Articles in ‘Real Estate’ 
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Couple Ways to Refi Without Fees
At a distance, refinancing your mortgage to score a lower interest rate and reap some savings makes all the sense in the world. But for many homeowners who qualify for a refi, the upfront costs, which can be anywhere from three to five percent of the new loan, is very discouraging.
The good news is there [...] -
Is It a Good Time to Buy a Second Home?
Most of the country – approximately 71% according to a recent Gallup poll – agree it’s a great time to buy a home, thanks to low interest rates, more inventory, the $8000 tax credit for first-timers and low prices. But what about a second home? Is that going too far, since the “new normal economy” [...]
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When It's Okay to Walk Away (From Your Mortgage)
I recently got an email from a distressed reader wondering whether he should stay or just give up and walk away from his home in Detroit, Michigan. His main gripe – like some eight million Americans – is that his mortgage is far more than the home is currently worth. So, should he just stop [...]
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Why (I think) It's Better to Own
For generations we’ve pledged allegiance to home ownership. Our parents, teachers and presidents told us it would be our ticket to wealth, prosperity and happiness. It’s partly why I bought a place in Manhattan five years ago. But that sentiment is, for obvious reasons, changing. Our recent housing debacle has erupted into a [...]
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Breaking Down Markets and Housing on MSNBC
It’s a quiet morning here, as I wait for my next live shot at MSNBC. I just got finished talking about whether the market’s rally will hold this week. I think we may see a pullback. At best trading will be in a tight range, with the markets closed on Friday for Good Friday. We’ll [...]
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Home-Account Gets More Moola!
I recently profiled an up-and-coming new mortgage company, Home-Account.com. Just recently the start-up received an additional $1 million VC funding! If anything it’s a sign that there’s still some money out there for new businesses that show promise.
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To Own or Not to Own?
A fab piece in the Boston Globe yesterday on why owning a home may not be all it’s cracked up to be.
For generations we’ve been taught that home ownership is a guaranteed ticket to wealth, prosperity and stability. Heck, it’s why I bought a place in Manhattan five years ago. But that sentiment is [...] -
A New Way To Lock in a Rate
A start-up web site called Home-Account.com plans to revolutionize the $11 trillion mortgage industry And consumers are eagerly signing up. One second at a time.
“We’re in a situation now where a lot of people are concerned about their mortgages,” says Robert Cringely, a co-founder and shareholder in Home-Account.com. “There’s a lack of information out [...] -
Reverse Mortgages 101
Attention strapped seniors: The reverse mortgage, a financial instrument that acts as a lifeline for some financially struggling retirees, has become a bit more accommodating under Obama’s stimulus bill. An HECM or Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (the most popular reverse mortgage and only one issued by Uncle Sam) now carries a loan limit of [...]
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Don't Waste Time to Prequalify
You’ve found a home you love. You think you can afford it.
What’s the first step to take now?
Get prequalified as soon as possible with help from a mortgage broker.
Traditionally you may have called your bank to get a pre-approval for a mortgage. But that’s gotten much more difficult. Banks are either [...]
