• W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you’re self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan.
• Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan.
• Account numbers of all your credit cards and the amounts for any outstanding balances.
• Copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements for both checking and savings accounts.
• Lender, loan number, and amount owed on other installment loans, such as student loans and car loans.
• Addresses where you’ve lived for the last...

Below are five property tax questions you will want to ask when considering purchasing a home to make sure you find the right fit.  Always discuss your own personal situation with a financial or tax professional.

In high-priced housing markets, it can be difficult to afford a home. That’s why a growing number of home buyers are forgoing traditional fixed-rate mortgages and standard adjustable-rate mortgages and instead opting for a specialty mortgage that lets them “stretch” their income so they can qualify for a larger loan.

But before you choose one of these mortgages, make sure you understand the risks and how they work.

Specialty mortgages often begin with a low introductory interest rate or payment plan — a “teaser”— but the monthly mortgage payments are likely to in...

It is a great time to purchase a first home home!  If you are considering buying a new home, use this short checklist for your reference to make sure you end up with the property that you really want.

1. Find the right agent who’s willing to help you through the home buying process ~ no matter how long this process takes.
2. Ask your lender a variety of questions so you don’t end up missing out on the best deal.
3. Carpe Diem – When you make your decision to buy a home do not delay before someone else buys the house.
4. Make sur...