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An Often-Overlooked Trick Can Help You Afford A Second House

January 10, 2023 by James Scott

An Often-Overlooked Trick Can Help You Afford A Second HouseThe whole idea of investing is to use a portion of your money now to get more down the road. It is important for everyone to diversify their investments, and you might be thinking about buying a second house to do so. Investing in real estate is a goal that a lot of people have, but how can you get started? It was challenging enough to buy your first house, so how can you afford a second one? 

Use A Cash-Out Refinance To Buy Your Second House

One trick that many people overlook is that they can actually conduct a cash-out refinance to purchase a second house. In general, your lender will allow you to cash out up to 80 percent of the value of your home during a cash-out refinance. This can give you a tremendous amount of flexibility that you can use to purchase a second house. For example, if your house is worth $300,000, you may be able to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars in equity.

What To Consider When Using A Cash-Out Refinance

When you apply for a cash-out refinance, there is a chance that the interest rate on your new loan might change. This might mean that you end up with a higher interest rate than before. You must make sure you can afford this new interest rate. Furthermore, you will be required to pay closing expenses. You need to have enough money set aside to cover those closing expenses. Keep in mind that the term of the loan might change as well. If you were close to paying off your house, this type of refinance might reset that clock. It might take you longer to pay off your mortgage than it did before. Consider these factors carefully before conducting a cash-out refinance.

A Cash-Out Refinance Might Be Right For You

In the end, a cash-out refinance could be a great way for you to withdraw equity from your home, using it to purchase an investment property. On the other hand, you need to ensure you can still afford the new loan after you take that equity out of your home. Work with an expert who can help you find the right option to meet your needs.

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Cash Out Refi, Mortgage

Lower Your Interest Rate During The First Couple Of Months With A Buydown

January 5, 2023 by James Scott

Lower Your Interest Rate During The First Couple Of Months With A BuydownIf you are thinking about purchasing a house today, you have probably realized that mortgage rates have increased significantly. This has made it much harder for people to afford home loans, and these higher rates have had an impact on the lender’s business as well. In an effort to make it easier for people to afford a home, you might be able to access something called a buy-down loan or a buy-down mortgage. It could help you save a significant amount of money during the first few months or years of your loan.

How A Buydown Mortgage Works

If you decide to go with a buydown mortgage, your interest rate will be lower for a temporary period of time. For example, it might be two percent lower for the first year, 1.5 percent lower for the second year, and then one percent lower for the third year. It will normalize for the rest of the loan. Because the interest rate is lower, your monthly payments will be smaller for the first few years. This could be an attractive option for a buyer who expects his or her income to go up in the future. Or, this option could be provided by a custom home builder to get more people through the door. 

Who Funds The Buydown Account?

There are different ways a buydown account might be funded. It could be provided by a home builder, or it might be provided by the seller if you are purchasing the house from somebody else. It might even be offered by a mortgage lender that is having a difficult time getting people to sign mortgages. Depending on the current interest rates, there are different options available. For example, some buydowns give you a one percent break for two years, while others might start with a three percent break the first year, dropping by one percent each year until it normalizes.

Is A Buydown Mortgage Right For You?

Like any option, there are pros and cons. If you lower your monthly rate during the first few years, it is possible that the rest of your mortgage might have higher payments than it would otherwise have had. Be sure to talk to a professional who can help you figure out if this is the right option for your needs. 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Buydown, Points, Real Estate

Why Your Kitchen Features Matter

January 3, 2023 by James Scott

Why Your Kitchen Features MatterIf you are interested in purchasing a house in the near future, you need to pay close attention to your kitchen. The kitchen is considered to be the heart of the home, and you need to make sure the kitchen is laid out appropriately. You need the kitchen to match your expectations, but you also need to pick a kitchen that will help you maximize the value of your home if you decide to sell it down the road. What are a few of the most important examples of kitchen features you need to pay attention to?

The Cabinets 

Always take a close look at the cabinets. Look at the inside of the cabinets for signs of water damage, and make sure the cabinets are aligned appropriately. If the cabinet doors do not open and close properly, it can be a significant problem when you are trying to cook in the kitchen. Cabinets are often the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel. 

