This Feels Illegal to Know…
How to Remove PMI Using a Home Appraisal or Broker's Price Opinion
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) can be a costly addition to your monthly mortgage payments, especially if you purchased your home with a down payment of less than 20%. Fortunately, if your home has appreciated in value due to market conditions or improvements, you might be eligible to remove PMI by demonstrating increased equity. Here's a guide on how to leverage a home appraisal or broker's price opinion to eliminate PMI.

* Understanding PMI and Its Impact
PMI is designed to protect lenders in case o...

As REALTORS, we are often asked by buyers, "Are the schools good here?"
Also, as REALTORS, we know to be careful in responding to this question. We adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which understandably prevents us from saying anything that may hint of steering a buyer toward or away from a community based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status or national origin. Further explained by the National Association of REALTORS, "Referring to a school system as 'good' or 'bad' could be code for racial or other demographic differences."
As a mother, I understand why someone searching for a home in a new area might ask this question. Before I had my first child, I established four objectives for my job as parent, and one of those was to ensure my...