Awareness is key when it comes to safeguarding against scams. When we’re vigilant and recognize red flags, we can effectively stop scammers in their tracks. from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Unexpected contact – You receive unanticipated contact by phone, text, or email from an individual or organization regarding an invoice, order, delivery, or charge […]
Purchasing a home, especially as a young person just entering the full-time workforce, might not seem like a wise decision. You’re just getting out on your own! However, it might be a very pivotal decision for your financial security and future retirement. Based on the shortage of rental units needed for the demand of the […]
A home is not just a place to live – it’s also a valuable asset which can contribute to long-term wealth accumulation. There are two key factors which play a very vital role increasing a homeowner’s wealth, and those are appreciation and amortization. The key is understanding how those two factors work, and how they […]
Those hoping to be first-time homebuyers can overcome the challenge of saving for a down payment by taking advantage of various sources of assistance. There are a variety down payment sources available to first-time homebuyers, from family gifts and retirement account withdrawals to tax refunds and down payment assistance programs, empowering them to achieve their […]
If you own a home, you’re dealing with property taxes. Property taxes are an essential part of homeownership, but you may not really understand or realize how they are actually calculated. In fact – sometimes understanding how they are calculated can feel like attempting to unravel a complex puzzle. Once you unlock the secrets of […]
First – what is an appraisal gap? Quite simply, it’s the difference between “the fair market value determined by an appraiser and the amount you agreed to pay for the home.” It doesn’t mean that you have to cancel the sale, but it does mean some negotiations will probably be happening And, an appraisal gap […]
When a new home is being built, builders are normally required to warrant their work for a specified period. Municipal inspections are also generally required during different stages to “ensure the life, health, safety, and welfare of the public” but even if something is missed, the ultimate responsibility for building to code belongs to the […]
Want to go shopping? Have you ever thought about shopping for a lower mortgage rate? If not, you may want to consider it. If you decide to go shopping for a lower mortgage rate, one thing you do need to consider is that not all lenders share the same business practices. Some of them may […]
Selling your home involves many decisions – some easier than others. Sometimes, those decisions can cause an owner stress or procrastination. Early in the process, the owner will have that opportunity to decide whether to sell their home “as-is” which avoids the issues that tend to loom when selling a home. But, is “as-is” a […]
Closing costs – we’re pretty sure you’ve probably heard that term at one point or another. There are fees and expenses associated with mortgages that must be paid by the closing date for closing costs, and pre-paid items, in addition to the down payment. These amounts can vary according to the type of loan, mortgage […]
