Home Improvement Loans: How to Find Quick Cash to Renovate Your House

Home improvement loans sound pretty sweet: Imagine, someone actually gives you money to fix up your house! It's not an impossible pipe dream. The post Home Improvement Loans: How to Find Quick Cash to Renovate Your House appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sk74LM

The Homebuyer Burnout Epidemic: Why House Hunting Feels So Hopeless Now—and When the Agony Will End

Across the country, homebuyers and their real estate agents—and even some home sellers—describe a sense of deep fatigue in this merciless housing market. The post The Homebuyer Burnout Epidemic: Why House Hunting Feels So Hopeless Now—and When the Agony Will End appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sk4btt

Tax Deductions on Home Equity Loans and HELOCs: What You Can (and Can’t) Write Off

Have a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC)? Then you'll want to know if this debt is tax-deductible. Here's what is, and isn't. The post Tax Deductions on Home Equity Loans and HELOCs: What You Can (and Can’t) Write Off appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sk2wqN

Spectacular Replica of the White House in Indiana Is the Week’s Most Popular Home

A lavish estate in Evansville, IN, designed to replicate the White House is this week's most popular home on Realtor.com. The post Spectacular Replica of the White House in Indiana Is the Week’s Most Popular Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjwzMf

The Crazy Way These Homebuyers Bought Their First House—and the Secret to Getting Rich Off Real Estate

Dan McDonald bought his first house by "house hacking," which involves renting out rooms or parts of a house to help cover his monthly mortgage—and make a profit. The post The Crazy Way These Homebuyers Bought Their First House—and the Secret to Getting Rich Off Real Estate appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjsCvh

Homeowners Reveal Their Secrets: ‘How I Snagged My Home!’

We asked real homeowners to share how they snagged their perfect house and gathered their top tips for you to use in your house hunt. The post Homeowners Reveal Their Secrets: ‘How I Snagged My Home!’ appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sjp6Zc

‘Westworld’ Star Thandiwe Newton Sells Her Gorgeous Mountain Retreat for $2.7M

The British star of "Westworld" has unloaded her Topanga, CA, home in the Santa Monica mountains, netting a small profit in the process. The post ‘Westworld’ Star Thandiwe Newton Sells Her Gorgeous Mountain Retreat for $2.7M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sjl5DW

The Great Slowdown: These Are the U.S. Cities Where Home Sales Are Down the Most

Rising interest rates put the brakes on home sales—cutting year-over-year sales in half. In some places, the slowdown is even more dramatic. The post The Great Slowdown: These Are the U.S. Cities Where Home Sales Are Down the Most appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sjj4ZR

5 Sweet Tax Deductions When Selling a Home: Did You Take Them All?

You may be wondering if there are tax deductions when selling a home. And the answer is: You bet! Here's a rundown of all the deductions. The post 5 Sweet Tax Deductions When Selling a Home: Did You Take Them All? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjgGpd

How to Make Money In Real Estate: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing

How to make money in real estate? Two main strategies. Either buy and flip, or buy and rent. Here are the pros, cons, and pitfalls of each. The post How to Make Money In Real Estate: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sjc5Hv

Buying a House Remodeled Without a Permit? Here’s What You’re on the Hook For

Buying a home with unpermitted work could leave you responsible for more than you bargained for. Read on to learn everything you need to know. The post Buying a House Remodeled Without a Permit? Here’s What You’re on the Hook For appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjYPW5

How To Calculate Property Tax: What Homeowners Should Know About How to Estimate Property Taxes

Need to know how to calculate property tax? It depends on your home and where you live. Here's how to calculate property taxes. The post How To Calculate Property Tax: What Homeowners Should Know About How to Estimate Property Taxes appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjVSH7

This Couple’s Brand-New Home Cost Less Than an Existing House: Why a New Build Is a Better Deal Now

Many homebuilders have too much inventory available. That means more bargaining power for buyers. The post This Couple’s Brand-New Home Cost Less Than an Existing House: Why a New Build Is a Better Deal Now appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjSPz3

