Better Homeowner

Losing a spouse is a deeply emotional experience and the financial decisions that follow can feel overwhelming. One important area to understand during this time is how the IRS treats the sale of a primary residence after the death of a spouse. Under certain conditions, surviving spouses may qualify for a larger capital gains exclusion, up to $500,000, if the home is sold within a specific time frame. Here's what you need to know. 1. The $500,000 Capital Gains Exclusion: The Two-Year Rule In general, married couples who file jointly can exclude up to $500,000 of capital gains when selling their primary residence. For surviving spouses, this higher exclusion amount can still apply, but only if the home is sold within two years of the spouse's death. This special provision offers some breathing room for surviving spouses, allowing them time to make thoughtful decisions without immediately losing the tax advantage. To qualify, the following conditions must be met...

A temporary buydown is a great tool to help ease into homeownership with lower initial monthly payments , especially helpful in a high-rate environment. It allows you to enjoy reduced payments in the first one to three years of the loan, offering financial flexibility as you settle into your home. With a buydown, the upfront cost is used to offset the difference between your actual mortgage payment (based on the full note rate) and the reduced payment you're allowed to make under the buydown terms . That difference is funded by a lump sum, typically paid by the seller, builder, or sometimes the borrower, and held in an escrow account by the lender or servicer. For example, in a 2-1 buydown , the lender still loans the full amount at the note rate for the entire term of the mortgage. However, for the first year, the borrower makes payments as if the rate were 2% lower , and in the second year, 1% lower . The escrow account makes up the difference between what ...

If you're buying a home�or already own one�home insurance might not be the most exciting part of the process. But it is one of the most important. In many cases, home insurance is required to secure a mortgage , but even if it weren't, having the right coverage in place protects one of your biggest financial investments. It's not just about meeting lender requirements�it's about safeguarding your future. Protection Against the Unexpected Home insurance helps you recover financially if disaster strikes. Whether it's a fire, storm, or burglary, insurance can help you repair, rebuild, or replace your home and belongings. Some policies even provide protection if someone gets hurt on your property or if you're faced with a liability lawsuit. Support During Displacement If your home becomes temporarily unlivable due to a covered event, insurance can help with additional living expenses , like hotel stays and meals, while repairs are being made. That...

When financing a home, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is often the go-to option because of its lower monthly payment. But for buyers who can comfortably afford a higher payment, the 15-year mortgage deserves a closer look and may lead to significantly greater financial rewards over time. Let's compare two scenarios based on a $360,000 mortgage with current rates: 30-year mortgage at 6.58% Principal and interest: $2,294.42/month 15-year mortgage at 5.69% Principal and interest: $2,977.92/month At first glance, the 15-year loan costs about $684 more per month. But when you look at where that money is going, and what it saves you, it starts to make a compelling case. Interest Savings and Faster Equity Build-Up The key difference lies in how much of your payment goes toward the principal balance. With the 15-year loan, you pay less interest over time and you pay it off faster. After 10 years: On the 30-year loan , you'd still owe $305,804 . On the 15...

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity�the portion of your home you truly own. Equity grows naturally over time in two ways: first, as you pay down your mortgage through regular payments (amortization), and second, as your home increases in value due to appreciation. But did you know there are smart ways to accelerate that growth? By paying down your mortgage faster, you can significantly boost your equity and financial freedom, often shaving years off your loan and saving thousands in interest. Here are several strategies to help you do just that: Apply Your Tax Refund to Principal - Instead of spending your refund, apply it as a lump-sum payment to your mortgage principal. Even one annual extra payment can make a noticeable difference. Make One Extra Payment Per Year - If you can budget for 13 payments instead of 12 each year, that extra payment goes entirely toward principal and helps you pay off the loan faster. Switch to Biweekly ...

There was a memorable Fram Oil Filter commercial years ago where a mechanic asked a customer during an oil change if he wanted to replace the filter. When the customer declined, the mechanic calmly replied, "That's okay with me. You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." The implication was clear: skipping the small cost of a new filter now could lead to a costly engine rebuild down the road. That same logic applies to homeownership. Many people dream of one day having their home paid for free and clear. But how you get there is a matter of choices. You can choose to pay a little more now, or you can pay a lot more later. Those who take the time to make regular additional principal payments on their mortgage are making the decision to "pay now" to avoid the heavier burden of "paying later." Pre-paying a fixed-rate mortgage will save interest, build equity, and shorten the term of the mortgage. Let's look at the strategy. Say you ...