When you buy a house, closing costs can be several thousand dollars. And coming up with the cash isn’t always easy. It makes sense to put closing costs on a credit card to avoid a sudden financial hit. But can you pay closing costs with a credit card?. Generally, the answer is no. Most mortgage … Read more
Paying off collections could increase scores from the latest credit scoring models, but if your lender uses an older version, your score might not change. Regardless of whether it will raise your score quickly, paying off collection accounts is usually a good idea. Although it’s possible that paying off a collection account will raise your … Read more
Hey there folks! If you’re sittin’ there wondering, “Can I avoid capital gains tax by paying off my home loan?” then you’ve come to the right spot. I’m gonna break this down for ya in plain English no fancy tax mumbo-jumbo. The quick answer? Nah, just clearing out your home loan ain’t gonna magic away … Read more
As a common strategy for estate planning, a family trust offers advantages and disadvantages. Most of the time, a trust is set up through your will. Its purpose is to help your family by protecting your assets and avoiding probate. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this type of trust. Family trusts can … Read more
If you are reading a review of the Centurion® Card from American Express*, it’s probably not for you. First of all, you can’t apply for the card—you need to be invited. The unique characteristics of this card, also known as the “Amex Black Card,” both in price and perks, are like no other. If you’re … Read more
If you have an emergency and can’t make this month’s car payment, you might be able to get some extra time by deferring the loan. Itll come at a cost, but it may be worth it to avoid the possibility of repossession. The thought of not being able to make your monthly car payment can … Read more
For millions of people, owning a home is a quintessential part of the American dream. But with so many young adults having outstanding student loans, the dream of homeownership can seem like an unrealistic fantasy. According to a 2021 survey released by the National Association of Realtors, 29% of student loan borrowers said their debt … Read more
Mortgage lenders consider factors like a strong credit report, steady income and employment, a savings buffer, an adequate down payment and the ideal loan type. Youve found your dream home and youre ready to make whats probably the biggest purchase of your life. While a lucky few can pay for a home with cash, most … Read more
Paying off collections could increase scores from the latest credit scoring models, but if your lender uses an older version, your score might not change. Regardless of whether it will raise your score quickly, paying off collection accounts is usually a good idea. Its possible that paying off a collection account will increase your credit … Read more
We’ll cover why credit scores matter in the mortgage process and how to maximize your score. A credit score isn’t the only deciding factor on your mortgage application, but it’s a significant one. It’s important to know your credit score and how to use it to get the best mortgage rate when you’re looking for … Read more