How a Cosigner Can Help You Qualify for a Rental Apartment

A cosigner can be the difference between landing the apartment of your dreams and having to move on to that building that gives you the heebie-jeebies. The post How a Cosigner Can Help You Qualify for a Rental Apartment appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjQkv4

Teen Mom Chelsea DeBoer of ‘Down Home Fab’ Commits a Design Fail That’ll Make You Cringe—Take a Look

Former "Teen Mom" star Chelsea DeBoer and her husband, Cole, try their luck remodeling their first Craftsman house on "Down Home Fab." The post Teen Mom Chelsea DeBoer of ‘Down Home Fab’ Commits a Design Fail That’ll Make You Cringe—Take a Look appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjQPBD

Kirstie Alley’s Former Florida Waterfront Mansion Finds a Buyer

Kirstie Alley's estate is letting go of her Clearwater, FL, compound for $5,995,000. The home is pending a sale after just two weeks on the market. The post Kirstie Alley’s Former Florida Waterfront Mansion Finds a Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjPygp

Romance and Real Estate: 5 Stories of People Who Found Love When Buying a Home

Just in time for Valentine's Day, these stories of people finding romance around the real estate process prove that love can show up anywhere. The post Romance and Real Estate: 5 Stories of People Who Found Love When Buying a Home appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjP2P1

‘Late Late Show’ Host James Corden Lists His L.A. Mansion for $22M

Late night talk-show host James Corden and his wife, Julia Carey, have listed their  Los Angeles mansion for $22 million. The post ‘Late Late Show’ Host James Corden Lists His L.A. Mansion for $22M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjNcsK

Realtor for Rentals: Do Real Estate Agents Help Find Rentals?

If you've spent any time browsing rental listings online, you might wonder: Do real estate agents deal with rental properties? Here's what you need to know. The post Realtor for Rentals: Do Real Estate Agents Help Find Rentals? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjMTxM

Washington Commanders Owner Dan Snyder Lists Maryland’s Priciest Home for $49M

Dan Snyder, owner of the Washington Commanders football team, is selling his Potomac, MD, mansion for $49 million—the state's priciest listing. The post Washington Commanders Owner Dan Snyder Lists Maryland’s Priciest Home for $49M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjM4jY

4 Strategies for Saving Money When Buying a House in Today’s Crazy, Unpredictable Market

Buying a home right now can be an expensive endeavor, but that doesn't mean your goal of homeownership is out of reach. The post 4 Strategies for Saving Money When Buying a House in Today’s Crazy, Unpredictable Market appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjLd55

The Housing Market Warms Up, but This Twist Could Plunge It Back Into a Freeze

Bidding wars have returned as homebuyers reenter the housing market. But this unexpected twist could drive the market back to a standstill. The post The Housing Market Warms Up, but This Twist Could Plunge It Back Into a Freeze appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjL9xx

Think Texture: 5 Decor Ideas From Instagram That Will Bring New Dimensions to Your Bathroom

Texture is the antidote to a room that's feeling flat and monotonous, especially in utilitarian spaces like the bathroom. The post Think Texture: 5 Decor Ideas From Instagram That Will Bring New Dimensions to Your Bathroom appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjFrzS

What Is a FHA 203(k) Loan? Benefits, Requirements, and How It Works

What's an FHA 203(k) loan, and are you 203(k) eligible? No, it's not a fancy new term for a retirement account. This could help you renovate a new home! The post What Is a FHA 203(k) Loan? Benefits, Requirements, and How It Works appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/SjCFTC

‘Fixer to Fabulous’ Takes the Barndominium Trend to New Heights You Must See To Believe

Surprisingly enough, Dave and Jenny Marrs have never remodeled an old barn into a barndominium on their HGTV show, "Fixer to Fabulous"—until now. The post ‘Fixer to Fabulous’ Takes the Barndominium Trend to New Heights You Must See To Believe appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj8Xg7

A New Chapter: Late Author Joan Didion’s NYC Apartment Is Listed for $7.5M

The Manhattan apartment, where “new journalist” Joan Didion lived and wrote, is on the market for the first time since her 2021 death. The post A New Chapter: Late Author Joan Didion’s NYC Apartment Is Listed for $7.5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj8XVZ

