All of us encounter major life events and they have the possibility of disrupting our lives temporarily, if not permanently. The homes we live in may have met our needs originally but due to a change in our life, it may no longer be adequate or the best fit for us, which will require a move. The decision to change one’s living situation often comes as a response to these pivotal moments, and the reasons behind such changes can be as diverse as the events themselves. The number of things that can influence these changes is numerous. It may be the birth of a new child, or the ages of the childr ..read more

House-hacking refers to buying a multifamily property on an owner-occupied mortgage, living in one unit and renting the others. If you’re thinking about becoming a rental mogul, starting early is an advantage. Not only will you have longer to accumulate a larger portfolio, but you can also increase the leverage on the first owner-occupied acquisitions. Leverage is the use of other people’s money to finance an investment. The higher the loan-to-value, the greater the leverage which can increase the yield. The lower down payment gives the investor more leverage which can increase the return on ..read more

Credit life insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to provide financial protection for borrowers and their families in the event of the borrower’s untimely death. This insurance is often associated with loans, including mortgages, and is specifically tied to the outstanding balance of the loan. In the case of a home purchase, credit life insurance will cover the remaining mortgage balance if the homeowner passes away before the loan is fully paid off. In some cases, lenders may include the expense of credit life insurance in your loan principal. This arrangement means that you ..read more

Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just starting this thrilling chapter, every time you turn your key, you’re not just entering a house but also embedding yourself in a neighborhood. The heartbeat of a vibrant community doesn’t solely rest upon pristine lawns or architectural beauty, but predominantly on its residents � wonderful folks like you! Consider these suggestions to enjoy your new neighborhood and actively contributing to making it a wonderful place to live. Foster Connection – Begin your journey by fostering connections. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, participate in or or ..read more

Over the last 60 years, the average sales price of homes has appreciated at a rate of 5.56% annually, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data. During the same period, rent has increased at a rate of 3.88% annually which presents a compelling argument in favor of homeownership. When we analyze these figures, it becomes evident that homes have not only appreciated in value at a faster rate than the increase in rental costs, but they have also provided homeowners with a substantial asset that builds equity over time. This discrepancy in growth rates means that, in the long run, homeowners ..read more

When exploring the benefits of homeownership, it’s more than just having a place to call your own. Among its many advantages, homeownership stands as a formidable safeguard against inflation and a strong vehicle for long-term wealth accumulation. This article will delve into the dynamics of appreciation and amortization, explaining why owning a home can be one of the most impactful financial decisions you can make. Inflation, the overall upward price movement of goods and services in an economy, erodes the purchasing power of money. In simpler terms, as inflation rises, each dollar you have b ..read more

Buying or selling a house is an exciting and sometimes confusing experience that includes expenses called "closing costs" that can often catch us by surprise. Closing costs are simply the fees and expenses incurred by buyers and sellers during a real estate transaction’s closing or settlement process. Typical closing costs can vary depending on what is customary in an area, the mortgage type, property value, and other factors. The largest expenses can be the real estate commission and the title policy. Total closing costs for a buyer can characteristically range from 2% – 5% of the sales pric ..read more

Your home is not just a place to live; it’s a valuable asset that can serve as a financial resource when you need it most. One of the significant advantages of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity over time, which can be accessed in various ways to fund life’s important milestones or unexpected expenses. Whether you’re looking to undertake a home improvement project, consolidate debt, cover education expenses, or simply ensure financial flexibility for the future, your home equity can be a powerful tool to achieve your goals. By understanding the options available and the implicat ..read more

Buying a home is a big decision, and there are a lot of things to consider. One important factor to consider is the home’s claim history. A home’s claim history can tell you a lot about the property, including its potential risks and liabilities. To identify potential risks because a home with a history of claims may be more likely to experience future claims. This could be due to the location of the home, the age of the home, or the materials used in construction. The cost of insurance can be higher for homes with a history of claims. Insurance companies factor in the risk of future claims w ..read more

Homebuyers in the market who are frustrated by the low inventory are finding what they want in new construction. Among the obvious advantages are that it is fresh and new, has never been lived in, and can be personalized to an individual’s taste and needs. New construction homes can be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run. These homes are built to the latest building codes, which means they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. They also come with warranties that can help protect you from unexpected repairs. New construction homes can be a grea ..read more