Mary Beth Eastman

1 month ago | mortgageresearch.com | Mary Beth Eastman

The Bottom Line The homebuying process can take 5-6 months. Early communication with your landlord about an equitable solution can pay off. When you’re trying to buy a home, leaving your current living situation becomes part of the equation. For renters, that includes what to do with your lease. After all, you’ve signed a legal contract with your landlord stating you’ll live and pay rent there, usually for at least a year.

1 month ago | mortgageresearch.com | Mary Beth Eastman

The Bottom Line Title insurance can feel like an overpriced, unnecessary add-on at closing—but in a housing market full of hidden risks, it might just be your best protection against a costly legal headache. While not everyone needs it, this one-time policy can serve as a safety net if an unexpected claim ever threatens your ownership. You’ve been saving your money diligently, but home prices (and interest rates) seem to just keep rising.

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Mary Beth Eastman |Ray Frager |Gina Freeman

Mortgage defaults have ticked up slightly since last year, primarily among FHA borrowers. Late or missing mortgage payments can seriously affect your credit history and could even lead to foreclosure. To avoid default, consider refinancing, using a home equity loan or line of credit, or asking your lender for forbearance or a loan modification. Mortgage defaults have risen slightly since this time last year, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Mar 3, 2025 | mortgageresearch.com | Mary Beth Eastman |Tim Lucas

A couple in their early 20s leveraged every advantage to become ultra-young homeowners. Other buyers can do the same. How old is the average homebuyer? Not 30. Not 40. Not even 50. The average age of a homebuyer in 2024 was 56, according to research from the National Association of Realtors. Seems high, right? It is. The previous year, the average age was 49.

Feb 26, 2025 | mortgageresearch.com | Mary Beth Eastman |Tim Lucas

Not all new construction homes are trouble-free. You have to remain diligent despite buying a brand-new home. Paper-thin drywall. Crooked moldings. Cracked grout and tiles. Framing gaps so wide you could drive a truck through them. There are plenty of new-home horror stories on social media these days. Are today’s new construction homes really crafted with such shoddy workmanship? And if so, is the only solution to grit your teeth and buy a Victorian-era money pit?