Real Estate Archives - Page 17 of 28 - Lori Blank & Associates

07

Feb

Real Estate

Getting A Mortgage When Self-Employed: What You Need To Know

There is a common misconception that someone who is self-employed will not have the tax records or income necessary to qualify for a mortgage; however, that is not necessarily the case. In reality, if you are self-employed, there are a lot of home loan options available to you. It is true that it might require some additional paperwork and planning, but as long as you have the necessary information, you should be able to qualify for a mortgage. What Is Necessary To Qualify For A Self-Employed Mortgage Loan? If you are interested in taking out a mortgage when you are…

27

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

VA Loans: Are They Assumable?

Members of the military, their family members, and veterans have access to a unique mortgage option called a VA loan. This can be a strong option because it provides borrowers with an opportunity to purchase a house for less than 20 percent down. While not everyone is eligible for a VA loan, there are a lot of people who are wondering, are VA loans assumable? There are a few key points to keep in mind. What Is An Assumable Loan? An assumable loan means that the buyer is essentially going to take over the mortgage held by the seller. Essentially,…

26

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

The Cost Of Building A House

Are you in the market for a new house? If so, you might be thinking about building your own house. It can be exciting to go through the process of building a house, as you will be in control of just about everything. On the other hand, how much is it going to cost you to build a house? You need to make sure you have an estimate before you decide to move forward with your project. What Is The Actual Cost Of Building A House? First, it is important to go through the actual itemized list line by line.…

24

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Should You Sell Or Rent Your Primary Residence

Are you interested in purchasing a rental property? Instead of buying a new one, you might want to convert your primary residence into a rental property, particularly if you plan on moving in the near future. At the same time, you might think it is better to sell the property and take the cash instead. Which option is best for you? Potential Issues Converting Your Primary Residence To A Rental Property If you want to convert your primary residence into a rental property, there are a few important issues to keep in mind. First, you must make sure you have…

20

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

House Poor: What It Means And How To Avoid It

There is a good chance you have heard someone described as being house poor. What exactly does it mean? It is important to understand what it means to be house poor and how you can stay away from it. House Poor Means Spending A Significant Chunk Of Your Income On Housing Being house-poor means different things for different people. In general, it means spending a significant amount of your monthly income on recurring expenses related to your house. A few examples include your mortgage, the interest on your mortgage, your property taxes, and HOA expenses. Owning a house can be…

12

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

How Do You Actually Write The Check To Buy A House?

After you have found the right house to meet your needs, you need to make the down payment to complete the transaction. Can you show up at the closing table with a suitcase full of cash? Of course, that would be a bit suspect, so that is not actually how it happens. What do you need to do to actually hand over the funds to buy the house? The Down Payment Is Verified Beforehand First, understand that the down payment is usually verified before you agree to the deal. Your real estate agent will work with you and the seller’s…

10

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

An Often-Overlooked Trick Can Help You Afford A Second House

The whole idea of investing is to use a portion of your money now to get more down the road. It is important for everyone to diversify their investments, and you might be thinking about buying a second house to do so. Investing in real estate is a goal that a lot of people have, but how can you get started? It was challenging enough to buy your first house, so how can you afford a second one? Use A Cash-Out Refinance To Buy Your Second House One trick that many people overlook is that they can actually conduct a…

05

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Lower Your Interest Rate During The First Couple Of Months With A Buydown

If you are thinking about purchasing a house today, you have probably realized that mortgage rates have increased significantly. This has made it much harder for people to afford home loans, and these higher rates have had an impact on the lender’s business as well. In an effort to make it easier for people to afford a home, you might be able to access something called a buy-down loan or a buy-down mortgage. It could help you save a significant amount of money during the first few months or years of your loan. How A Buydown Mortgage Works If you…

03

Jan

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Why Your Kitchen Features Matter

If you are interested in purchasing a house in the near future, you need to pay close attention to your kitchen. The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home, and you need to make sure the kitchen is laid out appropriately. You need the kitchen to match your expectations, but you also need to pick a kitchen that will help you maximize the value of your home if you decide to sell it down the road. What are a few of the most important examples of kitchen features you need to pay attention to? The Cabinets Always…

29

Dec

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long Term

If you're at the stage in life where home ownership is nearly within your reach, you're probably wondering whether you should start looking for a home or whether you should just keep renting. Renting is easier, people say, and it gives you more mobility. But over the long term, all that rent money can really add up - and it eventually reaches a point where buying a home is a better deal. So why is paying a high rent a worse option than buying a house and getting a mortgage? Here's what you need to know. Renting Doesn't Generate Equity…