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Aug 22
best and worst cities for first time homebuyers

The 5 Best and 5 Worst Cities for First-Time Homebuyers 

Buying a home for the first time is a huge deal. Looking for the perfect location for your first home can be extremely challenging, especially if you're not too familiar the best areas in which to look. Many first-time homebuyers often make the mistake of choosing the wrong location and get stuck... read more →
Aug 18
Hard Inquiry

How Long Do Hard Inquiries Stay On Your Credit?

Whenever you do something that requires pulling your credit report, such as applying for a loan, your credit report gets hit with an inquiry. Different credit inquiries can stay on your credit report for different lengths of time. What is a hard inquiry? A hard inquiry happens when a financial... read more →
Aug 17
the history of mortgages

The History of Mortgages: Roman Times to Today

While mortgages of some sort have existed throughout history, the current mortgage industry looks very different from the past. The ancient Hindu script, Code of Manu, condemns deceptive and fraudulent mortgage practices. The ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome created a market system for mortgages based on the ancient Talmudic... read more →
Aug 16

Home Inspection Checklist

After signing a contract on a home you just purchased, you'll need to have the home inspection completed. It's an opportunity to see what you're getting yourself into and a high-level overview of the home's condition. While home inspections can be exciting they can also be exhausting. The home inspection... read more →
Aug 16
garage door appearance

How to Make Your Garage Door More Attractive

When thinking of how to spruce up your home, concerns about the garage door rarely come to mind. However it can be very important for your home's overall curb appeal - a factor that plays an important role in your home's overall value. If your garage door is bland and... read more →
Aug 15

Changing or Rekeying Locks When You Move In

Changing or rekeying locks might not be the first thing on your mind when moving into a new place. In reality, this should be the first thing you do before moving in. It's likely there are other copies of the previously-used key. Changing the locks will protect you if any... read more →
Aug 15
things to keep in mind when moving

What to Keep in Mind Before Moving into Your New Home

Settling into a new home can be, paradoxically, both busy and relaxing, as you pack and unpack boxes before finally slumping onto your new couch. With some creative thinking, you can cut back on the stress of settling into a new home and streamline those busy moments. Other than packing,... read more →
Aug 15
NJ property tax rates

Connecticut Property Tax Rates (by county)

Homeowners in Connecticut pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. The average effective property tax rate is around 1.83%, which ranks as the eight highest tax rate among all the states. The property taxes are also entirely administered by cities and towns. Homeowners deal directly with local... read more →
Aug 14
fha loans vs usda loans

FHA Loans vs USDA Loans

Different loan programs target different buyers. A mortgage application assesses many aspects of your financial situation, such as your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, household income, and your own loan preferences. It is always recommended to stay informed on the types of loans available to you. Two popular loan types are... read more →
Aug 14
escape room

Garden State Home Loans Team Conquers The Escape Room

Thursday, August 10th, started off like a normal work day at Garden State Home Loans. Then it turned into a fun and enjoyable team building evening. The fun started at 4 pm with refreshments at the office. Two hours later, the party continued at the Amazing Escape Room in Cherry Hill,... read more →
Aug 11
NJ property tax rates

NJ Property Tax Rates (by county)

Here's a list of NJ property tax rates. The local government in New Jersey administrates all property taxes and the property tax rates which vary by county. The table below shows the average effective property tax rate for each county in New Jersey. County Average Effective Property Tax Rate Atlantic... read more →
Aug 11
how to keep the house cool

Keep Your House Cool Without Breaking the Bank

During the hot summer months, you may be tempted to crank up your air conditioning. However, this results in high energy bills. One inexpensive strategy to stay cool is opening windows. Here are a few low cost tips and tricks to cool down your home during the hot summer months.... read more →
Aug 11
home inspection vs home appraisal

Home Appraisals vs Home Inspections

During the home buying process, home appraisers and home inspectors are both crucial when evaluating a home. For a buyer, a home appraisal, conducted by a person called a home appraiser, is required before approving customers for a loan. A home inspection, conducted by a home inspector, examines the property's... read more →
Aug 10
NJ property tax rates

PA Property Tax Rates (by county)

In Pennsylvania, Property taxes vary greatly from different area. Property taxes are administrated ate the county level in Pennsylvania and each county has its own system for determining assessed value. Here we use the average effective property tax rate which is equal to the annual property as a percentage of... read more →
Aug 10
Music Mortgage

