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Consider A Home Renovation Loan To Navigate A Challenging Housing Market

September 9, 2022 by James Scott

Consider A Home Renovation Loan To Navigate A Challenging Housing MarketToday, there are many people who are having a difficult time purchasing a house. Even though interest rates have gone up, sales are still happening quickly. Therefore, it can be difficult for people to qualify for a mortgage, purchase a house, and get to the closing table before the property is sold. One potential way to get around the hot housing market is to consider a home renovation mortgage. How can a home renovation mortgage help you? 

A Renovation Loan Can Help People Buy A Less Desirable Home

If you want to close on a home, you might be interested in a house that is not as desirable as some of the others. That way, you don’t have to worry about a bidding war. A renovation loan can help you purchase a less desirable home. If you are interested in buying a home that requires some repairs, but you do not have a lot of cash available for repairs, a renovation mortgage is a special loan that gives you the money you need to repair the house.

How Does A Renovation Loan Work?

Typically, the amount of money you can borrow for a renovation loan will depend on the value of the home after the renovations are completed. Therefore, the appraisal process is a bit different. This is the only type of mortgage that will give a homeowner credit for the future value of the property. Therefore, you can borrow more than you would be able to with a traditional mortgage. You can use the extra cash to perform repairs, which can increase the value of the home.

How Many Renovation Loans Are There?

Just as there are different types of conventional loans, there are different types of renovation loans as well. Each has a different set of requirements, but all of them require you to use the extra money to repair the home. Furthermore, all the work you do on the house has to add to the value of the property. If you have questions about how you can use the money that comes with a renovation loan, you should reach out to a professional who can help you. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: New Home, Real Estate, Renovation Loan

The Different Foundation Options For Your House

August 23, 2022 by James Scott

The Different Foundation Options For Your HouseAre you thinking about purchasing a home in the near future? Or, are you thinking about building one? If so, you must think carefully about the foundation of the home. It is responsible for supporting the rest of the structure, so you need to find the right foundation to meet your needs. What are a few of the top options available?

Basement

One of the first options you should consider is a basement foundation. This is a popular choice because it can create additional living space in your home. It can also act as an additional entrance, which can be useful in some situations. On the other hand, a basement does not always contribute to the square footage of your house. In addition, it can be a bit more susceptible to leaks when compared to other types of foundations. You must make sure you take care of your basement to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

Crawl Space

Another very common type of foundation you may encounter is a crawlspace foundation. A crawl space is not nearly as tall as the basement, so it does not provide any additional living space. On the other hand, it can be used as additional storage space, and it can provide some protection against environmental hazards. You must make sure the crawlspace is ventilated to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Furthermore, it requires routine maintenance to provide structural issues from developing with the house. Always take a look at the quality of the crawl space before you decide to make a purchase.

Slab Foundation

You should also consider a slab foundation for your house. A slab foundation is very quick to build, very difficult for infestations to access, and incredibly durable. The biggest downside is that it does not provide you with any additional storage space. In addition, it may make it hard to access the plumbing if there is a problem that has to be addressed.

Find The Right Foundation 

Ultimately, these are just a few of the many options available if you are looking for a new house. Familiarize yourself with the benefits and drawbacks of different foundation types. Then, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you find the right house to meet your needs.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Crawl Space, Foundation, New Home

The Importance Of Pre-Approval During The Homebuying Process

August 18, 2022 by James Scott

The Importance Of Pre-Approval During The Homebuying ProcessIf you want to buy a home in the near future, you are probably aware of just how competitive the housing market is. You need to put yourself in the best position possible to be successful by getting pre-approved for a home loan. This is a very important step, particularly when you compete against people making cash offers. Learn more about the importance of getting pre-approved below, and make sure your offer is taken seriously.

A Pre-Approval Letter Shows You Are Serious

The first reason why you need to get a pre-approval letter is that it will show any potential seller that you are serious about buying the home. One of the reasons why settlers like to accept cash offers is because they know the sale will go through. Without a pre-approval letter, the seller may not know if you will be approved by a reminder for a home loan. By showing a pre-approval letter, the seller will know that you will get financing for the home, and they do not necessarily need to worry about the sale falling apart.

Getting Pre-Approved Gives You A Budget

You also need to get a pre-approval letter because it will give you a budget with which to work. Even though it is fun to take a look at different houses and imagine what your life might look like, you need to know how much money you can spend on a house. The lender will let you know the maximum amount that you are approved for, and you can quickly narrow down your search and find the right home to meet your needs.

Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Your Housing Search

The housing market is constantly changing, so you need to take advantage of every opportunity given to you. If you want to make it easier to navigate a difficult housing market, you need to get pre-approved before you start the housing search. Remember that you do not necessarily need to get a loan from the lender that gave you a pre-approval letter, but the seller needs to know that you have been approved by at least one lender if you want your offer to be taken seriously. A pre-approval letter does exactly that.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Ownership, Pre-Approval, Real Estate

The Top Tips For Finding The Right Home

August 16, 2022 by James Scott

The Top Tips For Finding The Right HomeIf you are in the process of looking for a new home, you have probably realized that there are lots of options available. It can be very difficult to decide which home is right for you, but there are several important tips you should keep in mind. They include:

1. Make A List Of Your Wants And Needs

First, make a list of what you need to have and what you want to have. It is very difficult to find the perfect home, but if you have a list that allows you to prioritize what is most important, the process will get easier.

2. Consider Home Improvements

Next, take a look at some of the most important home improvements that homeowners have done. Think about what matters to your lifestyle. Then, look for those home improvements during your housing search.

3. Check Out The Neighbors

Pay close attention to the neighbors. You will have to live next door to them, so you want to get along with them. Do you want neighbors who keep themselves? Or, do you want neighbors who are outgoing?

4. Consider The Kids

Do you see a lot of kids playing in the street? If you have children, you might want to make it easier for them to make friends. Having other kids in the neighborhood is important.

5. Think About The Commute

What is your drive to work like in the morning? How much traffic are you willing to deal with? Pay attention to how much time you will have to spend in the car.

6. Consider The Schools

What is the school system like? Even if you don’t have kids, a quality school system can make a significant difference in the value of your home.

7. Look At The Crime Numbers

How much crime is in the area? Much of this information is public, so take a look at the municipal police department website to see what the prime numbers are like.

8. Consider Your Future

What is your future going to be like? Do you think the home will still be right for you in a few years? Try to find a home that you will stay in for a while.

9. Look At The Days On Market

Are there a lot of homes in the area selling quickly? If the homes sell fast, it is a sign of a desirable neighborhood.

10. Don’t Forget The Amenities

What are some of the changes taking place in the local community? Are there new shops and restaurants opening up? If so, you have probably found the right home. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Improvement, Neighborhood, Real Estate

The Top Reasons To Downsize When You Retire

August 5, 2022 by James Scott

The Top Reasons To Downsize When You RetireIf you plan on retiring in the near future, you might be thinking about moving. The kids might be grown, and you might not want to take care of such a large house. If that is the case, you should consider downsizing. When you downsize your home, you trade in your larger home for a smaller one. What are some of the top reasons why you should do so?

1. Bulk Up Your Retirement Account

The first reason why you should downsize is that you will free up more resources you can contribute to your retirement accounts. If you have been in your house for a long time, there is a great chance that you have paid off almost the entirety of your mortgage. Furthermore, your home may have even gone up in value by tens of thousands of dollars. Therefore, when you sell your house, you should receive most of the proceeds from the sale. You can use the proceeds from that sale to buy another house with cash and still have money left over to add to your retirement account. 

2. Reduce Your Overhead Expenses

You can also reduce your overhead expenses if you downsize your home. Your home insurance and property taxes should go down if you purchase a smaller house. You will probably have to spend less money on utilities, routine maintenance, repairs, and upkeep if you trade in your larger house for a smaller one.

3. Find The Right Location

If you decide to downsize your house, you will also have more flexibility regarding where to live. It is easier to fit a smaller house in an ideal location than a larger one. If you are willing to purchase a smaller house, you should have more options available to you, and you can find the perfect location for your retirement.

Consider Downsizing In Retirement

If you are getting ready to retire soon, you should consider downsizing. This is a great opportunity for you to free up a bit of extra cash for retirement and find the perfect location for your home. Consider taking a look at some of the houses available in your local area, and don’t forget to reach out to a professional with any questions. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Downsizing, Real Estate, Retirement

The Best Ways To Get To Know Your Neighbors

July 26, 2022 by James Scott

The Best Ways To Get To Know Your NeighborsIf you recently moved into a new neighborhood, you might be looking for a way to meet your neighbors. Ideally, you will become friends with your neighbors. They can take care of your pets when you are out of town and water your plants when you are gone. On the other hand, how can you meet your neighbors without the process being awkward? There are a few great ways to do so.

