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Posts about Home & Mortgage (5)

A couple stand in the living room of their first home that they just purchased

4 Programs that Can Open the Door to Your First Home

By: American Heritage 06.20.19 2 minute read Home & Mortgage

If you dream of owning your own home, you’re not alone. Generations of homeowners have enjoyed the opportunity to put down roots in their community, build wealth, and experience the pride of having their own place. A mortgage is usually key to buying a house, but many people struggle to qualify for this essential loan. Fortunately, there are many federal and state programs designed to make homeownership possible for more people. Before discussing these programs, let’s look at how conventional mortgage lending works.

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5 Steps to Buying Your Dream First Home

By: American Heritage 04.25.19 3 minute read Home & Mortgage

Have you ever spent hours watching a marathon of shows like Fixer Upper or Property Brothers? If yes, then you’ve probably also daydreamed about the “must haves” and “nice-to-haves” for your very first home. From open floor plans to a home office, one of the best parts of looking to buy your first home is watching HGTV shows and scrolling through Pinterest boards for inspiration.

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A father works on a DIY home construction project with his young son

Home Improvements: DIY or Pay a Pro?

By: American Heritage 04.18.19 3 minute read Home & Mortgage

Most people know, or can learn, how to do some basic home improvements and repairs. But unless you work as a contractor AND have tons of spare time, you probably will not be able to tackle every project yourself. The line between which renovations you can do and which you should pay a professional to do is different for different people, but here are some general guidelines – along with information about the best way to finance your next major home improvements.

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A couple receives house keys from their real estate agent

What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

By: American Heritage 04.03.19 3 minute read Home & Mortgage

Buying a home is a journey – and your real estate agent is your guide. Your agent’s knowledge, skills, and level of support will have a big impact on your homebuying experience, so it is important to have the right person by your side. With so many real estate agents serving the Philadelphia area and South Jersey, finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer.

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A home loan image made of blocks

Home Equity Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

By: American Heritage 03.19.19 4 minute read Home & Mortgage

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 loan options may be worth exploring as you weigh your financial decisions: Home equity loan Home equity line of credit (HELOC) 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 equity.

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decorating your house on a budget

13 Tips on How to Decorate Your House on a Budget

By: American Heritage 03.12.19 4 minute read Home & Mortgage

Whether you are a first time home buyer or just want to freshen up your current house, decorating a home can be exciting, inspiring, and often times, expensive. The good news is that if you plan ahead and follow some of our budget-friendly tips below, you can continue to pinch your pennies and still turn your house into a Pinterest-worthy home.

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building your dream home

Want to Build Your Dream Home? Here’s What You Should Know First.

By: American Heritage 02.28.19 3 minute read Home & Mortgage

Have you been trying to buy a new home or vacation property, only to see one house after another get snatched up before you can even make an offer? Or, are you unable to find a house that fits your style or needs? Sometimes, to get what you want, you have to do it yourself. But building a house is no easy feat. Here are five things you should know BEFORE you decide to build your dream home:

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a new home buyer being handed house keys

How Much House Can You Afford? 8 Tips to Avoid Becoming House Poor

By: American Heritage 12.10.18 4 minute read Home & Mortgage

Purchasing a home is a big and often stressful decision – especially with housing prices rising almost twice as fast as wages, and a shortage of affordable housing in many areas. And while owning a home may be one of your goals, the last thing you want is purchase your dream home only to discover in a few months or a few years that you can’t afford it, a situation commonly referred to as being “house poor.”

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