A hot real estate market can pose a real challenge for hopeful buyers – especially for those looking to buy their first home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a place you love and get your offer accepted. It just takes a combination of patience and fortitude, plus a little homebuying know-how. Not sure where to start? Read on for some smart steps to follow.
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Your home is likely your biggest investment – and it’s where you and your family should feel safe, comfortable, and connected. So, whether it’s your forever home or you’re planning to make a move in the near future, you might want to consider some home improvement projects that can deliver value, efficiency, and style. Wondering where to start? Here are seven cost-effective home renovations to consider:
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Getting approved for a mortgage when you have college debt can be complicated – but having student loans does not mean an automatic denial. Nearly 46 million Americans have student loan debt as of 2022, and many of those holding loans are looking to be homeowners soon. If you owe a student loan debt or are planning to buy a home in the future with someone who owes, don't fret! Owning a home is not out of the question. Knowing how mortgage approvals are determined and what to expect will help you on your way to homeownership.
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If you have limited savings or less-than-perfect credit, the dream of owning your own home may feel out of reach. You’re not alone, but don’t think you’re out of luck either. FHA loans are designed to help people with these challenges achieve the goal of homeownership by providing a mortgage that may work with their financial situation.
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Your home is your castle—and castle upkeep can be expensive. But with a little know-how and effort, you can enjoy your home without emptying your wallet. Using less energy, decorating on a budget, taking care of small problems before they become big ones, and doing basic home renovations and repairs yourself can help you keep your home costs down. Sound good? Then this guide is for you.
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For the seasoned homeowner, researching how to fund your next big project or life event can bring up a variety of complicated terms. Many of these terms are presented together, but they often work very differently from one another. In this article, we compare a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to refinancing your existing mortgage. To learn how each option works and when you would want to choose one over another, continue reading.
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As a homeowner, you know that taking care of your house is the best way to maintain its value. But even a house that’s in good working order can look drab or uninviting from the outside. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, that could affect your home’s selling price. That’s why many real estate agents put a big emphasis on curb appeal.
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If you’re in the market for a new home, there are a few key steps you’ll need to take early on. You’ll need to consider the type of home and neighborhood you want to move to, and find a great real estate agent to help you search. One of the most important steps of all? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Here’s why getting a lender’s pre-approval is a big deal when shopping for a new home, and what you should know before you begin.
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From home renovations to high interest debts, you may find yourself at a juncture where you’re in need of cash. If you can relate and are a homeowner, the following options may be worth exploring as you weigh your financial decisions: Home equity loan Home equity line of credit (HELOC) As part of a 2-part blog series, and in an effort to help our members better understand both options, our team is reviewing the differences between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit—both of which are potential options for those wanting to borrow on their home's equity.
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Whether you’re managing your day-to-day finances or preparing for the future, loans and credit cards may be an important financial tool to support your personal goals. The process of comparing your financing options and choosing the right one can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially with all the financial jargon and concepts associated with loans and borrowing. Fortunately, many of these concepts are less complicated than they seem. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most important borrowing terms you should know. Learn them now, so you can make smarter borrowing decisions later.
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