Music to Listen to When Applying for Your Mortgage

The home buying process is a fun and exciting time, however it requires time and focus. Consider listening to music during the mortgage application process. According to research at Johns Hopkins Medicine, music impacts emotions, motivation, reduces anxiety, improves mental alertness, and memory. Find the right genre for you during... read more →
Aug 09
FHA Loan vs Conventional loan

FHA Loans vs Conventional Loans: Comparing the Two

When purchasing a new home, it is important to consider multiple types of mortgage loans. The mortgage application process considers many aspect of your financial situation such as credit score, income, loan preferences, and debt-to-income ratio. Two popular loan options are FHA loans or conventional loans. Both loans assist borrowers... read more →
Aug 08
first-time homebuyer questions

6 Common First-Time Homebuyer FAQs

When purchasing a home, there are many elements to consider during the mortgage process. Below are a few frequently asked questions first-time homebuyers are asking. 1) What homes can I afford? Can I afford a mortgage? Before starting the home buying process, examine your financial situation for possible homeownership opportunities.... read more →
Aug 08
Airbnb and investment properties

Investment Properties for Airbnb: Earnings & Risks

Investment Properties & Airbnb: An Overview In 2016, about 65% of Americans went on vacation (for at least 1 day). People are traveling fairly often all throughout the country, but sometimes you can't always find a cheap or desirable hotel where you're vacationing. Additionally, staying in a hotel means you're... read more →
Aug 08
VA loans benefits

Benefits of a VA Loan

The Veteran's Administration loans, or VA loans, are a home-mortgage option available to veterans, current or former members of the national guard, an active reserve member, or a surviving spouse in the United States. They are issued by qualified lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There... read more →
Aug 08
3d printed house

3D Printed Homes in Under 24 Hours

3D Printed Houses: An Overview Since 2000, 3D printing as a construction tool has grown across the globe. Countries including China, Russia, Australia, and the Netherlands are big players in the 3D printing construction industry. The United States is also taking advantage of this technology with 3D printed buildings located... read more →
Aug 07
moving with cats

Moving with Cats: Some Tips & Tricks

Moving with Cats Moving can be a stressful process, especially for your pets. Keep an eye on your cat during this crazy time. Cats may be territorial and attached to their current home. When changing homes, cats may have very weird tendencies and reactions to the new environment.  Cats and... read more →
Aug 07

Mortgage Loan Documents Checklist with PDF

Mortgage Loan & Pre-approval Document Checklist (with PDF) Mortgage Loan Document Checklist PDF Download If you are house hunting and already have a shortlist of a few homes that you like, it may be time for you to get a head-start on gathering all your documents. If you have most... read more →
Aug 07
Trump mar-a-lago

House Next Door to Trump’s Mar-A-Lago sells for $8.9M

Owned by President Donald Trump, the Mar-A-Lago private country club is highly regarded as one of the best private clubs in the world. Mar-A-Lago is located in beautiful Palm Beach, Florida and is known as a playground for the rich. Living in this neighborhood is a luxurious dream come true.... read more →
Aug 07
thirty-year mortgage

When to Go with a 30-Year Mortgage

When purchasing a home, there are many important decisions to consider, especially decisions about the terms of your mortgage loan. One decision you must make is your loan's duration. There are a variety of options available, from 3 and 5 year mortgages to 10 and 20 year mortgages, but typically... read more →
Aug 07
first-time homebuyer myths

Debunking 5 Myths for First-Time Homebuyers

Purchasing a home is one of the most important expenses during a lifetime. For first time homebuyers, this process is exciting and stressful. While buying a home can complicated and intimidating, there is an extremely rewarding end result.  There are many myths surrounding the home buying process, it is important... read more →
Aug 07
mortgage post closing

What to Expect After Closing Your Mortgage

So, you finally closed on your new home. But, just as there was a closing process, there is a post-closing process. Many people are unaware of this step, as it is typically handled by the title company and involves clearing up discrepancies between documents. After closing, your mortgage file goes to... read more →
Aug 04
HomeReady Mortgage

HomeReady Mortgage: An Overview

What is a HomeReady Mortgage? The HomeReady Mortgage program is a loan option offered by the Government Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) Fannie Mae. This program provides prospective borrowers with both an affordable and educational mortgage experience. HomeReady mortgages offer affordable and cancellable mortgage insurance, as well as a low 3% down... read more →
Aug 04
rate-and-term refinance

