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Figuring out how much of a down payment you need to buy a $300k house can be overwhelming. This guide will break down your down payment, income needs, and everything in between so you can start your homebuying journey with confidence. When buying a $300,000 house, one of the biggest questions homebuyers face is how … Read more

The length of time information takes to come off your credit report ranges from two to 10 years—or indefinitely if an account remains open. But that doesn’t mean it will have a long-lasting effect on your credit score. Also, if a negative mark is wrong, you can dispute it with the credit bureaus. A credit … Read more

Dealing with federal student loans can feel overwhelming. The interest that keeps going up, the monthly payments, and the years (or even decades) of debt that you have to deal with are a lot to handle. However, some good news is that federal student loan settlement options do exist, and there are several ways to … Read more

So, you’ve managed to get your credit score where you want it. You get that warm, fuzzy feeling of achievement as you see the credit rating dial swing way into the green. But then you apply for a credit card, loan or finance and you get declined. “What’s going on?” Don’t worry, we’ve got the … Read more

Opening your mail to find a notice from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is nerve-wracking enough, but if that notice shows you owe more than $10,000 in back taxes, it can be enough to trigger questions. You may find yourself wondering: Will they garnish my wages? Will they seize my assets? Is jail time a … Read more

Homeowners who have waited patiently to see if rates will go lower finally have their chance. Freddie Mac says that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate hit a new low of 2.5% during the week of January 6, 2021. This was the lowest rate ever recorded. 65%. Rates are still close to their lowest levels in … Read more

Here’s some good news: If you have a 696 credit score, you’re sitting firmly in what is considered the “good” range using both FICO® and VantageScore credit scoring models. And that could make it easier for you to qualify for a credit card or loan. But because 696 is still a bit lower than the … Read more

Mortgage lenders usually verify your employment by contacting your employer directly and reviewing recent income documentation. The borrower has to sign a form giving permission for an employer to give a potential lender information about their job and income. At that point, the lender typically calls the employer to obtain the necessary information. Most employers … Read more

Credit report items that lenders see as bad are called “derogatory.” These can be late payments, collection accounts, bankruptcy, charge-offs, and other marks on your credit report. This can impact your ability to qualify for new credit. A derogatory item is considered negative, and typically indicates a serious delinquency or late payments. Lenders see bad … Read more

Many banks don’t limit the amount of cash you can deposit. However, depositing more than $10,000 will subject your deposit to extra rules and regulations from the bank and the federal government. If you have a substantial deposit to make, know that holding more than $250,000 at the same bank—even in multiple accounts—may not be … Read more