Don’t Put Off This Common Home Repair —It Could Save You $100 or More a Year

Given the average cost of water, home leaks add up to $100 or more in unnecessary water costs for the average homeowner. The post Don’t Put Off This Common Home Repair —It Could Save You $100 or More a Year appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj8XQP

Homes for Less Than $200K?! Yes, They Do Exist—and Here Are the Cities Where You Can Find the Most

There are still plenty of affordable homes on the market, if you know where to look. These metros have the most homes for sale under $200,000. The post Homes for Less Than $200K?! Yes, They Do Exist—and Here Are the Cities Where You Can Find the Most appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj8XFl

Noisy Fridge? What Those Sounds Mean (and When to Call a Pro)

We spoke with two fridge experts who discussed some of the most common refrigerator noises you might hear, what they might mean, and when to call in a pro to take a look. The post Noisy Fridge? What Those Sounds Mean (and When to Call a Pro) appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj5p6N

Fired Texas Basketball Coach Chris Beard Lists Austin Home for $5M

After a recent arrest, the former University of Texas Longhorns coach is moving on from Austin. Check out the home Chris Beard is unloading. The post Fired Texas Basketball Coach Chris Beard Lists Austin Home for $5M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj31Pg

A Tale of 2 Housing Markets: Why Some Homes Still Cause Heated Bidding Wars While Others Sit Unsold

Forget the housing slowdown. Real estate agents are reporting that bidding wars never really stopped for these kinds of homes. The post A Tale of 2 Housing Markets: Why Some Homes Still Cause Heated Bidding Wars While Others Sit Unsold appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Sj16HP

Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor: What’s the Difference?

Real estate professionals go by different names. Sometimes consumers use these titles interchangeably, but there are some important differences between these roles. The post Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/ShwQTJ

Unlocking the Secrets of FICO Scoring: What Home Buyers Need to Understand About the 3 Biggest Factors

Are you curious about what FICO scoring is and how it affects your ability to buy a home? Look no further! This article will reveal the three biggest factors of FICO scoring and how you can unlock the secrets of this mysterious system. So, get ready to get your home buying journey off to a great start and understand the ins and outs of FICO scoring. Let's get started!

Understanding Credit History: How the FICO Score Analyzes Your Financial Past (FICO Score, Credit History)

Ever looked at your FICO score and wondered what mysteries it holds? Well, here's the lowdown on how the FICO score analyzes your financial past.

FICO stands for Fair Isaac Corporation, a company that developed the scoring system that lenders use to assess how creditworthy a person is.

Your credit history is one of the most important factors that determine your FICO score. It includes information such as how much you owe, your payment history, and any collection accounts.

The FICO score looks at your credit history over the past two years and calculates a score based on this information.

The score is based on five categories: payment history, amount of debt, length of credit history, types of credit used, and new credit inquiries.

Payment history is the most important factor in determining your FICO score. It looks at whether you have been making timely payments on your accounts.

The amount of debt you are carrying is another important factor. Lenders want to know that you can manage your debt responsibly.

The length of your credit history is also taken into account. Generally, the longer you have been using credit, the better.

The types of credit you use are also important. A variety of credit accounts, such as installment loans and credit cards, can help your score.

Finally, new credit inquiries can affect your score. Too many inquiries in a short period of time can be a red flag for lenders.

Payment Habits: The Clue to Unveiling Your FICO Score

Payment habits are like the Rosetta Stone when it comes to deciphering your FICO score.

Your payment history makes up 35% of your FICO score, so it's important to make sure you're paying your bills on time.

If you're going to be late on a payment, make sure you contact your creditor and let them know. That way, you won't get dinged for being late.

If you have a history of missed payments, make sure you get back on track. The quicker you can make up for past mistakes, the better your FICO score will look.

Remember: Your payment history is like a report card. It tells creditors how reliable you are with your finances.

