I originally wrote this article for Axios - Charlotte. Real estate is sexy. And there seems to be a common desire to treat our local streets like a personal Monopoly board and get paid $200 every time someone lands on Central Ave. But, real estate is also complex, expensive and one of the …
Mortgage
Am I Crazy for Paying Down My 2.875% Mortgage?
When I was a $hitty Financial Advisor, the thought of paying down a sub-5% mortgage was ludicrous. The logic was simple: Why payoff a loan at 5% (or less) when I can invest and earn 7% (or more)? But, as I've gotten older and realized that money management is more about psychology than …
Stop Comparing Your Rent Payment to a Mortgage Payment
"Why am I wasting $1000 on rent when I could spend $1000 on a mortgage payment?" How many times have you heard this from a friend? Better yet, how many times have you had this thought yourself? "If I can afford an $800 rent payment, I should be able to afford an $800 mortgage payment." I've …
Beware of Biweekly Mortgage Payment Services
I really don't like mail. Unless it's my birthday, nothing makes me happier than seeing an empty mailbox. That's because each and every day I'm hammered with deals, offers and not-so-subtle sales pitches. Yesterday was no different. After walking the dog around 5:00 pm, I pick up the mail and …
The Actual Math Behind Paying Down Your Mortgage vs Investing
One of the most popular debates among Personal Finance enthusiasts is that of “paying down debt” versus “investing.” For example, people ask: “Should I pay down my mortgage or add to my 401(k)?” -or- “Should I pay off my student loans or open a Roth IRA?” Although the debt and the …
Is Now A Good Time To Buy?
By: Tali Wee of Zillow Prospective homebuyers have tons of details to consider before deciding whether to purchase a home. It can become overwhelming to make such an expensive decision without extensive knowledge about the real estate industry or thorough understanding of mortgage rates, home …
Do You Agree With Bank of America’s CEO, Brian Moynihan?
Brian Moynihan made some comments in Washington D.C. that I hope continue to echo around the congressional city. If you don't have time to read the full article, allow me to summarize: Quote 1: "...the Federal Government shouldn't push homeownership as a universal goal..." Quote 2: "...of the …
