Cheryl Nightingale - Monarch Realty Group, LLC

When you binge-watch a little too much HGTV, it's easy to come to some crazy conclusions. Conclusions like, "House flipping looks easy! I should try it!" Well, maybe you should -- we sure won't stop you! -- but before you jump into your very first home flip, make sure you know what common mistakes first-time flippers are in danger of making so that you can avoid the same fate. Not having the finances Before you flip a house, you have to buy it. Depending on whether you're paying all-cash or getting a mortgage loan (and whether you already own a primary residence or not), you will have to secure a down payment for the home, plan on paying mortgage interest for the months that you carry the mortgage, pay for utilities, and pay for the expenses of actually fixing up the home. You might be tempted to assume that this will be a quick and easy project, but similar assumptions have taken down more experienced house-flippers than you. It's much better to overest

As a parent, it's hard to watch your kids struggle with anything, but watching them struggle to buy a house can be especially tough. We all want the best for our offspring, and owning a home is one of the best ways to build wealth -- so if kids are having trouble taking that step, it's normal to worry about how they'll manage when you're gone. The good news is this: There's a lot you can do as a parent to help your kids get their feet on the property ladder. Follow this advice and you'll be able to both assist your children and ensure that your own financial future is secure. Understand your 'why' "Because I want to help my child" is a great reason to do just about anything -- but a house is a huge financial investment and responsibility, so you need to dig a little bit deeper. Ask yourself these questions about your child and their life circumstances, as well as your own financial circumstances: How does my kid handle finances?

If you're a veteran or on active military duty, you’ve likely heard of a Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgage loan and are wondering if it’s a good choice for you. You could also be eligible for a VA loan if you’re the spouse of a military member who passed away while on active duty.  A fundamental difference with VA loans is that the VA guarantees the loans made by lenders, but doesn’t lend money. The VA’s backing for private financial institutions serves as insurance against losses if a borrower defaults on a loan.  Is a VA mortgage loan right for you? Here are some pros and cons to help you evaluate: Pros: There's no need to be a first-time buyer, and if you've used this benefit in the past, you can use it again on a future home purchase.  You could qualify for a Bourne VA loan with 100% financing, and no Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI); which is required on conventional loans if your down payment is less than 20%. With a conventional or an FHA loan, you'