bruce Springsteen, Jack Nicholson, and Frank Sinatra — it’s even better. Even so, buying a house for the first…
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FHA Loan Requirements Florida: Everything You Need to Know
Are you a Florida resident thinking about buying a home? An FHA loan may be just the financial vehicle you need. Homeownership is synonymous with the American Dream. In fact, three-quarters of Americans say that owning a home is a bigger sign of prosperity than starting a family, having a great career, or graduating from…
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FHA Loan Requirements PA: Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Pennsylvania but are worried that you may be unable to secure a conventional mortgage, an FHA loan may be just what you need to land your dream property. Since buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, it’s important to do your…
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Septic vs. Sewer: What Homeowners Need to Know
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about wastewater. But when you’re buying a new home, it’s a good idea to understand the essential role that wastewater management plays in maintaining a healthy, sustainable, and efficient living space. In fact, when it boils down to it, wastewater management is one…
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PMI Guide: Your Guide to Private Mortgage Insurance
What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)? Conventional wisdom says paying less for something like a car or computer upfront is better. But when it comes to real estate and homeownership, this doesn’t always apply. In some cases, paying more upfront can lead to substantial long-term savings. While it may seem counterintuitive to part with a…
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HELOC Guide: Everything You Need to Know about Home Equity Lines of Credit
What is a home equity line of credit? When you buy your first house, you typically have to save a boatload of cash — tens of thousands of dollars or even more — depending on your financial situation and the price of your property. It’s a big chunk of change, to be sure. But once…
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Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist
It’s an exciting time! You’re ready to begin the home-buying process by going house hunting and purchasing your dream home. Before you start packing boxes, however, you need to get your financial affairs in order. The first step in preparing to buy a home is getting mortgage pre-approval. To decide if you qualify for a…