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Many Millennials Need More Space

April 20, 2022 by James Scott

Many Millennials Need More SpaceThere are many Millennials who are looking for a home, and many of them are getting ready to trade up for more space. If you think you need more space, you may have more buying power than you realize. The coronavirus pandemic has led to a lot of changes, and you might be able to use the equity in your home to purchase a bigger house with more features.

Why Millennials Are Looking For Bigger Homes

There are a few reasons why many Millennials are looking for bigger homes. First, the coronavirus pandemic forced many people to work from home. This meant that a lot of people, including Millennials, needed a home office. In some cases, this means looking for a home with an extra room. 

In addition, many Millennials have had children during the past few years. This means they need one or two extra bedrooms, and probably another bathroom. This means moving into a home that has more space. 

Millennials Can Use The Equity In Their Homes

A lot of Millennials are still cash-strapped by student loans, but they might have more buying power than they realize. Due to the skyrocketing home prices during the past few years, Millennials may have built up a lot of equity in their homes. They can tap into this equity by selling their current houses for a significant profit. Then, they can roll this profit into a bigger house with a home office, extra bedrooms, more bathrooms, and a variety of extra features. 

How To Choose A New Home

Many Millennials are ready to use their newfound purchasing power to purchase a bigger house, but it is important to find the right one. Just because the house has more space doesn’t necessarily mean it is laid out properly. The bedrooms have to be the right size, particularly if their children are going to have a lot of toys. The home office also needs to be in a location where people will not be distracted while working. Finally, it might be beneficial to find a home office that can be used for more than one purpose. Some Millennials may be getting ready to go back to a physical office in the near future, and it would be beneficial to have a home office that can be used for different things. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Housing Market, Millennials, Real Estate

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying A Condo Today

April 14, 2022 by James Scott

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying A Condo TodayMany would-be homebuyers are now considering buying a condominium instead. Condominiums may be a good option for first-time buyers who are experiencing obstacles when searching for properties that meet their budgets and other criteria. Here’s why:

Condos Might Offer More Budget-Friendly Options

In today’s housing market, supply constraints are a fact of life. Including condominiums in a home search might expand the pool of alternatives. Remember, condos are often less expensive because they have less room—the owner won’t have their own garden, for example—and the overall square footage is typically less than that of a single-family house. Still, if budget is the obstacle, condos could be the solution.

Condos Let Buyers Get Their Feet In The Door

Purchasing a condo is a terrific way to get a foot in the door and begin accumulating equity for a future move up. The sooner the purchase, the more equity can be gained. The condo that is purchased now may not be an everlasting home, but it might serve as a terrific stepping stone toward an ideal house purchase.

Determine If Living In A Condo Suits The Desired Lifestyle

Owning and living in a condo is a lifestyle decision that is right for some but wrong for others. While condominiums are smaller than single-family houses, the features they offer may be a selling point for many purchasers. With less room in the condo, owners typically have less day-to-day care, lower maintenance bills, and more time to spend with family and on leisure and recreation activities.

For instance, if a person dislikes lawn maintenance tasks such as mowing the grass and trimming the hedges, condo living might be ideal. Even spending time power cleaning a driveway is unnecessary, as is spending money on renting or buying a power washer that also needs to be maintained.

Condominiums are a terrific alternative for many consumers, particularly first-time homebuyers who match the profile of ideal condo dwellers. If you’re willing to look at condominiums in your search, you might be able to discover something that fits your budget and needs. To learn more, contact a reputable real estate agent in the area who is familiar with the condo-buying market and process.

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

How Can You Invest in Real Estate?

April 7, 2022 by James Scott

How Can You Invest in Real Estate?Many people believe that investing in real estate is something reserved only for the super-wealthy. In reality, this is not the case. Investing in real estate is a smart idea because property can generate a consistent cash stream while providing significant capital appreciation combined with tax breaks. There are multiple ways to invest in real estate, and no single path is better than the others.

Consider Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

A real estate investment trust is a low-cost alternative to buying an entire property. Usually shortened to REIT, this is a company that allows investors to pool their money together before the company purchases multiple properties. REITs bring in money by renting, leasing, or selling the properties they own. Instead of individual investors having to purchase properties on their own, they can pool their money with other investors, reducing the barrier to real estate investing. 

