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Top Home Improvements That Boost Value

Trying to choose which home improvement project to tackle next? Read this first.

A home improvement loan offers eligible homeowners an unsecured loan to update, upgrade or renovate a home.

Closing on a House: What to Expect

Finding a home and making a successful offer may take time. But so does closing on a house. Here's what to expect and how to prepare for the closing process.

Getting approved for a mortgage is the lengthiest part of closing on a house. Speeding up this process can benefit buyers in a few ways, not the least of which is possibly gaining access to your new home sooner.

Is a Mortgage Refinance Right for You?

Thinking of refinancing your mortgage? Discover the pros, cons and key considerations to help you determine whether a mortgage refinance makes sense for you.

When it comes to deciding when to refinance your home, it's helpful to consider the following questions.

What You Should Know Before You Buy a Foreclosed Home

Foreclosure homes offer buying opportunities at bargain prices if you understand the market.

Foreclosures often attract those who enjoy the work of remodeling or renovating a property and have the necessary cash to spend on repairs.

Risk Assessment is About More Than Testing Your Tolerance

Other factors, including your capacity to absorb losses, should come into play.

Many people think risk tolerance is just a matter of, "Do I want to be aggressive or do I want to be conservative?" But there's much more to it than that.

How to Apply for a Mortgage: Step-by-Step Guide

You've found your dream home—now you just need to finance it. From prequalification to loan estimates to closing, here's how to apply for a mortgage.

It helps to get quotes from several lenders before you apply for a mortgage. That's because interest rates, closing fees and other loan terms can vary enough to make a difference.

Complete Guide to Down Payments: FAQs

A 20% down payment can help homebuyers qualify for lower interest rates and reduce monthly payments. Learn more about mortgage down payment requirements.

Down payment requirements for a mortgage may be far more flexible than you imagine.

Dark Web Security Tips to Keep Your Finances Safe

Keep scammers from getting enough information to breach your identity.

Change your passwords often, and use a password manager if you tend to forget password, or don't know how to create strong options.

Homebuyer's Glossary of Mortgage Terminology

Buying a home? This glossary includes easy-to-understand definitions for over 130 terms you'll encounter during the homebuying and mortgage underwriting process.

Learn the terms you'll hear throughout the loan process.

Mortgages 101: FHA Versus Conventional Loans

Wondering if an FHA home loan is right for you? Here's everything you need to know about FHA loans, from pros and cons to eligibility requirements.

For those who may struggle to qualify for a conventional mortgage loan, FHA loans can offer a promising path to homeownership.

What Type of Mortgage is Right for You?

Here's what to consider when shopping for a mortgage, from your budget to your long-term financial goals.

Most mortgages are conventional mortgages, which are loans made through a private lender and not part of any specialized government program.

Things to Consider Before You Relocate in Retirement

There's more to moving than simply finding your dream home.

Just because you don't have a job with a regular paycheck doesn't mean you can't qualify for a mortgage if you need one.

Are Deposits a Money Maker Again? The Resurgence of High-Yield Accounts

With an unpredictable stock market, low bond returns and rising inflation, more people are turning to high-yield savings accounts.

The primary reason to invest in deposits is not because they're currently high-yield accounts, but because they're secure.

Student Loans: Consolidate or Refinance?

Check out the benefits of both student loan consolidation and refinancing. Either way, you could simplify payments and save on interest.

Consolidating student debt refers to combining several loans into one new loan.

Student Loans: Strategies for Repayment

Review the latest available programs and set a strategy for how you'll pay down your student loans.

Now's a great time for most borrowers to revisit their budgets and consider reducing their discretionary expenses as they transition back into loan repayment mode.

Retirement Readiness: SECURE 2.0 Rules Could Help

New provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act could make it easier to reach your retirement goals.

The landmark SECURE 2.0 Act makes changes to retirement account rules that affect broad cross-sections of retirees and retirement savers, from people just entering the workforce to those who are already comfortably retired.

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This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be an offer, specific investment strategy, recommendation or solicitation to purchase or sell any security or insurance product, and should not be construed as legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with your legal or tax advisor regarding the particular facts and circumstances of your situation prior to making any financial decision. While we believe that the information presented is from reliable sources, we do not represent, warrant or guarantee that it is accurate or complete.

Third parties mentioned are not affiliated with First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company.

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