Spend Time Outside

If you want to get to know your neighbors, the best way to do so is to spend time outside. Work on your lawn. Water your plans. Walk the dog. The more time you spend outside, the greater your chances of running into your neighbors. This will make it easier for you to get to know them.

Go To Some Neighborhood Events

Next, you should go to a few neighborhood events if you want to meet your neighbors. There are a lot of communities that have pool parties, barbecues, and events for children. If you go to some of these events, you will have a great chance of meeting the people who live around you, and you can make some new friends.

Ask The Neighbors For Advice

Finally, you should ask the neighbors for advice. If you don’t know when you need to put the garbage cans out, you can ask your neighbors. If you are wondering how often the recycling comes, talk to the neighbors! If you don’t know what to do with old electronics you need to throw out, the neighbors can probably help you. It can take a lot of adjusting if you move into a new area, and your neighbors can help you make the process easier. Then, you can invite them over for a beer or a party to show your gratitude.

Get To Know Your New Neighbors

It can be a bit awkward if you move into a new neighborhood. Your neighbors might appear to know each other already, but how can you get to know them as well? If you follow these tips, you can get to know them quickly, make some new friends in your neighborhood, and have someone to lean on if there is an emergency at your house.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Neighbors, New Home, Real Estate

An Overview Of A Drive By Appraisal

July 22, 2022 by James Scott

An Overview Of A Drive By AppraisalIf you are applying for a home loan of any kind, there is a high likelihood that your lender will require a home appraisal. An appraisal is done to figure out how much your home is actually worth because the lender does not want to lend you more money than you could theoretically sell the home for in the future. There are some situations where the lender might be fine with a drive/by appraisal. What does this mean?

Comparing A Traditional Appraisal To A Drive By Appraisal

A traditional appraisal is a very thorough process where the appraiser comes to the home and inspects almost every portion of the home. This includes the interior and exterior. Then, the appraiser uses the information to calculate an estimate of the value of the home.

In a drive-by appraisal, the appraiser will only look at the exterior of the home. Then, the appraiser will compare this to the exterior of similar homes in your area, such as in your neighborhood, to get a better idea of how the value of your home compares to similar homes near you. Then, the appraiser uses this to figure out the value of your home. 

When Is A Drive By Appraisal Permitted?

Ultimately, a drive-by appraisal is permitted at the discretion of the lender. Typically, if you are applying for a new home loan, the lender will want a full appraisal; however, due to the pandemic, some lenders have become more lax and have been allowing drive-by appraisals for safety purposes. In addition, if you are applying for a refinance, the lender might not require a full appraisal. This is likely dependent on the time between your original home loan and the current refinance. It might also be dependent on your financial situation. 

Do I Want A Drive-By Appraisal?

There are a few advantages to you if the lender allows a drive-by appraisal. The process is usually faster, so it could help you expedite the closing process. In addition, if someone occupies the home currently, a stranger doesn’t have to enter the home to inspect every nook and cranny. If your lender requires a home appraisal, be sure to clarify what type of appraisal has to be done to get you to the closing table. 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Appraisal, Drive By Apprasial, Mortgage

Why Banks Don’t Always Give The Best Interest Rate

July 20, 2022 by James Scott

Why Banks Don't Always Give The Best Interest RateIf you want to purchase a house, you will probably have to take out a mortgage. There are only a few people who have enough cash to purchase a house outright, so most will go to the bank for a loan. How do you know if the bank is giving you the best possible interest rate? Unfortunately, the bank does not always give you the best interest rate because the bank is looking for a way to make money. If they can get you to accept a higher interest rate, they will make more money on your home loan. What are some of the factors that dictate interest rates on loans, and how can you say money?

Bank Rates Are Dictated By Investors

In a lot of cases, mortgage rates are not necessarily dictated by banks, but they are dictated by investors. Many banks want to remove the risk of someone defaulting on their home loan, so they will sell the debt to an investor. This is a way for the banks to free up capital they can use to invest in other projects. Sometimes, the mortgage rates are dictated by the amount of money investors are willing to pay for this type of debt.