Payment habits can be the difference between a good and bad FICO score. Make sure you understand the importance of payment history and how it influences your credit score. It pays to be diligent with your payments!

Credit Utilization Rate: What Is the Optimal Ratio for Your FICO Score? (FICO Score, Credit Utilization)

Are you trying to unlock the secrets of FICO scoring and get your optimal credit utilization rate? Well, you’re in luck! We’re here to give you all the information you need to get your credit utilization rate where it needs to be.

First off, what is credit utilization? It’s basically a ratio that measures how much of your available credit you’re using. For example, if you have a $1000 credit limit, and you’ve used $500, your credit utilization rate is 50%.

So what is the optimal credit utilization rate for your FICO score? According to experts, you should aim to keep your credit utilization rate under 30%. That means if you have a $1000 credit limit, you should only be using $300 or less.

But don’t worry if you’re over that 30% mark - it’s not a deal breaker. But it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re looking to get your FICO score up.

Impact of Length of Credit History: How Long Does It Take to Build Credit? (FICO Score, Credit History)

FICO Score: Wondering how long it will take to build credit? FICO score is one of the three biggest factors in determining your credit score, and it takes time to build a solid credit history. But don't worry – it doesn't take as long as you might think!

Credit History: Believe it or not, you can actually start building a credit history in 6 to 12 months. You don't need to wait years and years to get the credit score you want! All you need is a steady source of income, a few credit accounts, and the discipline to make all your payments on time.

Time: It takes time to build a strong credit history, and in the meantime, you can start by taking small steps like making regular payments on your credit accounts. This will help show lenders that you are creditworthy and that you are committed to using credit responsibly.

Tips: Here are a few tips to help you build your credit:

1. Set up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment.
2. Keep your credit utilization ratio low by paying off your balances in full each month.
3. Sign up for a credit monitoring service to stay on top of your credit score.

Building credit doesn't have to be a long and arduous process. With the right knowledge and a few simple steps, you can start building a great credit history in no time!

Strategies for Improving Your FICO Score: Tips for Home Buyers

We know what you're thinking: "Great, now I have to study FICO scores? That's the last thing I need!". But don't worry, improving your FICO score doesn't have to be a drag. In fact, we've got some tips that'll have you on your way to those higher home-buying scores in no time.

• Pay your bills on time! Late payments can really ding your score, so make sure you're staying on top of due dates.
• Keep your credit utilization low. That means don't use too much of the credit you have available. It's generally recommended to keep it under 30% of the total amount.
• Don't open too many accounts! Every time you open a new credit account, it can have a negative impact on your score. So limit the number of accounts you open.
• Check your credit report regularly. That way you can dispute any errors you find or take steps to correct any negative items.
• Utilize credit cards wisely. Don't spend more than you can afford to pay off and make sure you keep up with payments.

Improving your FICO score doesn't have to be a mystery. With these tips, you'll be on your way to higher home-buying scores in no time. Good luck!

Conclusion

So there you have it: the three biggest factors in FICO scoring and how to unlock the secrets of your own credit score. Sure, it can be confusing and intimidating to figure out, but with a bit of knowledge, some patience and a sprinkle of good luck, you can get your credit score on the path to greatness. Just remember, home buying is an exciting adventure and it's important to understand FICO scoring in order to ensure you have the best possible experience. Good luck!

 

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Understanding Their Role in the Mortgage Market

What is Fannie Mae? What is Freddie Mac? These government-sponsored enterprises are responsible for helping homebuyers obtain mortgages. The post Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Understanding Their Role in the Mortgage Market appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Shsr2W

The Real Estate Commission: How Much Are Realtor Fees?

How much do real estate agents charge when they help you buy or sell a home? Here's more on the average Realtor commission. The post The Real Estate Commission: How Much Are Realtor Fees? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Shpz5X

What Is a Foreclosure? 4 Crucial Elements Homeowners Must Know

What is a foreclosure? When homeowners fail to pay their mortgage for an extended period, the lender takes possession of the home. The post What Is a Foreclosure? 4 Crucial Elements Homeowners Must Know appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
http://dlvr.it/Shm4JB