They’re just three words, but they carry a lot of swagger. “It’s my house.” That simple phrase has come to mean so much more as Americans have adopted home ownership as a national dream. It’s what we strive for and how we set our goals, giving us a tremendous sense of accomplishment when we’re handed…
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Purchasing Your Home? Check Your Credit
Research shows that people who plan carefully for big purchases, like owning a home, are less likely to run into financial trouble later. So if you are thinking about buying a home this year, let’s make a plan. The first step: Check your credit. It’s always a good idea to review your credit reports and…
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Buying a House after Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy doesn't have to be the end of the world. As time passes, and if you take steps to rebuild, you can be creditworthy again, even enough to qualify for a mortgage. But repairing your credit isn't the only issue you face. Depending on the type of mortgage you're looking for, the law…
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Home Ownership and Real Estate Development
By Tatyana Bellamy-Walker For New American households, buying your first home can be the pathway to stability. Many Caribbean immigrants first came to the U.S. during the early 1900s, bought brownstones in largely white neighborhoods in Harlem and Brooklyn, then anchored dozens of generations in the U.S. According to a report by the Migration Policy…
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Understanding Property Taxes
When budgeting to buy a home, there are more costs to consider other than your mortgage payment. While you should be able to comfortably afford your monthly obligation, make sure to plan for factors such as maintenance, insurance and property taxes. Depending on where you live, these expenses can be substantial. Your property tax dollars…
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