Maximize your home equity with a cash-out home equity refinance loan. As a homeowner, your home holds a value that grows over time. There are times when your home equity is a financial advantage that you can maximize for your benefit.   Using a Cash-Out Refinance loan to access the equity in your home can be the first step to a better financial strategy:   How can you maximize your home equity? When you have a goal in mind that requires funding, you should take a close look at the options you have for getting the cash you need to accomplish your goal. Credit cards, personal loans, st ..read more

What are the advantages you have in a buyer’s market, and how can you get the best deal possible? Just last year we posted an article about “Competing in a Seller’s Market”, but since then some big changes have happened. We have seen a shift in the real estate market, giving the negotiating advantage to home buyers. In the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022, we have begun to see the median home prices gradually drop each month, both in Texas and the U.S. as a whole. Homes are staying on the market longer. This means that lower home prices and more negotiating power in favor of the home buyer are pre ..read more

Texas Housing Market Report for Home Buyers | Updated November 2022 If you are thinking about buying a home, looking into the current Texas housing market conditions can be beneficial. Knowledge is an asset to home buyers. This report can give you a look at the current trends and market predictions to help you make informed decisions. Expect data from recent home sales within our state and an analysis of market conditions for mortgage interest rates in this Texas housing market report. An overview of the outlook as a potential home buyer could help you assess the value of real estate as an inv ..read more

It’s not uncommon to hear the idea that renting is throwing away money. However taking a closer look at the investment that home ownership requires, in comparison to the relative freedom of renting property deserves some context. There can be financial reasons to choose to continue to rent, just like there are benefits to buying a home. It is advisable to consider your long and short term goals in deciding if your are actually throwing money away.   Are you throwing money away on rent?     Throwing Away Money vs. a Return on Your Investment The concept of “throwing away money on ..read more

Finding a good real estate agent can make your home buying or selling experience much easier. Their knowledge of your local housing market and the detailed steps of a real estate transaction makes a potential agent a true asset to you. A good real estate agent keeps you informed with clear communication, is honest with their advice, and uses time efficiently. However, an inexperienced agent can leave you feeling frustrated and lost. There are a few ways to find a real estate agent with proven experience that will be an excellent guide in helping you buy or sell a home. So, where do you find a ..read more

When is a good time to buy a home? If you are dreaming about becoming a home owner, knowing when to buy a home is likely a question on your mind. The truth is that the right time to buy a home is different for every person. You should consider your personal goals and financial readiness to be just as much, or even more, important than finding the perfect market conditions. When it comes to making the decision to buy a home YOU are the most important factor. Let’s talk about… When is a good time to buy a home?   Time of year Throughout the year there are some general trends that we see in ..read more

Texas Housing Market Report for Home Buyers | Updated October 2022 If you are thinking about buying a home, looking into the current Texas housing market conditions can be beneficial. Knowledge is an asset to home buyers. This report can give you a look at the current trends and market predictions to help you make informed decisions. Expect data from recent home sales within our state and an analysis of market conditions for mortgage interest rates in this Texas housing market report. An overview of the outlook as a potential home buyer could help you assess the value of real estate as an inve ..read more

Organizing your finances can help make your life less stressful with some changes to your habits. The decisions you make about your money today can impact both your immediate and long-term future. Establishing some healthy financial habits can help you build your savings, keep up with due dates, and track your bigger financial goals. Big changes most often happen over time in a number of smaller changes. If you make a few simple changes to your financial strategy, you will see a bigger change in the future. Make a daily, weekly, or monthly habit to check in with your financial goals.   Ad ..read more

Being strategic can help you save money on your mortgage. Buying a home is the largest investment that most Americans make in their lifetime. Your mortgage will potentially be a part of your financial plan for the next 30 years. Understanding how to get the best deal on your home loan and knowing the money saving options available to you is key to making smart financial moves.   Take some or all of these 6 steps to save money on your mortgage:   1. Build Your Credit Score Before Applying You can save money on your mortgage by raising your credit score before you apply for a home loan ..read more

Texas Housing Market Report for Home Buyers | Updated September 2022 If you are thinking about buying a home, looking into the current Texas housing market conditions can be beneficial. Knowledge is an asset to home buyers. This report can give you a look at the current trends and market predictions to help you make informed decisions. Expect data from recent home sales within our state and an analysis of market conditions for mortgage interest rates in this Texas housing market report. An overview of the outlook as a potential home buyer could help you assess the value of real estate as an in ..read more