Homeownership is a major milestone in life. It's a dream that many people aspire to, and it's a decision that should be made carefully. There are many factors to consider when buying a home, such as your budget, your needs, and your goals.
But once you've decided to buy a home, there are many things you can do to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a few tips:
Do your research
Before you start looking at homes, it's important to do your research. This means understanding the housing market in your area, knowing what you can afford, and figuring out what you're looking for in a home.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Once you know what you can afford, it's time to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow, and it will make the home buying process much smoother.
Work with a real estate agent
A real estate agent can help you find the right home for your needs and budget. They can also help you navigate the home buying process and make sure everything goes smoothly.
Be prepared to make an offer
Once you find a home you love, it's time to make an offer. This is where you'll negotiate the price of the home with the seller. Be sure to have all your ducks in a row before you make an offer, and be prepared to walk away if you're not happy with the terms.
Close on the home
Once your offer is accepted, it's time to close on the home. This is where you'll sign all the paperwork and officially become a homeowner. Congratulations!
Owning a home is a big responsibility, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can make the home buying process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Here are some additional tips for homeownership:
- Maintain your home. One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to maintain your home. This means regularly inspecting your home for any repairs that need to be made, and making sure to keep up with your maintenance schedule.
- Save money for emergencies. It's always a good idea to have a savings fund set aside for emergencies. This will help you cover the cost of any unexpected repairs or maintenance that may come up.
- Get involved in your community. Owning a home is a great way to become more involved in your community. You can join a neighborhood association, attend community events, or even volunteer your time.
- Make your home your own. One of the best things about owning a home is that you can make it your own. You can decorate it however you want, and you can make it a place that reflects your personality and your taste.
- Enjoy your home. Owning a home is a big responsibility, but it can also be a very rewarding experience. Take the time to enjoy your home and make it a place that you love.
February Mortgage Loan Originator Spotlight
What Every Seller Needs to Know About Renovating This Year
If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to appeal to the most buyers. It’s crucial to work with a trusted real estate professional who knows your local market to get your home ready to sell. But there are a few things you should consider when deciding what to renovate and update before listing this season. Here are three things to keep top of mind as you’re making your list of projects to tackle this year.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/3BxDCW3
Don't Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Dreams
If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt?
Don’t wait, the answer is yes!
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/36fSvRj
VA Loans: Helping Veterans Achieve Their Homeownership Dreams
The purpose of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans is to provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have sacrificed so much by serving our nation. As the Veterans Administration says of the program:
“The objective of the VA Home Loan Guaranty program is to help eligible Veterans, active-duty personnel, surviving spouses, and members of the Reserves and National Guard purchase, retain, and adapt homes in recognition of their service. . . .”
For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of veterans and their families the opportunity to purchase their own homes.
2020 Data on VA Home Loans 1,246,817 home loans are guaranteed by the Veterans Administration
The average VA loan amount totals $301,044. 178,171 of those using a VA Loan are first-time homebuyers
Top Benefits of the VA Home Loan Program. As we reflect on their sacrifice and honor our nation’s veterans, it’s important to ensure all veterans know the full extent of benefits VA home loans offer.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/320HZLA
Advice For First-Generation Homebuyers
The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says:
“Achieving this goal can create a sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates both for the buyer and those closest to them, including their parents and future generations.”
In other words, your dream of homeownership has far-reaching impacts. If you’re about to be the first person in your family to buy a home, let that motivate you throughout the process. As you begin your journey, here are three helpful tips to make that dream come true.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/30vJwsU
New Home Checklist – 13 Things To Do The First Week
Raise your hand if you love checklists! *Enthusiastically raises both hands*. I love making lists and crossing things off as I accomplish them. Of course, moving was no different. I had checklists galore, my checklists even had checklists. A new home checklist is essential for a smooth moving process.
Now, the average person probably doesn’t have “demo kitchen” on their new home checklist, but I have compiled a list of items that are pertinent for most of you. This checklist includes things that should be done relatively soon after moving in – such as within the first week.
SEE CHECKLIST HERE: https://bit.ly/3ERwuVm
Buying A House In Your 20’s: How To Do It Right Without Going Broke
Thinking of buying a house in your 20s? While this might sound crazy to some, it’s actually doable but still depends on your financial situation.
If you’re wondering why buying your first home at a young age might be a good idea, here are some of the benefits.
Living on your own and knowing you own a home gives a certain type of freedom that can contribute to the next steps in your life;
You’ll have the chance to grow up much sooner than other people. Owning a house goes together with much more responsibility than just renting a place.
You can earn an extra income. Renting a room in your new home is a fantastic chance to earn passive income on a monthly basis.
This will be your first big investment. The real estate market might be changing all the time but buying a house in your 20s can be one of the smartest moves you make.
It helps your credit history. Working with credit from such a young age and paying back your home loan can significantly increase your credit score.
Once you have a home, you can focus on other things. Not owning a property makes people insecure and even anxious as they know they need to get a loan at some point. If you’ve already done that and have started paying off your mortgage, you can stop worrying and know that no matter what happens, you have a roof over your head. Now, you can start saving money, build an online business and earn from side hustles and eventually leave your 9 to 5.
You’re saving money. I decided to save one of the best benefits for last. While renting money means spending an amount each month without getting much in return or providing for your future, owning a house in your 20s means each payment goes to pay off your debt. Also, that is usually much cheaper than the rent you’d pay otherwise.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/3lY7wft
A Happy Tail: Pets And The Homebuying Process
It’s no secret that we love our furry friends – about 70% of U.S. households have pets.
What may come as a surprise is how large a role they play in the homebuying process.
