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What to Know When Starting the Homebuying Process
Purchasing a home can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it’s your first time. Finding where to start can be difficult, so it’s important to have a general understanding of the process before embarking on your homebuying journey. We’ve listed a few things...
What Makes Interest Rates Rise?
To put it simply, interest rates are the cost of borrowing money. Interest provides lenders compensation for taking the risk of loaning money. Based on several factors, interest rates ebb and flow, causing varying interest rates at any given time. Last year, interest...
Savannah Housing Trends
Savannah was established in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe as the first city in the colony of Georgia. Currently, with a population of around 405,000 in the metro area—which includes Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham counties—Savannah is the fourth most populous city in...
What is the Mortgage Underwriting Process?
After a long search, you've finally found the perfect home for you! However, before you can officially call yourself a homeowner, you'll have to go through a few steps to finance your home. When you apply for financing, your lender will evaluate your credit and...
Pros and Cons of Investing in Rental Properties
Have you thought about investing in a rental property? If so, you're definitely not alone. Over the years, rental properties have become a popular and rewarding investment choice for many investors. Similar to any investment, however, there are certain risks...
The Current Mortgage Market with President of Coastal Custom Mortgage, Padraic Robertson
Does the news of current interest rates have you feeling confused unsure if it's the right time for you to finance a home? Padraic Robertson, President of Coastal Custom Mortgage, provides his expert opinion on today's mortgage interest rates and why prospective...
What are Conventional Loans?
If you're looking to finance a home, it's essential to understand which loan type best meets your individual needs. For most homebuyers, the conventional loan is by far the most popular mortgage option. Unlike other mortgage types, such as FHA, USDA, or VA loans,...
Mortgage Preapproval vs. Prequalification: What’s the Difference?
As you start searching for the perfect home, you'll likely hear that you need to be prequalified or preapproved for a mortgage before you can purchase a property. Prequalification and preapproval are types of mortgage approvals and refer to the steps a lender takes to...
What is a Warranty Deed?
Since purchasing a home is such a significant financial commitment, certain precautions are put in place to protect buyers and give them more peace of mind. One of these precautions is a warranty deed, an important legal document often used in real estate transactions...
Benefits of Purchasing a Second Home
Is owning a second home one of your financial goals? Whether you're dreaming of your very own getaway in your favorite destination or looking for a way to earn some extra income, there are several reasons you may want a second home. If the decision to purchase a...
Understanding Closing Costs
In addition to your down payment, there are other costs that you will incur as you purchase a home. Your closing costs, for example, are expenses you should be prepared for before you buy a house. Closing costs are paid during your real estate closing, the final step...
A Guide to Basic Mortgage Terminology
Buying a home, especially for the first time, can feel like a complicated process. If you are new to residential lending and looking to secure a loan for an upcoming home purchase, you may encounter some mortgage jargon that is unfamiliar to you. Though it may seem...