Through April 30, 2010 home buyers can qualify for either an $8,000 "First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit" or $6,500 "Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit" depending on their income and residence status. Tax credits are better than tax deductions because they are dollars straight … [Read more...] about Claim the tax credits you are entitled to for buying a home

Check the latest interest rates at Bankrate.com to see if you might want to refinance at a lower rate and/or longer term to reduce monthly costs. If you are paying PMI (private mortgage insurance) because you had less than 20% as a down payment, but you have built up that much … [Read more...] about Take advantage of new government programs to cut down your mortgage costs

You will often hear about buying "foreclosed" properties but often the best bargains can be post-foreclosure REOs. Search inventory from lenders in your area here or try the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac sites.A LOZO expert posted this tip. … [Read more...] about Check out local REOs (Real Estate-Owned) for potential home bargains

You already know to compare prices before you buy electronics or airfare. Given the much higher cost of buying a home, you can imagine how much higher the savings can be from shopping around. Rates are at historically low levels, making it a great time to consider refinancing. … [Read more...] about Shop around for your mortgage, it could save you thousands of dollars