Joliet Co-op (Lafayette Park)

Real Estate, Property Values and Homeowner Resources

FHA Loan Requirements Are Changing

FHA reform is changing the rules for securing an FHA-insured mortgage loan, but FHA loans still provide the best opportunity for those who don’t meet the requirements of a traditional home loan. By now...

Tags: Staff Pick – FHA Loan – Homeowner

FHA Mortgage Insurance

Buying a home with an FHA Loan? Putting less than twenty percent down? You will very likely be required to purchase FHA mortgage insurance. What Is FHA Mortgage Insurance and Who Needs It? Mortgage insurance ...

Tags: Homeowner – FHA Loan – Mortgage – Thrifty

Selecting a Home Improvement Contractor

Selecting a Contractor Home improvements and repairs can cost thousands of dollars and are the subject of frequent complaints. When selecting a contractor: Get recommendations and references. Talk to...

Tags: Homeowner – Consumer Information – Home-Improvement

$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit

Who qualifies for the $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit and the details of how first-time homebuyers can qualify for this unprecedented opportunity are the subjects of this article. The Tax Credit for...

Tags: Homeowner – First Time Homebuyer – Taxes – Thrifty – Mortgage – Staff Pick

How Landlords Can Use Credit Scoring to Make Rental Decisions

Many landlords don't realize that they can quickly and easily review the Credit History of prospective renters by ordering credit reports (and criminal background checks) online. When a property manager...

Tags: Homeowner – Financial – Renters

Staging Your Home For Sale: Room By Room

Learn how to stage each room of your home to show off its best features and create an environment where buyers can see themselves at home. Staging your home for sale is especially important in a buyer’s ...

Tags: Homeowner – Staff Pick

FHA Home for Sale - How to Buy a HUD Home

Almost anyone can buy a FHA foreclosed home, offered by HUD, and usually get a good bargain. What Is a HUD Home? Let's say someone has bought a residential home with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)...

Tags: HUD Home – Mortgage – Homeowner

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