Mortgages
President Donald Trump offered two new proposals this week aimed at the stubbornly complex issue of home affordability. Trump on Wednesday said he would move to ban institutional buyers from the housing market. Then on Thursday, he proposed a mortgage bond program aimed at lowering mortgage rates. Will either achieve…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Credit card points are a type of rewards currency that you can earn in exchange for eligible credit card spending. To earn boosted points on your credit card, you’ll need to maximize bonus category spending, earn any available welcome…
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Key takeaways If you’ve been rejected for a checking account, you can request a copy of your banking records to see why. You can also look into second-chance checking accounts. These accounts are designed for those whose banking history may prevent them from opening a standard account.…
Key takeaways Loss of use reimburses expenses incurred when your home is uninhabitable after a loss. Pet boarding, parking fees, moving expenses and laundry services are just a few of the expenses loss of use may cover. Elective renovations and general maintenance are not covered by loss of use. If…
Luxury cars come with a higher price tag, but many drivers don’t realize that the same features that make these cars feel special can also bump up their insurance costs. Leather seats, powerful engines, and high-tech safety features are all expensive to repair or replace after an accident, and insurers…
Getting a DUI in Michigan can have lasting and costly consequences. Beyond fines and legal trouble, drivers will see their insurance rates increase when their policies renew — some drivers may even get dropped by their carrier. Average rate data from Quadrant Information Services shows that Michigan car insurance rates…
F.J. Jimenez/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Virginia drivers used to be able to circumvent minimum insurance coverage by paying a $500 uninsured motor vehicle (UMV) fee. However, this is no longer the case. Drivers are now mandated by law to carry a certain amount of bodily injury liability…
Cherdchanok Treevanchai/Getty Images Key takeaways Home insurance typically covers foundation issues caused by covered perils, such as fire and severe weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Exclusions to coverage may include wear and tear, neglect, faulty construction and settling or expansion of soil. It is important for homeowners to maintain…
Andriy Onufriyenko/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Credit card networks and issuers perform two distinct roles, though both can issue credit cards. Credit card issuers are responsible for card details, rates, fees and perks. Credit card networks may play a role in available card…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate A huge jump in HELOC rates to start the new year. The $30,000 home equity line of soared 59 basis points to 8.22%, as a major lender ended promotions, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark five-year $30,000 home equity loan dropped…