The Backsplash

You should also pay close attention to the backsplash. You need the backsplash to completely cover the area between the counters and the cabinets. You do not want the backsplash to be too short. Otherwise, you expose the wall to additional stress when you are cooking. 

The Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is often the gold standard when it comes to a kitchen. This additional feature can significantly increase the value of your home, but you need to make sure the island is in the right location. For example, you need the island to be close enough to the workspaces in your kitchen, such as the stove and refrigerator. You also want it to be centered in the kitchen itself.

Think About These Key Kitchen Features

These are just a few of the most important examples of kitchen features that you need to think about when you are interested in purchasing a house. Remember that these features need to match your needs, but you also need to think about how much money you can get for the house if you sell it down the road. Pay close attention to these kitchen features when you are looking for a new house.

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Features, Kitchen, Real Estate

Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long Term

December 29, 2022 by James Scott

Owning vs Renting: Why High Rents Are Worse Than a Mortgage over the Long TermIf you’re at the stage in life where home ownership is nearly within your reach, you’re probably wondering whether you should start looking for a home or whether you should just keep renting. Renting is easier, people say, and it gives you more mobility. But over the long term, all that rent money can really add up – and it eventually reaches a point where buying a home is a better deal.

So why is paying a high rent a worse option than buying a house and getting a mortgage? Here’s what you need to know.

Renting Doesn’t Generate Equity

One of the single biggest sources of wealth in the United States is home equity – as you pay down your mortgage, you invest more and more of your money into your property, and it appreciates in value. When you eventually sell that home, you make a profit. The monthly payment is something you’d have to make anyway, whether you rent or own – but when you rent, your monthly rent money lines someone else’s pockets, while when you own, paying down your mortgage actually creates wealth for you.

Renting Doesn’t Give You Access To Homeowner Tax Credits And Deductions

There are all sorts of tax benefits available to homeowners that renters simply can’t access. As a homeowner, you can deduct your mortgage interest from your taxes owing, reducing your taxable income – but there’s no such deduction for renters. You can also deduct property taxes and some closing costs when you buy a home – there are no corresponding tax benefits for renters.

There are also several tax credits available to homeowners that aren’t available to renters. Things like renovations or simply buying a home for the first time can give you tax benefits that renters can’t access.

If You Can Muster Up A Down Payment, Owning Is Cheaper In The Long Run

One of the biggest hurdles keeping young people out of the real estate market is the down payment. It’s not easy, but if you can save up enough money for a down payment, you’re actually better off buying a home than continuing to rent.

According to Trulia, the median home price in metro Houston in Texas is just under $163,000, while the median monthly rent for an apartment is $1,550. That means renting would cost $18,600 per year, while buying a home (assuming a 20% down payment and 30-year term) would cost $9,384 per year in mortgage payments. In other words, owning is about half as expensive as renting in the long run.

Renting may be a good short-term solution, but over the long haul, owning is almost always better. Call a local mortgage professional to learn more.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Mortgage Tips, Real Estate, Renting

How To Finance A Home Renovation

December 28, 2022 by James Scott

How To Finance A Home RenovationThe housing market continues to be very competitive, so you may have to be a bit more flexible with what you are looking for. For example, you may come across a home that is not quite perfect, but it has a lot of the features that you need. In that case, you may be wondering how you can finance a home renovation. One of the best ways to do so is using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program. 

What Can The FHA Streamline Program Finance?

There are several examples of home renovations you may be able to fund using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program. For example, you might be interested in updating the kitchen or bathroom. You might also need to repair the roof or purchase new appliances. If you need to add energy-efficient upgrades to your home, you might be able to finance them using the FHA Streamline 203(k) program.

What Are The Guidelines Of The FHA Streamline Program?

If you decide to go with the FHA Streamline 203(k) program, you have multiple options available. This means that you can customize your financing to meet your needs. For example, you might be able to reduce the cost of your renovation with a lower down payment. You can also take advantage of fixed and adjustable-rate loans. You might even be able to finance your down payment using funds from a relative, making it easier for you to complete your home renovation.

What Are The Main Advantages Of The FHA Streamline Program?

