Mortgages & Financing

General Articles

10 Ways to Plan Ahead for a New House

There are many advantages to purchasing a new home: buyers are able to build equity, to enjoy the pride of ownership, and to obtain accommodation that is often larger and/or more luxurious than what is available to rent. Property has also proven to be a relatively safe and profitable investment in the wake of the technology stock plummet of 2000 and the Enron and Worldcom scandals.

If you are planning to buy a home within the next few weeks or months, preparing now can help you save time and money. When competing in a seller's market, being prepared may also give you an advantage over other buyers. Consider the following tips prior to beginning your home search.

Child-Proof and Kitchen Organization

To put the finishing touch on a great meal, you are ready to serve pie with whipped cream-not the stuff out of a can, but the real thing. Now where is that mixer you got for Christmas last year? Somewhere in one of these drawers or cupboards, somewhere.

Protect your Family with Life Insured Mortgages

You've invested a lot in your home. Fire and theft insurance covers the contents. What about protecting the people who live there, your family, with mortgage life insurance? This type of term insurance is available through most financial institutions. When the unexpected happens - make sure your home remains your family's home. Have the comfort of knowing that the amount you owe will be paid and your family can live mortgage-free.

Reverse Mortgages

What if you are retired and discover that your retirement income isn't enough. Or perhaps you need some money to pay for home care or to help finance a grandchild's education. The reverse mortgage may be for you.

Share Your ‘Castle’ for Fun and Profit: Buying a Bed and Breakfast

Beginning in Europe in the late 19th century, the bed-and-breakfast type of accommodation has spread across the globe. Bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs), which range in size from middle-class homes to stately manors and even castles, offer a pleasant, homey alternative to motels and hotels.