This article explains the four most common valuation methods used for real property transactions and how and when they are used. It’s important to note that the methods below are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Lenders, servicers, investors, and other professionals use one or more of these valuation methods, depending on circumstances and the type of transaction. Often, one valuation method is used to confirm or quality-check the results of another.

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By Barbara Pronin

While your credit score affects everything from your ability to buy a car or a home to how much interest you will pay on the loan, many people don’t know how these scores are calculated or what impacts them positively or negatively.

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By Dana Dratch

If you can afford it, it might be simple to pay off your mortgage earlier. But should you? That’s a complicated question.

Homeowners with low mortgage rates may be better off putting extra money in a Roth IRA or 401(k), both of which might offer a higher return than paying off the mortgage.

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By Kay Bell

You’ve found the perfect house. Interest rates are still low. There’s just one thing standing between you and your dream home: a down payment.

Don’t abandon your homeownership dreams just yet. Here are nine ways to come up with the cash for your new home.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards

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By Cheryl Knight

Buying a house is a life-changing process that requires lots of upfront financial planning.

When looking for a home, keep certain factors in mind, including your financial situation, types of available loans, your credit score, the price of the house and your down payment so you can navigate the process smoothly.

Your Financial Situation

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Today’s Ask the Expert column features Patty McNease, director of Marketing for Homes.com.

Q: How can staging pave the way for a better sell?

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Commentary by Mark Mathis 

As a real estate agent, you know a steady stream of leads is the only way to keep your business moving; however, many agents shy away from rental leads because they believe they aren’t worth the time or investment. The only tool that allows you to timestamp the lifecycle of a customer, rental leads can be a great way to increase your client list. The best part about rental leads is that most agents aren’t focusing on them, so it opens a new, untapped market. If you put these tips to the test and find your business thriving, you may have found your niche.

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As stated on this site, the first step of The Buying Process is to get your pre-approval. We are very excited to launch the Second Opinion program with our preferred mortgage lender, Preferred Home Lending (PHL).

The program is very simple. We want to make sure that you have the very best mortgage to meet your financial needs.  With this program, you can find out in three easy steps. 

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Before commencing a real estate rehab, it’s important for investors to first understand the intricacies of such an undertaking. First off, there are three categories of rehabs: personal rehab, rental rehab and a fix and flip. This is important for investor to comprehend, as each approach will differ in how profits are made, as well as the costs that go into the project.

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Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.7% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.0% over the next year.

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