Insurance
Should You File a Small Insurance Claim or Pay It Yourself
A small claim can cost more in future premiums than it pays. How claims are recorded, how surcharges work and a simple rule for when to file.
6 min read
Tag
Homeowners
19 posts
Housing & Renting
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest Instead
Prepaying a mortgage earns its rate with no risk and ties the money up. How the rate, taxes and liquidity decide where each spare dollar goes.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
FHA vs Conventional Loans for First Time Home Buyers Today
FHA accepts lower credit scores but charges mortgage insurance that may never drop. Compare total borrowing costs, down payments and private insurance rules.
6 min read
Insurance
Flood Insurance and Why Your Home Policy Excludes Water
Home policies exclude flood damage and new flood insurance requires a thirty day wait. Learn how NFIP works, what coverage costs and who needs a policy.
7 min read
Insurance
Umbrella Insurance Explained and Who Needs Extra Liability
An umbrella policy provides excess liability protection above auto and home limits for a modest premium. Who needs it, underlying rules and sizing methods.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
HELOC vs Home Equity Loan vs Cash Out Refinance Decisions
Borrowing against home equity puts your house on the line. Compare HELOC lines, fixed home equity loans and cash out refinancing to pick the safest option.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
Why Your Mortgage Payment Went Up After the Escrow Review
A fixed rate mortgage payment can rise when taxes or insurance increase. How annual escrow reviews work, what a shortage is and your two payment choices.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
The One Percent Home Maintenance Rule Tested Against Costs
The one percent rule fails older houses and overshoots new ones. Learn how property age, major mechanical systems and sinking funds set an accurate budget.
6 min read
Insurance
Homeowners Insurance Coverage and Why Rebuilding Costs Win
Dwelling coverage must match the cost to rebuild rather than what you paid. How policy sections work and where homeowners turn out underinsured.
7 min read
Housing & Renting
When Refinancing a Mortgage Pays Off After Closing Costs
Lower interest rates alone do not guarantee savings. Calculate your true break-even month and avoid resetting your 30-year amortization clock.
6 min read
Housing & Renting
Closing Costs Line by Line and Which Ones You Can Shop
Closing costs average 2% to 5% of your loan. Learn which items are fixed lender charges and which settlement services you have the legal right to shop.
9 min read
Housing & RentingGuide
How to Read a Loan Estimate and Compare Mortgage Lenders
Every lender must give you the same three page form within three business days. Where to look to compare two offers, and the lines that hide the price.
7 min read