There has been this stigma about new families or first-time home buyers getting their first “starter” home. For generations, people have looked for that home as a jump into homeownership. Logic suggests that starting with a smaller home, you can learn how to take care of it, learn what it costs to maintain a home, […]
Category Archives: Buy a House
Make Your Best Offer FIRST
The strategy we are talking about today is not about negotiating the best price but rather about beating your competition and buying the home. The reality is there is just not enough homes on the market and when competition gets tough different tactics are necessary. This may not dawn on you until you lose a […]
Accelerate Your Home Buying Process with these At Home Activities
Take the Standard Deduction and the Home
As you prepare to file your 2019 taxes, it is important to note that the standard deduction for 2019 was raised to $12,200 for single taxpayers and $24,400 for married filing jointly. Married filing separately pays the same as single. As you work through your taxes, whether by professional or by tax program on your […]
Anticipating the Cost of a Home
Buy Again, It’s Time
If you experienced the distressed sale of a home but now you have your credit and finances back in order, you may still be asking the question “How long do I have to wait to qualify for another mortgage.” Based on when you experienced your distressed sale, the length of time will differ. Each different […]
Remove PMI to Lower Your Expenses
Private mortgage insurance is usually required on mortgage loans for more than 80 percent loan-to-value. If a borrower defaults on their loan, mortgage insurance will reimburse the lender. You need to be aware that when certain conditions have been met, expensive PMI can be removed. When your mortgage balance has reached 80 percent of your […]
Benefits to Short Term Mortgages
Considering refinancing? Buying a new home? It maybe worth discussing a 15-year loan instead of a traditional 30-year mortgage. Monthly payments will be higher but your interest rate will be lower and your equity will climb faster. Below I have provided an example for comparison on a $300,000 mortgage with two terms. One 30-year term […]
It’s Your Advantage
Technology today is a wonder! We are able to do more things with our smartphones than we could just a few years ago. Homebuyers (over 90%) use video tours, digital signing and home search sites such as ZillowⓇ to get information about homes, neighborhoods, schools and even future neighbors. With all this technology happening, homebuyers […]
Real Cost of Housing
Over the last several years, there have been a variety of factors that have led to a rental unit shortage especially with single-family homes. Due to this shortage, rents nationwide have been increasing. In most national markets, it costs considerably less to own than to rent. Paying less on a monthly mortgage to buy a […]