Mortgages
10’000 Hours/Getty Images Key takeaways The mortgagee clause is a provision in a homeowners insurance policy that protects the mortgagee — aka the lender — from financial loss if the mortgaged property is substantially damaged or destroyed. Many mortgage lenders require borrowers to have a homeowners insurance policy with a…
Mortgage rates are at their lowest levels of the year, with the average cost of a 30-year mortgage retreating to 6.63 percent as of Aug. 6, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Yet, today’s rates still feel high, especially for the many Americans who long for the days of…
Key takeways More homesellers may incur a capital gains tax on their proceeds, the National Association of REALORS warns, due to the dizzying rise in home equity stakes over the last few years – and no changes to exemption limits. Even with the increase, though, it’s unlikely that more than…
I used to think saving was about willpower. Cut back, stay disciplined, stick to the plan. Then I started working for a bank and started paying closer attention to my statements. I noticed numerous small transactions being deducted from my account for services that I rarely or never used. It…
Key takeaways You can make your mortgage payment through your lender’s website or mobile app, in person at a branch location or by calling them. If you’re worried about remembering to make payments each month, setting up automated withdrawals can be a good solution. There are options for paying off…
Key takeaways Many lenders offer no-closing-cost mortgages, meaning you don’t need to pay the closing costs upfront when you buy a new home. Instead, closing costs are rolled into the loan balance or compensated for in the form of a higher interest rate. On the plus side, no-closing cost mortgages…
Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, America First Credit Union, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Apple Bank, Arvest Bank, Axos Bank, Banesco USA, Bank of America, Bank of Hope, Bank5 Connect, BankPurely, BankUnited Direct, Barclays Bank, Bask Bank, BMO Alto, BMO Bank, Boeing Employees’ Credit…
Key takeaways Time and again, research shows that comparison-shopping for a mortgage lender can help you obtain the best possible loan terms. Compare at least three offers. Before you apply for preapproval, research the rate you’re likely to get for a mortgage and a handful of lenders you might like…
Key takeaways Last year’s lawsuit regarding agent commissions has resulted in many home listings being purposely kept off the MLS and exclusive to a specific brokerage. Proponents of this strategy say it maintains sellers’ privacy and gives them important marketing advantages. Opponents think that keeping a listing from prospective buyers…
Key takeaways The Amex trifecta is comprised of the American Express® Gold Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. Owning all three cards can help you maximize your spending and enjoy thousands of dollars in statement credits and other card…
