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Home buying

Re-fi now?

Is the offer Phil received to refinance his home a good deal? Dave doesn't think so.

Renting vs. buying

After several calls on the topic, Dave takes a few minutes to address the old renting versus buying debate.

When to start the process

When should you start looking for a good real estate agent and mortgage company? Dave answers Sarah's questions.

Stay away from it

Does Carl want to get involved with a subsidized mortgage loan? Dave doesn't think so, and he explains why during this call.

Tiny home depreciation?

Will a "tiny home" depreciate in value like a trailer? Dave addresses this question, and adds some additional advice for Romeo.

We can afford it on a 30-year mortgage

Faith and her husband have found a home they love, but they can only afford it on a 30-year mortgage. Dave warns them against going this route.

Bad method at this stage

Jay wants to build an apartment complex, but he doesn't have the cash to fully fund the venture. He asks Dave about lining up investors, but Dave thinks this is a bad idea.

Brian and his wife have reached a point where they can pay cash for a house. Still, Brian wonders if getting a mortgage for the tax deduction is a good idea. Dave explains why paying cash is the way to go.

Don't compromise your emergency fund

Chris and his wife are debt-free. They're ready to build their first house, but they're a little short of the 20 percent Dave recommends for a down payment. Should they dip into their fully-funded emergency fund to make up the difference? Dave gives them some guidelines.

Don't be house poor!

Mark knows that Dave recommends your mortgage payments be no more than 25 percent of your monthly take home pay. He asks if this figure includes insurance and property taxes. Dave responds and explains why this is a good idea.

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