Ultimately, you might have to complete a home renovation before you move into your home. Renovating a home can be expensive, and you might not have the capital to do so right after purchasing a new house. With access to the FHA Streamline 203(k) program, you can increase your financial flexibility, making it easier for you to complete your home renovation project. If you choose wisely, your home renovation might even increase the value of your home, so you should view a home renovation project as an investment. Consider talking to an expert who can help you.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: 203K, Real Estate, Renovation

The Top Tips For Making A Successful Offer

December 27, 2022 by James Scott

The Top Tips For Making A Successful OfferAre you interested in purchasing a house? If so, you probably know that the market is more competitive today than it has ever been in the past. There are a lot of people who are interested in purchasing a home, and you need to take a few extra steps if you want to make your offer as competitive as possible. What do you need to do if you want to maximize the chances of having your offer accepted?

Make An Offer Early

If you want to increase your chances of getting your offer accepted, you need to make an offer as early as possible. If you know there is a property coming on the market that you are interested in, you should try to get your offer in on the first day. There is a chance that the seller is going to be drowned in offers, and they might not even accept your offer if they already have too many. Get your offer in as early as possible.

Cover Closing Costs

If you want the seller to take your offer seriously, offer to cover closing expenses. It is true that closing costs can be expensive, but it is a way for you to separate yourself from the other offers on the table. If the seller knows that they can save some money by picking your offer, you increase your chances of getting your offer accepted.

Pay With Cash 

Finally, there is a chance that the seller wants to get to the closing table as quickly as possible. Therefore, if you can do so, consider making an offer that is entirely cash. If you provide the seller with a cash offer, you can save the seller a significant amount of time and money, so they might decide to pick your offer over the others.

Get Your Offer Accepted

These are a few of the most important tips you need to follow if you would like to increase your chances of having your offer accepted. Even though the market has gotten exceedingly competitive, there are ways for you to get your offer to stand out from the crowd. Consider reaching out to an expert who can help you make a competitive offer right off the bat.

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Buying A Home, Making an Offer, Real Estate

The Importance Of Paint Colors When Selling A Home

December 20, 2022 by James Scott

The Importance Of Paint Colors When Selling A HomeIf you are interested in selling your house, you need to make sure you get as much money for it as possible. There is never a second chance to make a first impression, and every detail matters when you want to get an offer on the table. That means you need to pay attention to the color of your paint as well. Even though this might sound like a relatively minor detail, the color of your paint does matter. What do you need to know about paint color and its impact on your home’s value?

The First Impression

First, the color of your walls matters because it is responsible for the first impression. Even though the buyer can repaint the house, the paint throughout your house will give the buyer a certain vibe. You want the people in your house to like it, so make sure you select colors that most people will be happy with.

Ease Of Matching 

When you are selecting paint for your house, you want to pick colors that are relatively easy to match. For example, gray will go with just about everything. On the other hand, colors such as lime green and pink are going to be harder to match. If more people can match their decorations to your home, you will have an easier time getting an offer on the table.

The Location Of The Colors

Finally, don’t forget that some colors are better in some rooms than others. For example, light blue is probably going to go well in the bathroom, but it might not go well with other rooms in the home. In addition, brown or red might be fine in your kitchen, but mint green is probably not going to look great in that room. Think about what colors are used in certain rooms of your house. 

Pick The Right Color For Your Home

While a potential buyer can simply repaint the house if they don’t like it, it will mean extra time and money that they need to worry about. Furthermore, remember that your paint will be responsible for the first impression you make on a buyer, so make sure you choose colors that other people will like.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Interior Paint, Real Estate, Selling

Do Your Home Upgrades Qualify As Medical Expenses On Your Taxes?

December 13, 2022 by James Scott

Do Your Home Upgrades Qualify As Medical Expenses On Your Taxes?You might want to make some upgrades to your house, but they could be a bit expensive. If you make upgrades to your house that qualify as medical expenses, you may be able to deduct them from your taxes. Before you do so, you should always reach out to a qualified accountant who can review your work to make sure you are allowed to claim that deduction. What are a few examples of home upgrades that might be tax deductible?

Upgrades That Address Joint Pain

If you have severe joint pain, you may have a difficult time navigating your house. You may need to make some upgrades to your house that make it easier for you to get around. For example, you might be thinking about installing a wheelchair ramp. Or, you might need to make some changes to your stairs and your railings. There is even a chance that you may consider installing a pool in your house that can help you stay healthy. Remember to get a letter from your doctor stating that these upgrades can help you treat your arthritis.

