Are you in the market for a new home? If you are considering a mortgage, you may be curious about mortgage insurance, commonly referred to as PMI or MI. Let's explore the topic of mortgage insurance, including how it works to reduce risk and how it benefits you as the mortgage borrower.

Home price growth slowed in December according to the S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index. Year-over-year home prices rose by 4.6 percent in December as compared to November's reading of 6.8 percent growth. Rising mortgage rates caused home prices to dip as potential buyers delayed home purchases and demand for homes fell.

Today, the housing market is more competitive than it has ever been in the past. You may have your eyes on your dream home, but how can you make it stand out from the crowd?

Selling your home is one of the most stressful things you'll ever go through and one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. However, there's a lot more to selling your home than just sticking a sign out in the front yard. Most likely, your home will need a little work before it is perfect.

Last week's economic reporting included readings on sales of previously-owned homes, the minutes of the Federal Reserve's most recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting, and weekly readings on average mortgage rates and jobless claims.

You are probably excited to close on your home, but you may have also seen that your interest rate might be a bit higher. If you are looking for a way to save money, particularly if you have a lot of work to do on the home, you might be looking for a way to reduce your interest rate during the first couple of years. One option is to perform a 2-1 buydown. What do you need to know about this option, and how do you know if it is right for you?

When you are considering purchasing a home , understanding the lending guidelines regarding a down payment is important. Here are a few key tips to consider:

If you are thinking about investing in real estate, you probably know it is a great way to diversify your investments. But, like any investment, you must make sure you choose your targets wisely.

Last week's economic news included readings on housing markets, inflation, retail sales, and data on housing starts and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published.

Have you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received other offers? Few circumstances can raise your stress level as much as finding yourself in a bidding war against another buyer. However, being unprepared by not having your finances in order can make the situation even worse.