Rent Out Residential Properties

When people think about real estate investing, this is usually the first thing that comes to mind. You can purchase a residential property and rent it out to people. This generates recurring income that can cover overhead expenses tied to the house, such as the mortgage. Then, as the property goes up in value, you build wealth. You can decide to rent the property out for short-term stays, which is a popular option with a vacation home on the lake or the beach. Or, you can have long-term renters if you want more income security.

Think About Flipping Houses

If you have ever watched a TV show about houses, you have probably run into flippers. This is the practice of purchasing a distressed property, fixing it up, and then selling it for a significant profit. If done correctly, you can make a lot of money with a much shorter time horizon; however, this requires a lot more time and effort, as you will need to coordinate a lot of contractors to fix the property and list it in a reasonable time frame. 

Consider Investing in Real Estate

These are just a few of the many ways you can invest in real estate. Think about the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and decide which is best for you. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Investing, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance Tips

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single Income

April 6, 2022 by James Scott

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single IncomeEven though a lot of people have two incomes they can use to purchase a house (theirs and their partner’s), this is not necessarily required. There are lots of people who want to take advantage of current interest rates to purchase a house, and some people are trying to do it on their own. Even though it can be a challenge to buy a house with only one income, it is certainly not impossible. There are several tips that can make it easier for everyone to afford a house with just a single income. 

Always Check Your Credit Score

If you want to buy a house on a single income, make sure you check your credit score first. Your credit score is a reflection of your financial health. The higher your credit score is, the better your chances of having your loan application approved. You can check your credit score for free once per year from any of the major credit bureaus. You need to know what your credit score is and you need to correct any inaccuracies on your credit report before you apply for a home loan. 

Explore Government Loan Programs

Next, if you are buying a home for the first time, you should explore government loan programs. For example, you might be able to apply for an FHA loan, which could allow you to purchase a home for as little as 3.5 percent down. That way, you do not necessarily need to save up a 20 percent down payment to buy a house. Depending on your location, there could be other government loan programs that can make it easier for you to buy a house.

Ask For a Co-Signer To Help 

Even if you plan on paying for the mortgage yourself, you may find it easier to buy a house if you have someone who can co-sign for your loan. This is particularly helpful if your credit score isn’t quite high enough to qualify for a loan. As long as your co-signer has a solid credit score, they might make it easier for you to get your loan application approved. Furthermore, you might be rewarded with a lower interest rate than you could otherwise get on your own. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: New Home, Real Estate, Single Income

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single Income

March 24, 2022 by James Scott

Advice For Purchasing A House On A Single IncomeEven though a lot of people have two incomes they can use to purchase a house (theirs and their partner’s), this is not necessarily required. There are lots of people who want to take advantage of current interest rates to purchase a house, and some people are trying to do it on their own. Even though it can be a challenge to buy a house with only one income, it is certainly not impossible. There are several tips that can make it easier for everyone to afford a house with just a single income. 

Always Check Your Credit Score

If you want to buy a house on a single income, make sure you check your credit score first. Your credit score is a reflection of your financial health. The higher your credit score is, the better your chances of having your loan application approved. You can check your credit score for free once per year from any of the major credit bureaus. You need to know what your credit score is and you need to correct any inaccuracies on your credit report before you apply for a home loan. 

Explore Government Loan Programs

Next, if you are buying a home for the first time, you should explore government loan programs. For example, you might be able to apply for an FHA loan, which could allow you to purchase a home for as little as 3.5 percent down. That way, you do not necessarily need to save up a 20 percent down payment to buy a house. Depending on your location, there could be other government loan programs that can make it easier for you to buy a house.

Ask For a Co-Signer To Help 

Even if you plan on paying for the mortgage yourself, you may find it easier to buy a house if you have someone who can co-sign for your loan. This is particularly helpful if your credit score isn’t quite high enough to qualify for a loan. As long as your co-signer has a solid credit score, they might make it easier for you to get your loan application approved. Furthermore, you might be rewarded with a lower interest rate than you could otherwise get on your own. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Buying A Home, Co-Signer, Real Estate

Make One Extra Mortgage Payment Every Year To Save Big

March 18, 2022 by James Scott

Make One Extra Mortgage Payment Every Year To Save BigWhen you buy a home, you probably have a budget you will try to stick to. Many people choose a 30-year fixed mortgage, and by the time you pay off the home loan, you should own your home outright. At the same time, you might be thinking about paying off your mortgage more quickly to save money on interest. Even making one extra mortgage payment per year can provide a number of significant benefits.

