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Home Equity, Mortgages, Real Estate Top Stories
Round up interest rates
$21,400 reality check: annual cost of homeownership in 2025
Buying a home may be the American Dream, but owning it in 2025 comes with a large price tag. There are ongoing costs that many homeowners haven’t come. A new survey by Bankrate shows that the average US homeowner pays over $21,000 a year at hidden costs, with the largest chunks (almost $9,000) involved in home maintenance. See how your state is ranked.
What is your housing outlook for the second half of this year?
It’s hard to believe we’re in the middle of 2025. What will happen to the housing market in the next few months? Will it heat, cool, or crash? Bankrate experts make predictions.
Tap Home Equity during tough times
High equity interests and lower HELOC rates will make you want to unlock the value of your home today. But if the economy is heading for a recession – as it is increasingly likely, it could oppose the biggest assets. We analyze the conditions that make it a difficult move – on the contrary, a wise strategy.
Are you looking for a home? Start with your credit score
Your credit score will play a starring role in your home beating saga. The higher it is, the more likely you will get a lower mortgage rate. Unlock some secrets and strategies to increase your score in better conditions.
Mortgage lender shopping 101
If you’re a first-time home buyer, finding the right lender is a lot like dating. You will support your goals and will not surprise you with nasty traits later. Beyond the appearance of your APR, here’s how you can identify the best one for your financial future:
Does home equity help you get out of debt?
Home equity loans are a sensible way to repay outstanding credit card balances and other invoices, as they usually carry lower interest rates and longer terms than other funding options. But keep in mind that it’s not free money. And if you’re the default, the outcome will be disastrous.
Just in case you missed it
Technically, these stories have been released in the past few weeks, but they are still worth highlighting.
The impact of shortage of home equity payments
Latering over home equity loans and HELOCs may seem like a big deal at first. But the stakes seem empty. Unlike credit cards and personal loans, these products are supported by your home. This means that if you don’t make a payment, you could lose it.
Maternity leave and mortgage approval
Are you hoping for a mortgage with your kids? It is possible to get a mortgage while on maternity leave, but it involves a bit of extra paperwork and scrutiny from the lender. The key is to know your rights and the documents you need to keep your growing family and close your home on track.
Unlock your home’s value
Meet your financial goals with predictable payments with suspended home equity loans.
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