lizlaurenb

07

Apr

Real Estate

Buying A House With No Money Down

If you dream of owning a house one day, you have probably realized that one of the biggest challenges is saving money for a down payment. You have already found your dream property, but then the lender asks you to put 20 percent down, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are alternative options available, and you may be able to purchase a home for no money down. VA Loans One option for qualifying borrowers is a VA loan. As the name suggests, this is a loan that is backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and…

06

Apr

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

6 Money Making Tips For The First Time Home Seller

Today's homebuyers can have specific ideas and personal preferences that influence their decision on what attracts them to a particular property. While some prefer a fixer-upper, many desire a home that’s as close to turn-key as possible. First time home sellers may help expedite the process with these six home selling tips. Determine Right Listing Price A home priced competitively in its market typically sells faster. Professional REALTORS® know the area and look at comparative listings to help determine the right listing price. First time home sellers often think their home should list higher, and this can turn away buyers.…

05

Apr

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Thinking Of Renovating? Cash-out Mortgage Refinancing Might Be the Best Way to Fund It

If you are a homeowner thinking about a significant home renovation, you have probably already considered your budget. As with any large project, you need to have the ability to pay the expected costs plus have a little bit extra set aside, just in case. The great news is that if you are a homeowner with a mortgage, you may qualify for cash-out refinancing, which can be a helpful way to leverage some of your home equity to cover renovation costs. In today's blog post we'll explore the topic of cash-out refinancing and how this unique financial product can help…

04

Apr

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Putting 20 Percent Down On A Home Purchase?

Several generations ago, lenders required home buyers to have a 20 percent down payment in order to get a mortgage. While there were a few options out there for people who couldn't save this substantial amount, the reality was that for the majority of people, the 20 percent down was a requirement. It was the way to show that you were financially responsible enough for homeownership. And it was a strong way that the banks felt secure in making a home loan. Today, however, homebuyers have many options available to them as they shop for a new home, and those…

03

Apr

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 3, 2023

Last week’s economic reporting included readings on home prices, inflation, and pending home sales. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also published. S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Report Slower Home Price Growth in January Home price growth cooled in January according to S&P Case-Shiller’s 20-City Home Price Index. Home prices increased by 2.50 percent year-over-year in January but rose at a slower pace than December’s reading of 4.60 percent. The FHFA Home Price Index also showed slower growth in January with year-over-year home price growth of 5.30 percent as compared to December’s home price growth rate of…

31

Mar

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Is A VA Loan The Best Option For Your Needs?

If you plan on buying a house in the near future, there are a few mortgage options available. One potential option is called a VA loan. This is a loan that has been backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it could provide you with some added flexibility that you can use to purchase a house. Is a VA loan right for you? There are a few points to keep in mind. Who Qualifies For A VA Loan? First, not everyone is able to access a VA loan. This is a loan that is generally only available to active members of…

30

Mar

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

3 Critical Tips for Buying a Home in a Short Sale

You just found your perfect home, and you feel like everything is right including the price. But, what could be wrong with your ideal home? Maybe, it is being sold as a short sale, and that could present a major challenge if you want to become be the eventual homeowner. Short sales are different from other conventional real estate transactions since the property in question is usually listed at a price that is much lower than the amount of the outstanding mortgage debt. Unlike a regular sale, the homeowner must obtain permission from the lender before proceeding with the transaction.…

29

Mar

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

A Reverse Mortgage And A Home Equity Conversion: What To Know

If you are getting ready to retire, you need to make sure you have income to support yourself during your golden years. One popular option is a reverse mortgage, and you can use it to supplement the benefits you receive through Social Security. On the other hand, you may have also heard about a home equity conversion mortgage. What are the differences between them, and which one is right for you? A Reverse Mortgage A reverse mortgage is a popular option because you can tap into the equity you have in your home to receive funds from a specific lender.…

24

Mar

By lizlaurenb

Home Seller Tips

Six Key Reasons You’ll Want to Work With a Real Estate Agent When Pricing Your Home

Whether you know a little bit about the market or you've sold a home before, you may be considering pricing your own home to avoid the assistance of a real estate agent. However, there are a number of benefits associated with consulting an agent when selling your home. Before making a final decision, consider the following tips. They Know The Neighborhood It's great if you have familiarity with market prices, but knowing a neighborhood is key when it comes to determining price. The right agent will be able to help you arrive at a price that is good for your…

23

Mar

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

White Lies That Could Make It Harder To Buy A Home

Right now, the real estate market is very competitive, and you might be tempted to use a few white lies to make your offer seem more competitive. No matter how much you want to purchase a home, you need to make sure you are completely honest and open when you go through the process from start to finish. What or a few examples of common white lies that people tell that could jeopardize your application or your mortgage as a whole? Lying About Your Primary Residence If you plan on living in the house full-time, make sure you say so.…