The first summer in a new home can prove to be an adventure. In fact one of the struggles new homeowners have in a new house is figuring out the right items to buy for summer and paying for it. 

Interest rates are certainly an important part of the home buying process. Your rate will determine - in part - how much your house payment is. But it's not the only factor. In fact, sometimes you might pay a higher interest rate, but end up with a lower monthly payment. Or you may have a slightly lower interest rate offered by one lender, and end up only paying $15 less per month. So you may want to look at more than just interest rates when looking to buy a house. Check out the video below for more details.

"What is your interest rate?" may not the best question to ask a lender. At least don't make it your only question. It's a very popular one, and an important one - but it's one of many and it's not always the most important one. For one thing, the housing market is still seeing historic and near-historic interest rates right now. Mortgage interest rates are at some of lowest prices we've ever seen, and they're low at all lenders.

How can a parent help their adult child buy a home? One way is to help with the down payment. Several mortgage loan options allow for a relative to help with cash. Some parents know this, and want to know more about helping their kids. 

The HomePath Renovation mortgage process can turn out to be a long and confusing process. But it doesn't have to be a terrible experience. As with any home buying journey in today's housing market, the key is to start at the beginning: mortgage pre-approval.

A home improvement wish list can include all varieties of projects. Maybe you're looking to remodel your kitchen. You might also want to replace your carpet or put in new tile. Or if you're really feeling ambitious, you might want to add a bathroom, 2 bedrooms and a finished basement "man cave."

Home buyers in the market for a duplex often find homes in need of updating. That could mean a kitchen remodel, replacing an old furnace or bringing the house up to code. whatever the remodel need, coming up with the cash can be daunting, and maybe even turn away prospective buyers. 

How much cash on the table do I need to buy my home? How much down payment do I need when buying a house? It's a common question among first time home buyers. In today's market, it's an often-asked question among many buyers. The answer depends on a few things. 

What do you need to bring to the bank to be approved for a mortgage? Let's get right to the answer with a short video from our "60 Second Mortgage Tip" series. This quick clip gives you an idea of what you'll need for the mortgage pre-approval process, which leads to a much easier approval process.

I never go to the store or to dinner without having at least some idea of how much money I have in my bank account. I don't swipe that debit card without having some idea on the money that's available. Going to a dinner out without knowing how much I have to spend would be a mistake. Imagine ordering an amazing steak with the best loaded baked potato ever, only to have the server come back and tell me I only have enough money for a burger and chips. Oh the humanity! Now that your taste buds are watering (unless you're vegetarian - in which case I'm totally talking about a grilled portobello mushroom dish) let's use that metaphor for home buying.