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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

How Home Crowdfunding May Let Millennials Live the American Dream

By Corazon Gritar

American millennials are making the news once again. This time, it's because the demographic as a whole can't afford to purchase homes. According to a survey by Apartment list, a staggering 80% of millennials say that they want to buy a home. Here's ...

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March 18, 2025

6 Big Home Seller Mistakes That Turn Off Potential Homebuyers

By Sabado Domingo

When a potential buyer walks through your front door, what do they see? First impressions are really important, and many buyers will know within seconds whether the place is right for them. However, there are certain things that'll put buyers off ...

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March 12, 2025

Will Refinancing Save You Money? Here’s How to Tell

By Sabado Domingo

Are you considering the best ways to manage your finances while securing reliable financial support options? Lowering loan interest rates can significantly reduce your monthly payments and long-term expenses. Seeking professional advice ensures you ...

Continue reading Will Refinancing Save You Money? Here’s How to Tell

March 4, 2025

What Is a Mortgage Broker (and Is One Right for You)?

By Len Penzo

What is a mortgage broker? In short, a mortgage broker is an independent middleman who finds potential customers for mortgage lenders. The mortgage broker's job is to collect all of the loan documents from a prospective borrower; he then reviews and ...

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February 6, 2025

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early?

By Len Penzo

The decision to pay off the mortgage early is always a hotly debated topic. Unfortunately, the question of "should I pay off my mortgage early?" can't be answered easily because everybody's circumstances are different. In fact, there is no right ...

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January 9, 2025

8 Misleading Claims People Often Make To Close a Deal

By Len Penzo

The other day I came across an old article that suggested a healthy dose of skepticism was essential when you're watching television commercials that make misleading claims for both prescription and non-prescription drugs. No, really. A study ...

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January 6, 2025

How Does the Home Buying Process Work?

By Len Penzo

Purchasing a house can seem like a daunting task -- especially if you're doing it for the first time. Thankfully, the home buying process can be boiled down to a series of relatively simple steps: Make sure you're ready. Deciding to own a home is a ...

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December 12, 2024

Profit or Pitfall? Financial Considerations When Selling an Investment Property

By Tex Freitag

Selling an investment property is a major financial decision that requires careful thought and planning. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-timer, understanding the financial implications can make the difference between a profitable deal ...

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December 11, 2024

Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It?

By Len Penzo

When it comes to living in Southern California, earthquakes are a part of life. But don't be fooled: Earthquakes can happen anywhere. With that in mind, many people often ask me: Is earthquake insurance worth it? Thankfully, after 35 years of ...

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November 25, 2024

5 Tips for Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse (That I Learned the Hard Way)

By Len Penzo

I think it's safe to say that, like the common cold, almost all of us occasionally suffer from buyer's remorse. Of course, avoiding buyer's remorse is everyone's goal; but nobody's perfect. So today, against my better judgment, I'm going to share my ...

Continue reading 5 Tips for Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse (That I Learned the Hard Way)

November 18, 2024

10 More Financial Old Wives’ Tales Masquerading As Rules of Thumb

By Len Penzo

There are people out there who swear that if you're lucky enough to see the first flower of springtime on a Friday, it's a sign of impending wealth. I know. I don't buy it either. Still, let's assume these folks know what they're talking about; ...

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October 21, 2024

How to Determine Your Housing Budget After a Divorce

By Corazon Gritar

Ending a marriage can dramatically alter your financial landscape, and one of the most pressing matters to address is your housing budget after a divorce. Understanding how to assess your financial situation post-divorce is essential for successfully ...

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October 1, 2024

How Big Should a Mortgage Down Payment Be?

By Len Penzo

Although there are exceptions to every rule, mortgage providers generally require homebuyers to contribute a minimum down payment somewhere between 3.5% and 20% of the home's purchase price. So how big should a mortgage down payment be? Of course, ...

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September 5, 2024

6 Expert Rental Negotiation Tips

By Mikey Rox

If you're moving into a new apartment and need to mind your budget, there are a few tactics you can employ to score a better deal on your new digs. In fact, by learning just a few key lease and rental negotiation tips, you'll be in a better position ...

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September 3, 2024

What Is a VA Loan?

By Len Penzo

What is a VA loan? Well ... VA loans are government-backed mortgages that are insured by the Veteran's Administration. VA loans are available from qualified lenders to homebuyers who have served in the US military including: Soldiers and sailors ...

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August 22, 2024

What Is an FHA Loan?

By Len Penzo

An FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Although anyone can apply for an FHA loan, they were designed to help people with lower incomes qualify for a mortgage. Because FHA loans protect ...

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August 8, 2024

Smart Budgeting Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Florida

By Sabado Domingo

home ROI

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your life. To ensure that you make an informed and sustainable choice, it's essential to understand and manage your finances effectively. This guide provides you with ...

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August 2, 2024

Should I Get a Fixed-Rate Mortgage or an ARM?

By Len Penzo

One of the biggest decisions a homebuyer makes when purchasing a home is whether to get an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) or a fixed-rate mortgage. Of course, the big difference between the two types of home loans is the interest rate; unlike a ...

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July 25, 2024

Money Saving Home Improvement Projects

By Corazon Gritar

Summer is here, but that doesn't mean you don't have any more time to improve your home. In fact, this time of year is one of the best to make some serious home improvements. But if you don't want to break the bank, here are a few money saving home ...

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July 23, 2024

What is an ARM Loan?

By Len Penzo

An adjustable rate mortgage, otherwise known as an ARM mortgage, is a home loan that uses the property being purchased as collateral. Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage where the interest rate never changes, an adjustable rate mortgage has a fixed rate for ...

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June 13, 2024

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