Beyond the mortgage: A guide to closing costs

Closing costs are the part of home buying that can surprise the buyer. They can be a surprise because either they weren’t planned for at all, they are high than expected, or both. It can be a bit of a shock to discover that the down payment you saved isn’t...

What is mortgage insurance and why do I need it?

-Mortgage insurance pays the lender a portion of the principle of the mortgage if the buyer defaults. Most lenders require mortgage insurance when the buyer pays less than a 20% down payment. The buyer pays the insurance premiums. "Mortgage insurance might seem like just another way for a lender to...