Investment Property Down Payments: How Much Will You Need?

Investing in real estate is a great way for someone to diversify his or her assets; however, there is a common hurdle that almost all real estate investors face. This comes in the form of a down payment.  It can be a challenge for someone to come up with enough cash to fund the down payment on a home or piece of land, let alone multiple properties. At the same time, how big of a down payment does someone really need? There are a few factors that someone is going to need to consider. The Conventional Mortgage There are plenty…
Read More

Green Energy Tax Credits For Home Improvement & Energy Efficiency

Many individuals and families are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. Running the heater during the winter and the air conditioner during the summer can have significant impacts on someone's energy consumption and costs. It should come as no surprise that many people are trying to reduce their HVAC usage to save money; however, there is a better way. Individuals and families can permanently reduce their fossil fuel usage and carbon footprint by investing in home improvements. Better yet, local, state, and even the federal government wants everyone's home to be more environmentally conscious, or "green." Many utility companies…
Read More

4 Things To Do Before Co-Signing A Mortgage For Your Child

It can be hard to convince a lender that a young person is ready to buy a house. There may not be a long credit history, a lack of assets might make it hard to fund a down payment, and the buyer's age can cause banks to hesitate. One of the ways for parents to help with this process is to co-sign on the mortgage. Before doing this, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. Look At Your Own Qualifications Remember that co-signers are going to go through the same vetting process as the primary borrower. This…
Read More