Americans spend $1,163 a year on their pets, and nearly half of pet owners say they would move for better accommodations and amenities for their pets.
CHECK OUT THE INFOGRAPHIC HERE: https://bit.ly/3oQKwBd
Millennials Are Supercharging The Housing Market
Alex and Michelle Angert lived the last years of their 20s without a permanent address. They moved out of a small Manhattan apartment in 2018 to stay in short-term rentals around the U.S. before embarking on a yearlong honeymoon to travel the world, starting in the Philippines.
When the pandemic cut their travels short last year, Mr. Angert, 31, decided to take a job in public relations in Richmond, Va. He and Mrs. Angert, who is also 31 and works at a healthcare tech company, started house hunting this spring. After losing out on multiple offers, they raised their $400,000 budget. In July, they plunked down $635,000 on a three-bedroom ranch in a tree-filled lot near a Richmond country club.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://on.wsj.com/3He7TuL
These Homes Are Playing With Fire In Their Backyard
Everything became about the yard during the pandemic, said Susan Davis Taylor, an interior designer based in Los Angeles. One element people really wanted to add to their yard? Fire, which can be introduced through a fire pit or outdoor fireplace.
Choosing between a fireplace or fire pit is a matter of what vibe a homeowner wants to create. A fireplace is more of a focal point, said Scott Arnold, a master mason in Atlanta, while fire pits are used as casual gathering spots. Fireplaces and chimneys typically flank an outdoor patio and are the first thing people notice when they enter the space, he said. Mr. Arnold finds that people like to create sitting areas in front of them with a couple of chairs but that it is more about the visual statement. Fire pits, on the other hand, invite revelry. “Think of it like, if you go camping and everyone kind of just sits around with a drink, or if they just want to make s’mores,” said Mr. Arnold.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://on.wsj.com/3FzWmWj
Key Things To Avoid After Applying For A Mortgage
Once you’ve found your dream home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. It’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, be sure to consult your lender – someone who’s qualified to explain how your financial decisions may impact your home loan.
Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/3qtUIz5
Struggling To Find A Home To Buy? New Construction May Be An Option
There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great time to list if you’re ready to make a change. But if you do sell your house right now, you may be wondering where you’ll go when you move.
With so few homes available to buy right now, you might be considering building a new home as one of your options. But you may be unsure if that’s the way to go. Let’s compare the benefits of a newly built home versus moving into an existing one, and why working with a real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success no matter what you decide.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/32GSxQj
10 Home Improvement Projects To Tackle Before Listing Your Home
These small changes have the potential to make a huge impact on your selling price.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/3FmDEQW
Why Inflation Shouldn't Stop You From Buying A Home In 2022
If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising consumer costs, supply chain constraints, and more. Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. And while home prices aren’t immune from this increase, here’s why inflation shouldn’t stop you from buying a home in 2022.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/33rtDos
Top 15 Home Updates That Pay Off
Find out how the top 15 home improvements rank, plus get tips on maximizing the return at resale.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/3JZnuR3
Americans Choose Real Estate As The Best Investment
According to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for eight years in a row.
Real estate tops the list because you’re not just buying a place to call home – you’re investing in your future. Real estate is typically considered a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.
See Infographic here: https://bit.ly/3H4uZ7n
Tips For Single Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream A Realty
If you’re living on your own and looking to buy a home, know that you can make your dream a reality with thoughtful planning and the right team of experts. Research from Freddie Mac shows 28% of all households (36.1 million) are sole-person, and that number is growing. Over the past 40 years, the number of sole-person households has nearly doubled, and that’s a trend that’s expected to continue.
READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE HERE: https://bit.ly/32BCnby
Sellers: Don't Wait Until Spring To Make Your Move
As you plan out your goals for the year, moving up to your dream home may top the list. But, how do you know when to make your move? You want to time it just right so you can get the most out of the sale of your current house. You also want to know you’re making a good investment when you buy your new home. What you may not realize is, that opportunity to get the best of both worlds is already here.
READ MORE HERE: https://bit.ly/3G0ZNVd
The Top Indicator If You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading
While it’s always difficult to know exactly where mortgage rates will go, a great indicator of where they may head is by looking at the 50-year history of the 10-year treasury yield, and then following its path. Understanding the mechanics of the treasury yield isn’t as important as knowing that there’s a correlation between how it moves and how mortgage rates follow.
READ MORE HERE: https://bit.ly/3L49eqC
DIY – Basement Lighting Options and Ideas
Whether you’re planning a home theater with indirect mood lighting or a craft space with bright work lights, we've got answers to the most common questions about lighting the lower level of your home.
Lighting a basement can be a challenge. Even if your basement is a walk-out with several windows and doors, chances are the space is probably not getting a lot of natural light. That's why it's best to make a lighting plan to assess all your needs. If you're simply redecorating, adding the right lighting can do wonders for making your space more inviting.
READ MORE HERE: https://bit.ly/3gfutYy
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April Shoutout!
March Mortgage Loan Originator Spotlight
The Housing Wire put together an article of the top 100 tech companies that are serving our mortgage industry.
When we talk about tech in the mortgage industry it is a learning process. Having this top 100 list is gold if you are looking for something that you need to fit your workflow. Checkout the link and view the top lists, maybe you are already using one or more of these programs!
Letter from the Heart
https://mailchi.mp/cmpfl/certified-mortgage-gazette-e-newsletter-6447732
https://mailchi.mp/cmpfl/certified-mortgage-gazette-e-newsletter-550491
https://mailchi.mp/cmpfl/certified-mortgage-gazette-e-newsletter-521687
How to get out of debt? https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/get-out-of-debt-with-the-debt-snowball-plan
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