At some point in our life-time, we will aspire to own our own homes. However, the down-payment of a house can be anywhere between 5% to 20% of the cost of the house– and in most cases, 20%. This is a big chunk of change that many of us don’t have, and one of the biggest reasons why many people opt to rent instead. That being said, the possibility of…
Having a steady and decent paying job helps when you’re applying for a home loan, but there are other factors that will affect the cost of your mortgage loan– such as the details of your financial history and current employment. If you’re considering about applying for a mortgage, here’s what you need to know: What to Expect. When a lender looks over your loan application, they focus on three aspects…
According to the National Association of Realtors®, first time home homebuyers are about 31 years in age on average– so what does this mean for today’s real estate market? Just as every generation before them, millennial homebuyers come with their own set of needs and desires when it comes to shopping for property. As a seller, what can you do to give your home the extra value it needs to appeal…
When you’re on the hunt for your first new home, not every one of them will be perfect- and some will be down right questionable. Here are some good reasons you should walk away from a bad home deal. The appraisal reveals the home is worth significantly less than what it’s listed for. Even if you’re in love with a home and couldn’t dream of living anywhere else, you should…
No matter the season, selling your home is serious business– but does it mean you have to forgo fun holiday activities like decorating your home? If you enjoy adorning your home with spider webs, jack-o-lanterns and black cats during Halloween time, don’t let putting your home for sale stand in your way. However, if you want your home to remain appealing to potential buyers, you may want to consider leaving…
Buying a home is probably one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make in your life, which is why it’s so important that necessary repairs are made to ensure your safety, financial stability, and overall happiness. However, where do you draw the line when requesting repairs from sellers as to not jeopardize the sale of the property all together? Cosmetic repairs. Cosmetic repairs are arguably at the top of the list…
It’s no secret that buying a home will leave you with a nice big dent in your wallet, but on the other end of the spectrum, what’s the cost to sell your property? If you’re planning on putting your house up for sale, you’ll need to budget for necessary selling costs of your home. Here are things to keep in mind when it comes to your budget: Sprucing up the place. When selling your home, it’s…
Ever feel like the weight of being a homeowner is too heavy with all the various financial responsibilities? According to the 2015 Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households, over one-third of respondents reported experiencing some level of financial stress; so you are not alone. One popular solution, if you have not heard of it (to relieve some of the financial stress), is refinancing your mortgage into a debt…
If it’s your first time buying a house, you’re going to get a lot of tips and tricks from your friends and family who have gone through the process of home-buying– but which ones will work for you? As you begin to look for a home for the first time, keep these basic tips in your back pocket so that you’re well equipped and ready to handle anything that comes…
Whether you’re thinking about relocating for work, down-sizing, or expanding your living space– the decision to sell your house can impact your finances significantly if you’re not well prepared. Keeping your own interests in mind, how do you know if you’re ready to make the change or if the timing is right? Here are a few very simple, but extremely important questions to ask yourself: Does your home still fit your…
