Articles

Fall Home Maintenance

As the weather turns colder, there are a few easy things you can do around the house to stay comfortable, save money, and protect your investment.

5 Ways to Save for a Down Payment on a Home

If you don’t have the cash to pay for a home upfront, you’ll likely need to apply for a loan, which means you’ll need to be able to make a down payment. A down payment is the percentage of your home that you pay for upfront. Depending on your current finances, it could take you years to afford the down payment...

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to get your home and property in tip-top shape so you’re free to relax and enjoy the coming lazy days of summer.

Maintaining Your Home After Purchase

Home ownership can be an excellent investment. It can also be a financial drain if you don’t regularly maintain your home. Stay on top of things, save on unexpected repair costs, and retain your home’s value. But unlike your car, most homes don't come with maintenance reminder lights. So a little planning and...

What Are Mortgage Points and Are They Worth Paying For

Many members who close on a home mortgage with us wonder about mortgage points and whether you really save more in the long run by purchasing mortgage points upfront. If you’re new to the home-buying process, you may even be wondering what mortgage points are. Rivermark is here to help. We’ll explain everything you...

What Are Mortgage Principal and Interest

When you have a home loan, you’re supposed to make the monthly payment specified in the loan contract. When you make that payment, you’re essentially making a payment that gets divided between the two basic components of the loan: principal and interest.

5 Facts About Being a First-Time Homeowner

Being a new homeowner is an invigorating and truly exciting time of your life. You get to paint, remodel, design, and build up things that represent you and lifestyle. You get to alter and develop the house so that it becomes a home for all who are living there.

5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Home Equity Loan

If you own a home and have been paying it off for a while, you probably have acquired some home equity. If you’re unfamiliar with what home equity is, it’s simply the difference between your home’s value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. The resulting number can be used for a variety of things when you...

Do I Have Enough Money to Buy a House

Buying a house should be one of the most exciting times in your life. You finally feel ready to make this big change! Soon, you’ll insert yourself into a fresh new place that you feel will improve your situation in some way. It should feel like everything is looking up for you. Right?

Should I Choose a Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage

You’re at a stage in your life where you’re starting to consider purchasing a home. Congratulations! That’s a major milestone in the life of just about anyone. Whether it’s your first home or a second or third, odds are that you won’t be able to afford the purchase with cash alone. You’re almost certainly going to...