10
May
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

Rebuilding Costs: Rethinking How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need

Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It's far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things often outside your area of expertise. For example, working as an educator, police officer, investment banker or office staffer does not necessarily make you an expert about home repairs or insurance coverage. Yet, the average homeowner is tasked with carrying a certain level of homeowners insurance coverage without a strong working knowledge. Many homeowners just purchase enough insurance to cover the purchase price or take the advice of others. Both of those…
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09
May
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

Top Reasons You Should Compare Mortgages

Comparing mortgages is a crucial step in the process of buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage. Here are some reasons why: Save Money: Comparing mortgages can help you save money by finding the best interest rates and terms available. A lower interest rate can mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a mortgage. Avoid Pitfalls: By comparing mortgages, you can avoid pitfalls such as hidden fees, penalties, or other unfavorable terms that can cost you money and cause financial stress. Negotiate Better Terms: If you have a good understanding of what's available in the mortgage…
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05
May
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

Important Things You Should Know About Land Surveys

A land survey is an essential tool that is used to determine the exact boundaries of a piece of land or property. It is often required when buying, selling, or dividing land, and is also important for resolving property line disputes. Process: The process of land surveying typically involves a licensed surveyor visiting the property to take precise measurements and create a detailed map or plan of the land. This may include identifying any physical features of the property, such as trees, buildings, or natural landmarks, as well as any easements or encroachments. Types: There are several different types of…
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04
May
By lizlaurenb
Investment Properties

What Is Passive Real Estate Investing?

Passive real estate investing refers to an investment strategy where an individual invests in real estate assets without being actively involved in the management of those assets. In passive real estate investing, an investor typically provides funds for a real estate project, such as a rental property or commercial development, and receives a return on investment based on the performance of that project. Passive real estate investing can take various forms, such as investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs), crowdfunding platforms, or private real estate funds. These investment vehicles allow investors to access real estate investments without the need…
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03
May
By lizlaurenb
Mortgage, Real Estate

The Benefits Of Working With A Real Estate Agent You Need To Know

When it comes to buying or selling a home, working with an experienced real estate agent can be the difference between success and failure. Not only do agents possess access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — a comprehensive database of properties for sale — they also provide invaluable insight into local markets, saving buyers and sellers time by handling many of the tedious tasks associated with transactions.  Access To The Multiple Listing Service: MLS From scheduling showings and negotiating offers to managing paperwork from start-to-finish, having an experienced professional on your side makes all the difference in navigating even complex…
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02
May
By lizlaurenb
Home Mortgage

Bridge Loans: What You Need To Know

Are you in the process of selling your home? You probably want to buy a new one right now to ensure you have another house to move into, but what happens if you do not have the cash to buy a home right now? You might need to cash from your current home before you can purchase your next home, but can you really wait to sell your house before buying another one? A bridge loan can help you fix this issue. What Is A Bridge Loan? A bridge loan has been specifically designed to let you tap into the equity…
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27
Apr
By lizlaurenb
Mortgage, Real Estate

What Is A Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic's lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has provided labor, materials, or equipment to improve the property. The lien serves as security for the payment of the debt owed to the party who provided the services or materials. Mechanic's liens are typically used in the construction industry, where contractors and subcontractors may perform work on a property and then have difficulty obtaining payment from the property owner. The lien provides the contractor with a legal means to collect payment for their work by placing a hold on the property…
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25
Apr
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

The Top Homeownership Expenses You Need To Know

Owning a home can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the expenses that come with homeownership. Understanding these costs can help you prepare for and manage them effectively, ensuring a smoother transition into your new home. The Mortgage Payment The mortgage payment is typically the largest expense that homeowners face. This monthly payment consists of the principal and interest on your home loan. The principal is the amount you borrowed to purchase the home, while the interest is the cost of borrowing the money. The length of your loan term and the interest…
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21
Apr
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

How Do You Tell If A Neighborhood Is The Right One To Settle In?

Choosing the perfect home to settle in can be a tough decision. You have to weigh in on many factors including price, size, features and amenities, number of bedrooms and baths, design, and so on. However, all these factors are not enough to give you a great home ownership experience if you fall into the wrong neighborhood. Picking the right neighborhood not only guarantees you happiness and comfort, but also helps with home appreciation for the sake of future re-sale value. In most cases, though, it can be tougher to find the perfect neighborhood than it is to find the…
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19
Apr
By lizlaurenb
Real Estate

Purchasing A House That Requires Repairs: What To Know

If you are looking for a way to save money on the purchase of your next home, you might be thinking about buying a property that requires repairs. Keep in mind that you will not be able to move into this property right away, so is it the best option? You could open the door to unique financing options that could make it easier for you to purchase your next property. FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan One of the best options available is an FHA 203(k) rehab loan. This is a convenient option because it allows you to finance both the…
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