Oak Park Community Council

Real Estate, Property Values and Homeowner Resources

FHA Mortgage Insurance

Buying a home with an FHA Loan? Putting less than twenty percent down? You will very likely be required to purchase FHA mortgage insurance. What Is FHA Mortgage Insurance and Who Needs It? Mortgage insurance ...

Tags: Homeowner – FHA Loan – Mortgage – Thrifty

Why Is My Basement Damp?

Why Is My Basement Damp? The source of your problem could be a water leak or high humidity. Both can lead to mold, mildew, or other biological growth. Depending on the severity, conditions can lead...

Tags: Environment – Homeowner – Repairs – Staff Pick

Does Mortgage Aid Hurt Your Credit Score?

Homeowners seeking mortgage help through loan modification programs such as HAMP and HAFA, may face another issue—lower credit scores. Loan Modification and Credit Scores Homeowners on the verge of...

Tags: Homeowner – Credit – Mortgage – Foreclosure

Do You Need an Attorney if You Are Buying or Selling a Home?

Paying an attorney for a couple of visits before all of the paperwork is signed may be worth the expense. Before You Sign, Call an Attorney Buying or selling a home has become a streamlined process where...

Tags: Homeowner – Lawyer

How Landlords Can Use Credit Scoring to Make Rental Decisions

Many landlords don't realize that they can quickly and easily review the Credit History of prospective renters by ordering credit reports (and criminal background checks) online. When a property manager...

Tags: Homeowner – Financial – Renters

Do You Qualify for an FHA Loan?

FHA loans are the easiest type of real estate mortgage loan to qualify for. The FHA guidelines for loan qualification are the most flexible of all mortgage loans and require less than 5% down payment. FHA...

Tags: FHA Loan – Thrifty – Mortgage – Staff Pick – Homeowner

Should You Consider Owner Financing?

Owner financing becomes more popular during a slow market, but be sure to do your research first to see if the arrangement is right for you. Owner financing isn’t for everyone, but can offer a number of ...

Tags: Homeowner – Staff Pick

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