Blog
23
2020
3
2019
Sometimes, the first step toward a goal is the hardest. Coming up with thousands of dollars to use as a down payment on a dream home is no exception. However, if you understand the options available to you, finding a down payment strategy to make your dream of homeownership a reality could be simpler than… Continue Reading Down Payment Strategies for your Dream Home
19
2019
Retirement represents a major transition in a person’s life — one that comes with a lot of decisions. Chief among those may be the choice of where to live. While downsizing has been a common move for retirees in the past, many are now finding themselves “smart-sizing” instead. The concept of smart-sizing is about figuring… Continue Reading Why “Smart-Sizing” is the New Downsizing
5
2019
Facing the normal pressures that accompany buying or selling a home is a tough task for most. Add in a dysfunctional relationship with your real estate agent, and the experience can go from demanding to disaster pretty quickly. Fortunately, working with a Realtor who can guide the transaction successfully is not merely a matter of… Continue Reading 3 Keys to Avoiding a Rocky Relationship with Your Realtor
17
2019
You’ve saved up your cash, found a real estate agent, and started your home search. What’s next? Here are a few tips for making a smooth transition from renter to homeowner. Timing is key Nationwide, the average closing period on a home is about 50 days from the time you make an offer. Consider beginning… Continue Reading Making a Smooth Transition from Renter to Owner
8
2019
While buying or selling a home presents many challenges, the negotiation phase is among the most difficult to prepare for. Each side has its own priorities, and coming to an agreement can be a stressful journey. However, a full understanding of the process, and careful consideration of the options at hand can make it simpler… Continue Reading What to Know Before You Negotiate
19
2019
First-time homebuyers realize that “closing” is the final step in their home purchase. And while they know that “closing costs” are part of the process, the vagueness of the term often leaves them struggling to decipher documents just days before closing. Shedding some light on this overlooked part of the process can avoid confusion and… Continue Reading Opening Up About Closing Costs
12
2019
The home buying process is among the most stressful and intimidating events in the life of a modern American, according to a 2018 survey by Homes.com. In fact, only 20 percent of respondents said they felt confident as they entered their home search. Becoming a homeowner doesn’t have to be scary, though. With a reliable,… Continue Reading Knowledge and Planning Can Make the Mortgage Process Less Stressful
29
2019
Summertime is the busy season for homebuyers. Families, especially, are eager to make the transition to a new home between school years to simplify the process and minimize the disruption for their children. But what about shoppers without children? Is summer still the ideal time of year to find a new house? If school schedules… Continue Reading Dual Income, No kids? Summer is Ending, but your Home Buying Season is Heating Up
22
2019
With mortgage interest rates at historic lows, a new generation of homebuyers is looking to buy their first homes. While many of these buyers have substantial, reliable income, they may also be facing significant student debt and lack the cash for a traditional down payment. While several mortgage options may fit their needs, a new… Continue Reading Wealth Builder Program Places Emphasis on Equity
