Whether you’re exploring homes for sale in Uptown Charlotte or you’re searching for luxury homes for sale in Charlotte, you’ll end up hiring a home inspector to make sure the house you love is in good enough condition to buy. However, it’s important that you’re on the lookout for major issues like foundation damage so you don’t fall in love with a lemon. How to Spot Foundation Damage As you’re looking at Charlotte homes for sale, check out: Windows Doors Floors Walls and … Continue reading...
Are You Really Ready to Buy a Home?
If you’re a renter, you’re probably wondering if you’re financially ready to buy. Before you start browsing Uptown Charlotte homes for sale, ask yourself these questions. Are You Really Ready to Buy a Home? Buying a home is a big step, so ask yourself: Can you afford the additional costs? Do you want the responsibility? Would buying be a better choice? Can You Afford the Additional Costs? Buying a house involves more than just house payments, which may be lower than what you’re … Continue reading...
What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?
If you’re buying a house, you’ll most likely need to borrow money through a mortgage – and for many people, the right solution is a fixed-rate mortgage. But what is a fixed-rate mortgage, and why do some people choose them? What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage is one in which your interest rate stays the same over the course of your loan. Your interest rate won’t go up, and neither will your payments, so you’ll always know how much to budget, whether you have a 10-year, … Continue reading...
What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
If you’re thinking about buying a house, you need to know that there are several types of mortgages available for consumers – and one of them is an adjustable-rate mortgage. But what’s an adjustable rate mortgage, and why do some people choose them? What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage? An adjustable-rate mortgage (commonly called an ARM) is one in which your interest rate changes throughout the life of your loan. Usually, there’s a fixed-rate period (usually 5, 7 or 10 years) during which … Continue reading...
3 Fast Facts About FHA Loans
If you’re thinking about buying a home with an FHA loan, you’re not alone – millions of people use them each year. Here’s what you need to know about these loans, which are backed by the Federal Housing Administration. 3 Fast Facts About FHA Loans Buyers considering FHA loans need to know that: You don’t necessarily need a great credit score to use an FHA loan Your down payment could be as low as 3.5 percent Your closing costs might be covered by the seller, builder or lender FHA … Continue reading...
How to Tell When You’re Ready to Stop Renting and Buy a Home
Everyone wonders when they should make the transition from renting to buying. Whether you’re considering taking the leap to buying your first place or you’re completely sold on owning instead of renting, here are four signs that indicate you’re ready to stop renting and buy a home. You’re in a Good Place Financially This may be one of the biggest deciding factors. If you have good credit and some savings built up for a down payment then it’s a good time to purchase a house in this case. In … Continue reading...
What is Fannie Mae?
You have probably heard of Fannie Mae, especially in relation to the housing crisis, but do you know what Fannie Mae actually does? Fannie Mae, also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), is a government-sponsored enterprise that was created by Congress in 1938 to stimulate the housing market by making home loans more available to low- and moderate-income buyers. Fannie Mae is not a lender, so it does not provide or originate home loans to borrowers. Instead, Fannie Mae … Continue reading...
What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage?
Buying a house is a big adventure—and so is choosing the right mortgage. That’s true whether you’re buying a home for sale in Uptown Charlotte, a single-family home for sale in Mint Hill, or even a condo in another area such as South Park or Ballantyne. In some cases, an adjustable-rate mortgage is the right choice. What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? An adjustable-rate mortgage, unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, is commonly called an ARM. It’s a mortgage loan with an interest rate that can … Continue reading...
What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage?
Whether you’re buying a home for sale in Uptown Charlotte, a single-family home for sale in Mint Hill, or even a condo in another area such as South Park or Ballantyne, if you’re like most people, you’ll need to take out a mortgage loan to pay for it. Mortgages—and shopping for them—can be pretty complicated, particularly when it comes to choosing the type of mortgage that’s right for you. What is a Fixed-Rate Mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage lets you, the borrower, know exactly how much … Continue reading...
3 Great Reasons to Buy a Home This Summer
Whether you’re thinking about buying a home for sale in Uptown Charlotte, a single-family home for sale in Mint Hill, or even a condo in another area such as South Park or Ballantyne, there are three great reasons you should act now to stop renting. 3 Great Reasons to Buy a House in Charlotte This Summer In addition to pride in ownership—one of the biggest reasons people purchase homes—there are three terrific reasons to talk to a Charlotte Realtor® about buying your first house. Value … Continue reading...