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Len Penzo dot Com

The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

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

How to Budget For Your Ideal Bathroom Remodel Project

By Corazon Gritar

The bathroom may not be your home's biggest room, but it is one of the most important. It ranks in importance directly after your kitchen. Many house buyers base their purchasing decisions on the state of the bathroom. So, if yours does not measure ...

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June 6, 2024

What are Mortgage Points?

By Len Penzo

Mortgage points -- commonly referred to as simply "points" -- are the fee that a borrower pays to the lender for a lower interest rate; one point equals 1% of the loan amount. Points are also tax deductible. Homebuyers can typically reduce their ...

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May 30, 2024

Today’s Most Profitable Property Investing Apps

By Erin Sanderson

We live in a data-driven society, one in which the fate of entire companies hangs on not just who can access the most information, but who can make the best use of it? When it comes to real estate investing, there are a number of software ...

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May 15, 2024

How to Spot House Problems Before You Buy

By Corazon Gritar

Searching for a new home, whether you're a first-time homebuyer or moving for the third time, can be exciting. That being said, it can also be a bit more than you bargained for if you don't know how to look for a few real estate red flags. If you ...

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May 14, 2024

What Is a Mortgage?

By Len Penzo

In the simplest terms, a mortgage is a home loan that uses the property being purchased as collateral. If the homebuyer ever fails to make payments, the lender can foreclose on the secured real estate in order to recover the mortgage debt. All ...

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May 2, 2024

Mailbag: Should I Contribute to the 401k or Save for a Home?

By Len Penzo

I have been doing financial research and would love your opinion. I'm a young stay-at-home mom, and my husband just graduated from college. He got a great job within a few months of graduating, and we are looking toward buying a home. His job, also ...

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March 25, 2024

Why It’s Important to Do Your Homework Before Buying Rental Property

By Enero Febrero

For many people, getting a rental property can be a great investment. The question you have to ask before buying rental property is: Are rental properties a smart investment for you? In order to answer that question, you'll need to figure out the ...

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March 13, 2024

6 Ways to Own an Unconventional Home

By Anum Yoon

Homeownership is part of the American dream, but buying a house today isn't what it used to be. For example, they're more expensive than ever! Fortunately for modern homebuyers, there are many ways to become the owner of less expensive unconventional ...

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March 5, 2024

Why a Home Shouldn’t Be Considered an Investment

By Len Penzo

It's often said that a house is our biggest investment, yet the primary function of any house is to simply provide us with a place to live. Yes, handsome gains can be had for those with good timing. However, as investments go, houses rarely match the ...

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February 22, 2024

7 Tips for Earning a Living with Rental Properties

By Sabado Domingo

If you've been considering making extra money renting out a property you own, you've no doubt already discovered how much stress and planning is involved with being a landlord. As you think about whether or not earning money by renting out properties ...

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February 21, 2024

6 Ways to Save on Your Miami Relocation

By Tex Freitag

Miami is a city where the sun shines brightly and the ocean beckons. However, it is more than just a vacation hotspot. It's a place many call home. Therefore, whether planning for retirement or seeking a vibrant lifestyle change, the prospect of ...

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January 3, 2024

Understanding the Math Behind the Mortgage

By Len Penzo

Last month, interest rates reached the psychological 8% barrier for the first time in more than a decade, and there is speculation that they will continue to rise. But do homeowners know the math behind the mortgage? After all, buying a home is a big ...

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December 20, 2023

6 Reasons to Take Out a Reverse Mortgage

By Sabado Domingo

reasons to get a reverse mortgage

Home equity is a powerful tool for many homeowners, particularly as they approach retirement. It represents a significant portion of their financial resources and can be a key factor in ensuring financial stability. A striking statistic highlights ...

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December 14, 2023

How to Be Financially Savvy When Selling Your Home

By Elizabeth Pandolfi

When you're selling your home, there are so many logistics to think about. Repairs. Decluttering. Staging. Increasing curb appeal. Finding the right agent. All of these things will affect not only how fast your home sells, but the price you get for ...

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October 11, 2023

The Best Way to Sell Your Timeshare

By Enero Febrero

Timeshares can be a significant burden on your finances. They're overpriced, lose their value quickly, and quite frankly, are not for everyone. But maybe you still bought one. Well ... take comfort in the fact that you're not alone. Many people buy ...

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September 12, 2023

The 5 Best Investment Options During a Recession

By Sabado Domingo

As the old saying goes, what goes up must come down. And while the stock market has been on a tear in recent years, investors would be wise to remember that recessions are a reality of the business cycle. This begs the question: What are the best ...

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September 6, 2023

How to Get the Dream Home You Always Wanted

By Sabado Domingo

Maybe you've owned a home for years, or you've just left your parent's home and are looking to get onto the property ladder. Either way, getting the deposit ready for purchasing your dream home is no easy task. For most people, buying a home is the ...

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August 9, 2023

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