You Can Build Up Equity Faster

One of the first benefits of making an extra mortgage payment every year is that you can build up equity faster. If you make an extra mortgage payment, that payment should go directly toward the principal. This means you don’t have to worry about paying down any interest with that extra mortgage payment, allowing you to build up equity in your home more quickly. 

You Save Money On Interest

If you make an extra mortgage payment, you pay down the principal more quickly. This means there is a lower remaining balance on which interest might accrue. Even making one extra mortgage payment every year can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in interest saved at the end of the loan. 

You Free Up Financial Resources Down The Road

If you make one extra mortgage payment every year, you could pay off your home loan years in advance. This means you don’t have to worry about making mortgage payments down the road, which can free up financial resources to cover other expenses. For example, you might be able to use the money you would have put toward your mortgage to put a child through college or retire early. Your savings will increase exponentially. 

Consider Making One Extra Mortgage Payment Per Year To Save Big

If you stay in your home for 30 years, there is a chance your income will go up even though your mortgage payments stay the same. Therefore, you may be able to afford to make an extra mortgage payment per year. Making only one extra mortgage payment every year can add up to big savings very quickly. 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Extra Payment, Mortgage Payments, Real Estate

Make One Extra Mortgage Payment Every Year To Save Big

March 18, 2022 by James Scott

Make One Extra Mortgage Payment Every Year To Save BigWhen you buy a home, you probably have a budget you will try to stick to. Many people choose a 30-year fixed mortgage, and by the time you pay off the home loan, you should own your home outright. At the same time, you might be thinking about paying off your mortgage more quickly to save money on interest. Even making one extra mortgage payment per year can provide a number of significant benefits.

You Can Build Up Equity Faster

One of the first benefits of making an extra mortgage payment every year is that you can build up equity faster. If you make an extra mortgage payment, that payment should go directly toward the principal. This means you don’t have to worry about paying down any interest with that extra mortgage payment, allowing you to build up equity in your home more quickly. 

You Save Money On Interest

If you make an extra mortgage payment, you pay down the principal more quickly. This means there is a lower remaining balance on which interest might accrue. Even making one extra mortgage payment every year can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in interest saved at the end of the loan. 

You Free Up Financial Resources Down The Road

If you make one extra mortgage payment every year, you could pay off your home loan years in advance. This means you don’t have to worry about making mortgage payments down the road, which can free up financial resources to cover other expenses. For example, you might be able to use the money you would have put toward your mortgage to put a child through college or retire early. Your savings will increase exponentially. 

Consider Making One Extra Mortgage Payment Per Year To Save Big

If you stay in your home for 30 years, there is a chance your income will go up even though your mortgage payments stay the same. Therefore, you may be able to afford to make an extra mortgage payment per year. Making only one extra mortgage payment every year can add up to big savings very quickly. 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Extra Payment, Mortgage Payments, Real Estate

Exploring Multigenerational Homes: They Are Becoming More Common

March 16, 2022 by James Scott

Exploring Multigenerational Homes: They Are Becoming More CommonPurchasing a house is expensive. Not everyone has the money to put down 20 percent. One of the ways to make it easier to afford a house is to live in a home with multiple generations. Some people decide to move back in with their parents because they might have a difficult time affording a mortgage and student loans. Some parents move in with their children because they have health-related issues that need to be addressed. Now, multi-generational homes are becoming more common.

An Overview Of Multigenerational Homes

First, it is important to define a multigenerational home. This is a home that has two or more generations of adults living in the same building. Parents raising children does not qualify as a multi-generational home; however, if you add grandparents to the mix, now this is a multi-generational home. It is important to take a closer look at some of the reasons why people are living in multigenerational homes. 

The Benefits Of This Lifestyle

There are a number of significant benefits that come with living in a multi-generational home. Of course, it improves the financial situation because there are multiple incomes being put toward homeownership expenses. There are a variety of other benefits as well. For example, living in a multi-generational home improves bonds with family members and makes it easier to care for individuals with health problems. This also makes it easier to help kids go through school, and it can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. 

