What Is Mortgage Insurance?

Like the video shows, mortgage insurance is a policy that protects lenders against some or most of the losses that result from defaults on home mortgages. Like home or auto insurance, mortgage insurance requires payment of a premium, is for protection against loss,...

Why Use A REALTOR®

A state license is required to sell real estate. But roughly half of those licensed take the additional step of becoming a REALTOR®. As we show you in this video, only members of the National Association of Realtors – NAR – are entitled to use that...

What Details Can I Ask Brokers In Advance?

This video tells you what any real estate professional would tell you. Ask them: How long do homes in my neighborhood currently stay on the market? How would you price my home? What data did you use to arrive at that price? How would you market my home? What...

How Do I Evaluate An Offer?

Well, as this story shows, there’s more to an offer than the price tag. Factors you should consider: Is this offer at, near or above my asking price? Are there clauses and additions in their offer that change the terms and final price substantially? How long...

What Is A Counter-Offer?

The video puts this in more visual terms, but basically, a seller can respond to a buyer’s offer with changes – a “counter” – that improves the terms. You need to put yourself in their shoes and construct a modified offer that you think...

How Can I Improve My Home’s Value?

Buyers generally seek the least expensive home in the best neighborhood they can handle. Like the guy in the video says, you want to present a home that fits in the neighborhood but doesn’t stand out too much. For example if neighbors are all 4 bedrooms, 3 baths...

How Do I Choose The Best Loan Program For Me?

The video puts this in more visual terms, but your personal situation will determine the best kind of loan for you. By asking yourself a few questions, you can help narrow your search among the many options available and discover which loan suits you best. Do you...

What Is RESPA?

RESPA stands for the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. This video tells you about it all. RESPA requires lenders to disclose information to potential customers throughout the mortgage process. By doing so, it protects borrowers from abuses by lending...

What Makes Up Closing Costs?

What you’ll see in this video is, there may be closing costs customary or unique to a certain locality but closing costs are usually made up of the following: Attorney’s or escrow fees (Yours and your lender’s if applicable) Property taxes (to cover...