Mortgage

A property transfer, such as gifting a home or moving it into a trust, can trigger an alienation clause in your mortgage. This clause allows lenders to demand immediate loan repayment, demonstrating how the alienation clause can force you to refinance. While federal law provides exemptions for certain transfers (e.g., to a spouse or for […]

Appraisal gaps—where a home appraises for less than the offer—are more common in hot housing markets because prices rise faster than appraisers can match with sales data. With fierce competition, bidding wars push offers beyond appraised values, creating gaps buyers must cover. why appraisal gaps are more common in competitive markets Understanding how to handle

Considering appraisal gap coverage in your purchase offer can strengthen your bid in competitive markets where homes often appraise below sale prices. An appraisal gap clause ensures you’ll cover part or all of the difference, reducing risk for sellers. This clause is especially useful in bidding wars but requires careful budgeting. Learn when to use

Homeowners with negative equity face challenges with traditional refinancing, but specialized refinancing options for underwater mortgage holders exist. The FHA Streamline Refinance and VA IRRRL are excellent no-appraisal options for those with existing FHA or VA loans, respectively. Portfolio loans offer flexibility for strong borrowers, while a “cash-in” refinance can reduce LTV. For those unable

Are you wondering how that kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade will really impact your home’s value? If so, you’re not alone. appraisal vs assessment value impact Many homeowners, buyers, and real estate investors believe home improvements automatically increase their property value — but the truth is more nuanced. Home improvements affect appraisals and tax assessments

It’s a fair question—and one that every homebuyer, real estate investor, and professional should be able to answer confidently.  cost of title insurance and why it’s worth it Title insurance often doesn’t get the attention it deserves, yet it plays a critical role in protecting one of your biggest financial investments: your property. In this

Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding your real estate portfolio, or advising clients, understanding how your down payment impacts your Loan-to-Value ratio is essential. This one number—your LTV—has a major impact on your loan terms, interest rate, insurance costs, and even your approval odds. In this article, we’ll walk through the relationship between your

A short sale, selling a home for less than owed, offers an alternative to foreclosure but carries significant tax consequences and legal implications of short sales Forgiven debt from a short sale can be considered taxable income (CODI) by the IRS, though exclusions exist for primary residences or insolvency. Legally, homeowners face potential deficiency judgments depending

Automated Underwriting Systems (AUS) speed up mortgage approvals by analyzing credit, income, and financial data using preset rules. They offer fast, consistent decisions with minimal documentation, benefiting borrowers with straightforward profiles. benefits and limitations of automated underwriting systems However, AUS has limitations—it may flag complex or nontraditional cases for manual review, reducing flexibility. Understanding both

Preforeclosure is the initial phase after missed mortgage payments, offering homeowners options like selling or refinancing to avoid foreclosure, the legal process where the lender repossesses the property. The key difference between preforeclosure and foreclosure lies in ownership and available options; in preforeclosure, the homeowner still owns the property and has more avenues to resolve