Homeownership

Discover the benefits of Form 8396 for claiming mortgage interest credit and learn about eligibility, filing, and special considerations.

Dive into the essentials of Homeowners Association (HOA) fees, what they cover, and how they vary across properties and locations.

Dive into our extensive guide on property insurance to understand coverage, types, and how it safeguards against unexpected events. Find out how homeowners, renters, flood, and earthquake insurance work together to protect your most valuable assets.

Discover how the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 empowers homeowners by potentially eliminating unnecessary Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) payments and imposing supplier regulations.

Explore the multifaceted role of a home, from its legal implications to real-world examples, and discover why a home is much more than a place to live.

Learn vital information about mortgage forbearance agreements, how they work, and how they differ from loan modifications. Discover critical details about COVID-19 related forbearance, eligibility requirements, and what to expect once forbearance ends.

Learn how the homestead exemption can minimize property taxes and protect your home from creditors and certain legal circumstances.

Explore the ins and outs of property encroachment, its implications, and how to manage boundary disputes effectively.

Explore the importance of hazard insurance, how it protects homeowners, its connection with mortgages, and why separate policies may be necessary in high-risk areas.

Discover everything you need to know about the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), an initiative introduced after the 2008 financial crisis to help homeowners manage underwater mortgages. Learn how the program operated, the key benefits it provided, and what current options are available for similar financial assistance.

Learn what a zombie foreclosure is, how it happens, its impact on homeowners and neighborhoods, and ways to prevent it.

Discover how a gift of equity can help family members secure homeownership, its advantages, disadvantages, and tax implications.

A comprehensive guide to the legal privileges afforded to real estate buyers, exploring the 'bundle of rights' and how they are typically exercised.

Learn what it means to be an owner-occupant and how it can impact your mortgage options, financial savings, and living situation.

Explore the essential elements of PITI and discover how it determines the affordability of your mortgage. Take control of your financial future with a deeper understanding of principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

Discover the importance of a home inspection, how it works, and why it is essential for both buyers and sellers to ensure a secure and valuable real estate transaction.