Category: financing/lending

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth

Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large...

Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights When you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at houses. From saving for your down payment to getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you keep your financial plan on track from...

Turn to an Expert for the Best Advice, Not Perfect Advice

As we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s changed and wonder what’s ahead for 2021. While there are signs of economic recovery as vaccines are being issued, we still have a long way to...

Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical. [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home. Agents help you understand key steps, like choosing upgrades and managing negotiations, while staying within your budget from start to finish. If building is the right option for...

The Power of Mortgage Pre-Approval [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights  Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow. Being pre-approved for a loan can give you clarity while planning your homebuying budget, confidence in your ability to secure a...

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM...

Homebuyers: Hang in There [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers. Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in decades. This marked the third straight...

4 Reasons Why the End of Forbearance Will Not Lead to a Wave of Foreclosures

With forbearance plans about to come to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures like what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago. Here are four reasons why that won’t happen. 1. There are fewer homeowners in trouble this time After the...

Home Sellers: There Is an Extra Way To Welcome Home Our Veterans

Some veterans are finding it difficult to obtain a home in today’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Conventional conforming mortgages (mortgages that conform to guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), accounted for 74% of mortgages obtained by homebuyers in May 2021, an increase from about 65% during 2018 through 2019…The...