Public Records That Can Harm Your Credit Score
Any public record on your credit report is a mark against you, but some are worse than others.
The three major credit reporting companies—TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax—use public records. Public records are the data and documents filed by federal, state, and county government. They are visible to the public by default. Keeping records public has the protection of the First Amendment because knowing the workings of their judicial system i...
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Home Loan
Your Guide to Common Mortgage Options
Learn about three mortgage options that are popular among first-time buyers.
Mortgage Refinance
Refinancing vs. Loan Modification
Refinancing isn't the only way to get new mortgage terms!
Reverse Mortgage
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You? Q&A
For certain people a reverse mortgage is a worthwhile loan product, but how do you know if you're one of them?
Mortgage Refinance
Refinancing a Mortgage When You Have Bad Credit
Everyone deserves refinancing options. Do you know yours?
Home Buying
5 Signs You're Ready to Buy Your First Home
Your go-to checklist for homebuying.
Mortgage Refinance
How Many Times Can You Refinance A House?
Learn more about refinancing so that you can take advantage of falling interest rates.
Household Finances
Mortgage Prepayment: The Surprising Savings of $100 Extra
Paying down your loan principal with a little extra each month saves you big money in interest and builds equity quicker.
Home Buying
6 Negotiating Tips for Winning When You Buy a Home
We are in a seller's market, but you can still get ahead of the competition with this expert advice.
Home Loan
Cosigners and Mortgages: What Borrowers Need to Know
A mortgage cosigner could mean better terms and interest rates for the primary borrower, but how is the cosigner affected?
Mortgage Refinance
Act Now to Avoid the Adverse Market Refinance Fee
Thinking of refinancing? Do so before a new fee goes into effect.
Home Buying
Mortgage Process Checklist
Ready to buy a house? Follow these 10 easy steps to secure your dream home.
Home Buying
How Home Buying Is Different Right Now
With interest rates that previous generations could only dream of and a low housing supply, the market is red-hot despite the chill over the rest of the economy.
Household Finances
The True Cost of Late Mortgage Payments
Learn about the cost and other impacts of missing a mortgage installment.
Mortgage Refinance
2 More Good Reasons for a Cash-Out Refinance—and 1 Terrible Reason
Convert equity to cash with a timely cash-out refinance, but if you don't have a sensible plan for the money you're better off leaving it in the home.
Home Loan
Here's Why Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Is So Important
A low DTI paves the way for a competitive mortgage.
Getting Started
Don't Make These 4 Common Mistakes of First-Time Homebuyers
As record-low interest rates battle with record-low inventory, you can benefit by learning what first-time buyers wish they'd done differently.
Home Loan
The Secret to Getting the Best Interest Rate
Do this to get a low interest rate so you can save thousands over the life of a loan.
Personal Loan
4 Good Uses for a Personal Loan—and 1 Bad Use
From debt consolidation to home improvement, you can put a personal loan to smart use.
Personal Loan
Cash for Whatever: Check Out Personal Loans
Personalized terms and lower interest than most credit cards make personal loans a viable method of getting cash fast.