Interest Rates Are Always Forward-Looking

In other cases, banks will charge a higher interest rate because they are worried that rates will rise in the future. Essentially, the pricing on home loans right now is dictated by what banks think interest rates will be in the future. If the bank thinks that interest rates will go up, then it might raise interest rates now to hedge its risk. 

How You Can Get A Better Interest Rate

There are a few ways you can get the bank to give you a better interest rate. First, make sure your credit report is in order. Maximize your credit score to get a better interest rate. Then, make sure you have enough money to put down. The more money you put down, the lower the interest rate you will get. Finally, ask about discount points. You might be able to pay some of the interest upfront in exchange for a lower interest rate over the life of the loan. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Bank Loans, Interest Rates, Real Estate

The Top Tech Upgrades For Your Home During A Home Improvement Project

July 19, 2022 by James Scott

If you want to increase the value of your home, you might be thinking about conducting a renovation project. You can significantly increase the value and appeal of your home if you add some advanced technology. What are a few of the top tech upgrades you should consider adding to your home? Take a look at some of the top options below, and consider reaching out to a professional who can help you.

A Smart Thermostat

The Top Tech Upgrades For Your Home During A Home Improvement ProjectThere are a lot of people who are concerned about cost-of-living increases. If you are looking for a way to save money, reduce your utility expenses. One of the ways to do so is to use a smart thermostat. You can use a smart thermostat to exert greater control over when your HVAC unit is on and when it is not. Your thermostat can even tell your HVAC unit to stop running when you are not home, which can help you save a lot of money on your utility expenses.

A Smart Refrigerator

If you want to take your kitchen to an entirely new level, you might be interested in a smart refrigerator. A smart refrigerator can help you generate meal schedules, look up new recipes for you, and even make a grocery list for you. Of course, you will probably fall in love with the automatic water dispenser as well. Consider upgrading your kitchen with a smart refrigerator.

A Home Elevator

You might even want to install a home elevator. There are plenty of companies that will help you find an affordable home elevator you can add to your house. There are plenty of financing options available as well. This is a particularly helpful option if you have someone in your home with mobility issues. That way, they don’t need to worry about the hazards of navigating the staircase, particularly at night.

Find The Best Tech Upgrades For Your Home

These are a few of the top examples of upgrades you may want to add to your home. There are plenty of amazing tech upgrades you should explore, and many of them can help you increase the value of your house. Consider working with a professional who can assist you. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Real Estate, Smart Fridge, Upgrading Your Home

Why Millennial And Gen Z Buyers Are Struggling

July 14, 2022 by James Scott

Why Millennial And Gen Z Buyers Are StrugglingRight now, it is difficult for people to purchase a house. Prices are very high, inventory remains at record low levels, and this is contributing to bidding wars. Even though everyone is having a hard time finding a house, Millennials and Gen Z buyers are struggling more than other people. What are some of the biggest hurdles that these buyers need to overcome? 

A Lack Of Familiarity

One of the first problems that Millennials and Gen Z buyers have to overcome is a tremendous lack of familiarity with the housing market. Many people that fall into this category are buying a house for the first time. They are not familiar with the process of buying a home, and they are far more likely to be overwhelmed by the process. Furthermore, they are often working with a smaller budget, which can make it even harder for them to compete in the current market.

Cash Offers

Because Millennials and Gen Z buyers are purchasing a house for the first time, they do not have the same budget. They often end up purchasing a smaller house. Unfortunately, these are the same houses that people who are downsizing are trying to buy as well. People who are trying to downsize can often make a cash offer for a smaller house, driving Millennials and Gen Z buyers right out of the market. Millennials and Gen Z buyers have a difficult time competing with cash offers.

Student Loan Debt

In addition, Millennials and Gen Z buyers are often carrying a tremendous amount of student loan debt. In some cases, the student loan debt they carry could be more than a mortgage. Banks and credit unions will hesitate to give young prospective buyers a mortgage if they already have a mortgage in the form of student loan debt.

Rising Interest Rates

Unfortunately, rising interest rates are also having an adverse impact on Millennials and Gen Z buyers. Because they are already working with a smaller budget, they will feel the sting of rising interest rates more than other people. This could make it even harder for them to purchase a home.

Looking To The Future

It is possible that more homes could come on the market in the near future. This could create more opportunities for all buyers, making it easier for Millennials and Gen Z buyers to avoid a bidding war and find a home. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Gen Z, Millennials, Real Estate

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