Category Archive for: ‘Homeownership’
Becoming a Homeowner in 2012 is Within Your Reach
According to a recent poll hosted on the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) website, www.DebtAdvice.org, the American dream of homeownership is alive and well. When asked what they were most anxious to do if their financial situation were to improve, more than half, 51 …
New Changes to Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP 2.0)
Homeowners who have faced declining property values may be able to refinance their mortgages through the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). HARP allows borrowers who qualify to refinance into a more stable and affordable mortgage. Newly announced rules will allow more borrowers than ever to …
Thank You, Veterans, For Your Service
In honor of Veterans’ Day, Springboard would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our service members, both active and retired, and your families for your service to our country. We also wanted to take this opportunity to let all servicemen and women …
Has Your Home Declined in Value? The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) Can Help.
Many homeowners have continued to make their mortgage payments in full, even though their homes have lost value. In some cases, the property value has dropped so much that the homeowner now owes more than the home is worth. The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) …
Guide to Homeownership: 10- Beware of Predatory Lenders
If you are considering homeownership, you should be aware of various scams that predatory lenders use to prey on people who are either attempting to get their first home loan, or who are trying to save their homes from foreclosure. Here are some posts to …
Is Owning a Home Better Than Renting?
The question of whether it’s better to rent or own your place of residence is not one that can be answered definitively. The fact is, either option can be the right choice depending on one’s specific circumstances. Over the past few years of economic turmoil, …
Guide to Homeownership: 9- Maintaining Your Home
Making your mortgage payments on time every month isn’t the only obligation you have as a homeowner. In addition to taxes, insurance, utilities and other financial obligations, your home’s upkeep is also your responsibility. Former renters who are new to homeownership may be overwhelmed by …
Guide to Homeownership: 8- Getting Organized
Utilities Your first step as a homeowner is to have all of the utilities transferred to your name. Some services can be transferred without having to be shut off. If your closing went as it should, the seller will have paid off all utilities as …
Guide to Homeownership: 7- The Loan Closing
The loan closing, or settlement, is the final step in the home purchase process. The seller may not have to attend, but the buyer, a closing agent, and real estate agent will meet to finalize the process. The closing agent may be someone who works …
Guide to Homeownership: 6- Insurance for Your Home
Title Insurance One of the fees you’ll pay at the closing of your home loan is for title insurance. This insurance primarily protects the lender in case there are problems with liens or title disputes that affect the transfer of ownership. Usually the lender arranges …