Upgrades That Address Chronic Lung Conditions

If you have a chronic lung condition, you may need to make changes to your home’s HVAC and air filtration systems to address your symptoms. If you or your children continue to have asthma, allergies, or COPD exacerbations, you should talk to your physician about changes you can make to your HVAC system to reduce contaminants in your area. It can be expensive to make upgrades to your home’s HVAC and air filtration systems, but you may be able to deduct them from your taxes if you can prove they are required to address your symptoms.

You May Need To Get An Appraisal

These home upgrades could increase the value of your house, so you may need to talk to your real estate agent to get an appraisal before you claim a deduction. Then, don’t forget to combine this paperwork with a letter from your doctor stating that these upgrades can help you address medical conditions. Finally, you should always talk to an accountant about how you can properly claim these upgrades as deductions on your taxes.

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Real Estate Taxes, Taxes, Upgrades

Should You Consider Purchasing A Newly Built Home?

December 9, 2022 by James Scott

Should You Consider Purchasing A Newly Built Home?If you have been in the process of looking for a home for a long time, you understand just how difficult it has been. You may have considered building your own house, but after seeing the bidding wars for land before you even start building, you may have crossed newly built homes off your list. Now, there are a few reasons why you should consider adding new homes back to your search. 

There Is An Elevated Supply Of Newly Built Homes

Right now, there is an elevated supply of newly built homes. Even though the overall inventory of available houses continues to lag behind, new single-family home inventory remains elevated. This means that builders may offer incentives to sell the homes they have already started building. They want to keep building homes, but they cannot do so until they sell the houses they have already constructed. They may even provide you with discounts on special features.

You Have Fewer Repair And Maintenance Expenses

Another benefit of purchasing a new house is that you will have fewer repair and maintenance expenses. Down the road, you may have to replace the hot water heater, the HVAC unit, and even the roof on your house; however, when a house is brand new, there is a much lower chance of something going wrong. That can free up money that you can spend in other areas.

You Customize The House To Meet Your Needs

Finally, if you purchase a new house, you also have the option to customize it to meet your needs. For example, you might want a bonus room that can serve as a separate area in which your kids can play. Or, you might want your kitchen to be laid out in a certain way. You may also want your garage to be large enough to fit multiple cars. Your builder may work with you to provide you with those specific features.

Consider Purchasing A Newly Built House

If you are having a hard time finding a resale home to meet your needs, consider working with a construction company to build your own house. It may be more affordable than you think, as builders may offer incentives if they have an oversupply.

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

How To Age Gracefully In The Comfort Of Your Own Home

December 8, 2022 by James Scott

How To Age Gracefully In The Comfort Of Your Own HomeThere are many people who would rather age in the comfort of their own homes than in a large nursing home somewhere. As people get older, they are more susceptible to slips, trips, and falls. Their joints do not work as well as they used to, they might have a difficult time balancing, and their eyesight may start to fade. If you want to age comfortably in your home, there are a few upgrades you should consider making to your house.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house because the floor can get slippery. You may want to install some grab bars on the walls, railings next to the toilet, and even an extra seat in the shower. Do not forget to consider installing extra lights to make it easier to see. You may also want to install some flooring that is less slippery than traditional tiles. 

The Floors

You may want to consider installing different floors in other areas of the house as well. For example, you may want to install more carpet in the house, which is less slippery than traditional flooring. You should also consider getting rid of area rugs, as they tend to have tassels that stick out. These tassels can make it easy for someone to trip and fall. 

The Kitchen

Kitchens can also be dangerous. People tend to get forgetful as they get older, and you may forget to turn the stove off. You may want to consider installing stoves that automatically shut off the power after they have been left on for a certain amount of time. You should also consider installing additional lighting in the kitchen that makes it easier to see. That way, you have a lower chance of slipping and falling in the kitchen.

Install Some Home Upgrades To Make It Easier To Age In Place

Everyone is different, and you need to decide what is best for you and your family. If you want at age in the comfort of your home, consider making a few of these upgrades. That way, you can reduce your chances of slipping and falling, and you can enjoy your house for as many years as possible.

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Aging, Home Renovation, Real Estate

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