Rate-and-Term Refinancing: An Overview

Refinancing can be a confusing and overwhelming process, as there are a variety of different options available to you. But don't fret, you're not alone in your confusion. Many people struggle to understand the complex differences between the many types of refinance loans. One type of refinance loan, rate and... read more →
Aug 04
DIY dog park

DIY: A Dog Park in Your Own Backyard

If searching for a home as a dog owner, you'll probably have to take your dog's needs into consideration at some point. One thing to keep in mind is whether or not there is a dog park in the home's neighborhood. A dog park can be a great way for... read more →
Aug 03
seller's market

Fewer Housing Options, Booming Housing Demand

Understanding the Seller's Market The basic theory of supply and demand impacts housing market. As people are pursuing homeownership, there are less housing options available. Our country is currently facing a short supply of houses, leaving sellers in the driver's seat. Housing prices are increasing due to low supply from... read more →
Aug 03
15 year mortgage

15-Year Mortgages: What to Know

An overview of the 15-year mortgage When purchasing a home, it is vital to research a variety of mortgage options. Consider a 15-year mortgage. Although 15-year mortgages are not as common as 30-year mortgages, both plans offer great opportunities for home buyers.  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, only 5%... read more →
Aug 02
cash out refinance

Cash-Out Refinancing: An Overview

If you're looking to refinance your mortgage, there are different options available for you to choose from. One option is cash-out refinancing. Cash-out refinancing allows homeowners to tap into the equity of their home and get cash back in return. This is done by refinancing your home with a loan... read more →
Aug 02
mortgage myths

Mortgage Myths: Common Misunderstandings and Gimmicks to Ignore

Buying a home is an important decision, both financially and personally. You need to properly manage your finances in order to accommodate a home purchase and devote time to finding the lender that's right for you. Because purchasing a home and applying for a mortgage can be so complex, there is... read more →
Aug 02
first time home buyer definition

What Qualifies Someone as a First Time Home Buyer?

How do I know if I qualify as a first time home buyer? The qualifications for first-time home buyers are broader than perceived. According to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), there are many factors considered to qualify as a first time home buyer. The following criteria are qualifications to be... read more →
Aug 01
buying condominium guide

Tips for Purchasing a Condo

Hunting for a new home can be an exciting and stressful time. Before settling on a new home, consider factors such as mortgage payments, post-closing costs, school districts, and local shopping complexes in your home purchasing process. A condominium, also known as a condo, is an individually owned apartment in... read more →
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Jul 31
poor credit refinance

Is it Possible to Refinance a Mortgage with a Bad Credit Score?

Is it possible to refinance a mortgage with a low credit score? Answer: Yes. The downside, however, is that you will receive high interest rates and otherwise undesirable terms for the mortgage. Before thinking about refinancing or purchasing a mortgage, you should find out what your credit score is and... read more →
Jul 31
income declines after taking out mortgage

What If My Income Goes Down After Taking Out a Mortgage?

Income and Mortgage The thought of losing your home can be terrifying, especially if you've been doing your best to make your monthly mortgage payments. Life can take many twists and turns, and your financial situation may change from when you first took out a mortgage. If this sounds like... read more →
Jul 31
Water Damage

How to Identify Water Damage in Different Areas of a Home

Water damage can be difficult to detect, and could even go unnoticed for months, but there are a few tell-tale signs that your home may be suffering from such damage. By keeping an eye out for any structural problems and regularly inspecting your home, you can avoid a dangerous escalation... read more →
Jul 31
banks vs brokers

Big Banks vs Mortgage Brokers

Banks vs Brokers With a variety of home-financing options available, purchasing a home is a confusing process. It may be difficult to find the best option for you. While looking into mortgage loans, consider big banks and mortgage brokers. Research advantages and disadvantages of both mortgage options before making a decision. The... read more →
Jul 31
student loans and mortgages

How Are Student Loans Taken into Consideration When Applying for a Mortgage?

Every year, millions of young adults continue their education by attending college. Although college opens many opportunities to pursue careers and interests, attending higher education may also result in large student loans lasting years. Federal Student Loans require 10-year repayment plans for all student loan borrowers. However, on average, student... read more →
Jul 31
breakdown of mortgage closing costs

A Breakdown of Typical Closing Costs

When buyers sit down to close on their home purchases, they will be presented with a long list of costs, made up of things like closing fees and insurance payments. These closing costs can get quite complicated— varying by location, property style, and loan type, among many other things. If... read more →
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