Articles
What additional monthly costs need to be paid when owning a home?
Private mortgage insurance costs may be a payment for which future homeowners need to plan. Also, homeowner's insurance, maintenance costs, HOA fees and so on.
How to fix an error on a credit report
Here's how to fix an error on a credit report. Errors make you look riskier to a lender, so protect your creditworthiness by correcting any mistakes.
Understand the loan-to-value ratio and what it means for a mortgage refinance
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for a refinance is determined by the amount borrowed compared to the current market value of the home.
Refinance checklist: Are you ready?
Find everything you need to make sure you’re ready to refinance: from determining your options with a free mortgage refinance calculator to important documents.
What is home equity and how can it be accessed?
Home equity is a home’s value after subtracting the mortgage from the market value. It can be accessed through a home equity loan, HELOC or cash-out refinance.
Getting pre-approved and why it’s essential to your home search
When purchasing a home, determining what you can afford to buy is a great place to start. Instead of looking at homes that are out of your price range, knowing how much y...
Loan Estimate 101: How to avoid hidden costs
When you're shopping for a home, a Loan Estimate is a handy tool, since all lenders are required to use the same Loan Estimate form, which makes it easy to compare your l...
7 steps to prepare for wildfire season
If we’ve learned anything from past fire seasons, it’s that wildfires can happen just about anywhere. And the time to prepare isn’t when you’re getting a Level 3 evacuati...
Best road trips in the Pacific Northwest
When you are ready to hit the open road, the Pacific Northwest will not disappoint, no matter where you venture. Between the volcanoes, the Gorge, scenic waterways and th...