What’s the difference between getting “pre-qualified” and getting “pre-approved”?

You may hear “Get pre-qualified!” and “Get pre-approved!” interchangeably when shopping for a home loan, while preparing an offer or when trying to obtain a letter of “pre-qualification” or “pre-approval” from a lender. To a seller who’s trying to decide if you’re a serious buyer who’s done your homework and ready to play ball, there’s a [...] READ MORE

How Well Are You Insured Against Flooding?

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2011—(MCT)—The frightening images of Japan’s tsunami wiping out homes, roads and entire cities are vivid reminders that a natural disaster can strike at any time. And whether it’s an earthquake, a wildfire or flooding, being covered against severe damage to your home or business is essential. Across the United States, flooding is the No. [...] READ MORE

Suze Orman vs. Warren Buffett: Whose Real Estate Advice Should You Follow?

You know Suze Orman – she delivers hardcore financial gut checks to everyday Americans on a regular basis. In her latest book, The Money Class, she also recently delivered a pretty striking declaration: that the American Dream – which, for many, includes home ownership and upward economic mobility – is as dead as a doornail. [...] READ MORE

Americans Confident in Recovery of Real Estate Market

RISMEDIA, March 14, 2011—The majority of America’s potential homebuyers and sellers—68 percent—believe that the real estate market and property values will recover in the next year or two, according to a survey released recently by Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE:PRU] company. This exceeds the 47 percent of Americans who [...] READ MORE

Bank of America Launches Loan Modifications for Military Homeowners

RISMEDIA, March 14, 2011—(MCT)—Bank of America Corp. recently announced a mortgage modification program for military customers, including principal forgiveness for some struggling borrowers. The Charlotte bank said the program assists military members who are leaving active duty and having trouble making their mortgage payments. The announcement comes as big banks are in settlement discussions with banking [...] READ MORE