The House Should Be Larger To Accommodate Everyone

Because there are more adults living under a single roof, it is important to make sure the house is large enough. Everyone deserves to have some level of privacy, and this might mean the house has to have more bedrooms and bathrooms. It might also be helpful to have a basement or a mother-in-law suite.

Consider Multigenerational Homes

In the end, these are just a few of the numerous benefits and considerations people need to think about if they are considering living in a multi-generational home. If you are looking for a way to make the cost of a home more affordable, this could be right for you as well. 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Lifestyles, Multi Generation, Real Estate

Can I Pay My Home Loan Off Early If I Refinance?

March 11, 2022 by James Scott

Can I Pay My Home Loan Off Early If I Refinance?Many people are looking for opportunities to save money on the cost of a mortgage. If you want to save money on your home loan, you might be thinking about refinancing. During the refinance process, you will replace your current home loan with a new mortgage. Some people want to refinance their homes to free up cash for a renovation project, while other people want to pay off their homes sooner. How can you pay off your home loan early through a refinance?

Reduce Your Interest Rate 

During the refinance process, you might qualify for a lower interest rate. There are numerous reasons why you might get a lower interest rate when you refinance your mortgage. The average interest rate may have come down, your credit score may have improved, or your debt to income ratio may have gotten better. If you were due to your interest rate, more of your monthly payment will go towards the principal, shrinking your balance faster. As a result, you may pay off your mortgage more quickly. 

Reduce The Term of the Loan 

If you refinance your home, you might be able to reduce the term of the loan. The term is how many years it takes you to pay off your mortgage. For example, you may be able to reduce your 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage. If you shorten the term of your loan, you may qualify for a lower interest rate, which can help you save money; however, directly shortening the term of the loan could cause your monthly payments to go up. You could work with a professional who can help you with the math. That way, you understand exactly how much you owe every month. 

Consider Paying Off Your Mortgage More Quickly

If you want to save money on interest during the life of your loan, one way to do so is to pay off your mortgage faster. You might be able to do this if you refinance your home loan. Reach out to a professional who can take a look at the balance of your home loan. You might qualify for a refinance that can help you save money on your mortgage. 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: House Payoff, Real Estate, Refinancing

How to Calculate Your True Cost of Living and Determine How Much Home You Can Afford

March 3, 2022 by James Scott

How to Calculate Your True Cost of Living and Determine How Much Mortgage You Can AffordA monthly mortgage can seem like enough of a financial responsibility on its own, but there are many factors involved in home ownership that affect its fiscal feasibility. If you’re in the market for a house and are wondering how your income will stack up against the rest of your expenses, here’s how to determine a home cost that’s reasonable for you.

Determine Your Down Payment

Before you start with anything else, you’ll want to determine the amount of money you can put down so you can estimate your monthly payments. The traditional amount for a down payment is 20% of the home’s purchase price, so if you don’t have anything close to this amount it might be worth waiting a little longer so you can minimize your payments and the amount of interest or mortgage insurance you’ll be paying in the long run. Each person’s situation is different, and there may be programs available with less than 20% down. This is an excellent question to pose to your trusted mortgage advisor.

Calculate Your Monthly Budget

If your mortgage cost already seems high, it will definitely be worth carefully calculating your monthly expenditures. Instead of a wild guess, take the time to sit down and calculate what your costs are including food, utilities, transportation and any other monthly necessities. Once you do this, it’s also very important to add any debt repayments you’re making to the mix. The total amount of your estimated mortgage costs, debt payments and living expenses should give you a pretty good sense of if your mortgage is viable in the long term.

Don’t Forget About The Extras

When it comes to purchasing a home, many people envision that they will be eating and sleeping their new home so don’t pay attention to all of the additional costs that can arise with living life. A new home is certainly an exciting, worthwhile financial venture, but ensure you’re realistic about what it entails. If you’re planning to go back to school or have children in the future, you’ll want to add a little bit of extra cushion in your budget so that you don’t have to put your other dreams on hold for the sake of your ideal home.

It can be very exciting to find a home you feel good about, but it’s important before making an offer to realize the amount of house you can afford so you don’t find yourself in a hole down the road. If you’re currently on the market for a new home, contact your trusted mortgage professional for a personal consultation.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Down Payments, Monthly Budget, Real Estate

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