Home Ownership

Mobile vs Modular vs Manufactured Homes: Key Differences

Mobile, manufactured, modular. These types of homes sound similar, and they’re all prefabricated, but they differ in cost, customization, ease of financing, and more. When it comes to old mobile homes and modular vs. manufactured homes, here’s what to know if you’re considering a purchase. What Is a Mobile Home? Unlike a stick-built, or traditional, […]

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What Is a Split-Level House? Should You Consider Owning One?

As you’re starting your home buying journey, you may come across a style referred to as a split-level house. Popular in the 1950s through the 1970s, split-level homes appear to be making a comeback. What is a split-level house? Keep reading for the answer and whether it’s the right style for you. Characteristics of a […]

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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Duplex? Expenses You Need to Know About

The cost to build a duplex varies widely, based on many factors. The average approaches $390,000. Understanding the nuts and bolts of constructing a brand-new two-unit structure gives a better sense of how much it will cost to build a duplex. Let’s define duplexes and then examine estimates for building one. What Is a Duplex? […]

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8 Tips for Buying a House When You Have Bad Credit

Buying a house with bad credit can be challenging, but it’s doable with planning and preparation. Subprime borrowers — homebuyers with lower credit scores — may be eligible for both federally backed loans and conventional mortgages. If your credit score is less than stellar but you’re ready to buy a home, it’s important to pause […]

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HELOC vs Home Equity Loan: How They Compare

If you’re thinking about tapping the equity in your home, you’re looking at either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, better known as a HELOC. Both may allow you to borrow a large sum at a relatively low interest rate and with lower fees than a mortgage refinance. Either a […]

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What Is a Duplex? Should You Consider Owning One?

What’s a duplex? It’s a two-for-one special in the real estate world: two units in one building on one plot of land. Duplexes are the perfect blend of income production and personal space for some. For others, they may be too small and involve too much maintenance. Read on to learn what a duplex is […]

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How Long Does It Take to Build a Manufactured Home?

Many manufactured homes take just a week to build. (Yes, a week!) Manufactured homes can be built so quickly because they’re made in a factory — a controlled environment. All of the materials and tradespeople are on hand, and the standard sizes of manufactured homes make for quick and easy builds. The time it takes […]

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20-Year vs 30-year Mortgages

A 20-year mortgage is far less common than a 30-year mortgage, but when you want to pay a lower rate and save a substantial amount in interest, it’s worth considering a 20-year mortgage … with a big “if.” If you can consistently afford the higher mortgage payments. Here’s what you need to know about 20-year […]

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What to Know About Building a Houseboat

You can’t be lily-livered to want to build a houseboat, a self-propelled boat with a cabin. It will take a lot of time and more than a few doubloons. Houseboat kits are a thing, and an alternative to building your own boat is buying a used houseboat and modifying it. This piece will help you […]

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Can Home Loans Cover Renovations? What You Should Know

Did you know you can use a home loan for renovations? Renovation home loans cover the cost of purchasing and renovating a home. If you’re familiar with construction loans, renovation loans are similar. Also called “one-close” loans or renovation mortgages, renovation loans can offer buyers simplified financing for transforming a fixer-upper into an attractive, modernized […]

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