When you wade (or in some cases, cannonball) into the world of homebuying, you’ll almost certainly start by getting preapproved for a mortgage. You should know that not all mortgages are made equal. There are a number of factors that determine what kind of mortgage you can receive, and what kind of mortgage will work best for you. When you work with the right home loan officer, you’ll be connected with a person who can work in your best interest and help answer all of your questions about the process. Until you arrive at that moment, here’s a little help to get you started. (more…)
Buying a Home? Answer These Questions First
When you decide to finally dive in and purchase your first home, it’s an exciting moment! You’re taking the next step on your journey toward becoming a homeowner. You’re about to purchase a place that’s going to become a home for not only your stuff, but your memories. This is a special time. It’s also a huge financial commitment, and a decision that you want to make sure you get right. So, when you decide that you’re ready to buy a home, make sure you answer these questions first. They’ll help point you in the right direction and make sure you have a great experience. (more…)
Make a Home Maintenance Checklist
Buying a home is a process, and certainly a big financial commitment. Once you’ve purchased a home, moved in and gotten settled, it’s time to start caring for your investment. That means keeping up with regular maintenance to prevent wear and tear. You may be surprised by how some simple steps taken on a monthly or seasonal basis can prevent you from paying for significant damage or issues down the line. You should make a home maintenance checklist that you can easily follow to keep in your home in great working shape. (more…)
Don’t Forget These Things When Selling Your Home
There are many different reasons why you might decide to sell your home, and those different reasons can lead to different selling timelines. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next couple of years, that can leave you with plenty of time to get your ducks in a row. If you need to sell your home next month, it can create a stressful couple of weeks. No matter how quickly you need to sell your home, there are certain steps that you should take regardless. Here are some crucial things you shouldn’t forget when selling your home! (more…)
How Much Should Homeowner’s Insurance Cost You?
Owning a home comes with certain costs for which you’ll want to account before making the purchase. One of the costs that people often forget about before purchasing a home is homeowner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance covers your dwelling and accidents that may occur on your property. The goal of homeowner’s insurance is to reduce your liability as a homeowner, and give you peace of mind in a worst case scenario. If a natural disaster befalls your home, the cost of repairs can be staggering. Homeowner’s insurance protects against this outcome. But how much should you actually be paying for your homeowner’s insurance? (more…)
Will a Video Walkthrough Lead to More Offers on Your Home?
Selling your home quickly is a matter of getting it in front of not only lots of potential buyers, but the right potential buyers as well. You want to show your home to people that want to buy it. If one-hundred people come to your open house, but none of them are in a position to actually buy your home, then you merely threw a weird, casual party for strangers. One of the practices you might employ to drive up interest in your home is creating a video walkthrough. The video walkthrough can give potential buyers a real sense of what your home is like and whether or not they might want to buy it. Before you publish that video to YouTube though, make sure you’re doing it right. (more…)
Should I Have Bought a Home Already?
It can be easy to compare yourself to others around you. Social media makes it easier to do so than ever before. With everyone else’s lives playing out in real time on your phone, you might feel anxious about falling behind. One way that many people measure life progress is by homeownership. Buying your first home is a huge life milestone that should be exciting for you, not just a status checkmark. The average first-time homebuyer is about 32-years-old. That doesn’t mean that this should be a deadline for you though. Whether or not you’re ready to buy a home is a matter of personal situation. (more…)
Understanding Common Home Buying Costs
As you move forward with a major financial and lifestyle decision, you want to be sure you’re prepared. Saving enough money to buy a home takes planning, but the offer you submit for the home isn’t the only cost you’ll have to consider. There are other common costs associated with buying a home, and if you’re not aware of them, they can sneak up on you. The last thing you want is for your momentous day to end on a sour note because you weren’t anticipating all of the financial considerations that go into buying a home. In today’s blog, we touch on some of the common home buying costs. (more…)
Should You Refinance to Complete a Home Renovation?
One of the perks of purchasing a home is that instead of just paying a monthly fee for rent, you’re actually getting equity for your money. You’re working toward owning the place where you live. Purchasing a home is a long-term plan, and your homeowner wants and needs can change over time. If you decide you want to take on a home renovation, you may consider financing the project using your own home. Refinancing your mortgage can free up the funds you need to move forward with the next phase of homeownership. But is it the right move for you? (more…)
How to Stage Your Home to Look Inviting
Staging your home is all about striking the right balance. While there are some general best practices that you can use, you also need to consider who your target homebuyer is. If you’re selling your slick, modern home, you want a clean, pristine look on the inside. If it’s a homey cottage, your home should feel cozy. The end result that you’re after is a staged home that matches the aesthetic of the architecture and the people who will be buying your home. Here are some tips on how to stage your home to look inviting to potential buyers. (more…)
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