Credit Esential

Is 100% Financing Available?

The short answer? Yes, 100% financing is available! This is a great option for new and repeat buyers alike who want to eliminate the need for a down payment. This is because many individuals can’t afford the traditional 20% down payment on a home. If you’re buying a $255,000 house, you immediately have to come […]

How Long Does the Eviction Process Take?

When a landlord wants to remove a tenant from their rental home, they move forward with an eviction process. Once the notice is in place, the tenant can agree to the final move-out date. Or based on the circumstances, a legal dispute may take place. This is why the answer to this question really depends

Can I Buy a Home Again After Bankruptcy?

Filing for bankruptcy is a way to erase certain types of debt and stop creditors from harassing you. It’s unfortunate when it happens, but it’s often necessary for saving your financial future. People often wonder if they can fully recover to the point of buying another home. Even though a bankruptcy will stay on your

Who Pays the Closing Costs on a Home?

The buyer typically pays for any fees relating to their mortgage loan. The seller typically pays the agent’s commission and various fees relating to the transfer of property. With that being said, closing costs are often just as negotiable as anything else in a real estate transaction. California: Both buyers and sellers are responsible for certain closing costs during the final stage of the home buying

How Much does Closing Typically Cost? 

California: Home-buyers can expect closing costs to average of 2% to 3%. There are two types of expenses: one-time (non-recurring) and recurring (pro-rated or ongoing). For example, if you buy a house in San Diego for $800,000, your one-time closing costs would range from $16,000 to $24,000. Additionally, the recurring costs would be similar. Florida: The average closing

What is a closing?

What is a Closing in Real Estate: Understanding the Final Step in the Home Buying Process Closing is the final step in the home buying process. It is the point at which ownership of the property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer. During a closing, various paperwork and agreements are signed, funds

Why Do FICO Scores Decrease?

A FICO score depends on five main factors: payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and credit mix. Each factor carries a different weight, and changes in any of them can move your score up or down. The same actions that help your score grow can also cause it to drop, sometimes

What is a Vantage Score?

A VantageScore is one of the two main credit scoring models that banks and lenders use to evaluate your creditworthiness. The other widely used model is the FICO score. Both scores help lenders decide whether to approve you for credit and what interest rate to offer. VantageScore focuses only on your credit behavior. It uses

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a Home?

You’re ready to begin applying for financing, but what kind of credit history do you need to get a mortgage with an affordable interest rate? Unfortunately, there’s no magic number to define. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders will all have their own criteria and limits, so once you’ve researched all of your top picks

How Do I Get a Copy of My Credit Report?

Why you should check your credit every year Checking your credit report and credit score each year helps you understand your financial situation from a lender’s point of view. Lenders use your credit history to judge risk, set interest rates, and decide whether to approve loans. When you review your report regularly, you stay informed