First Time Homebuyers

Feb. 21, 2023

7 Things to Know about VA Loan Assumptions

VA assumable home loans are a great option for those looking to become homeowners.

 

What is a VA loan assumption?

 

When a veteran (or active-duty service member) purchases a home with a VA loan and then transfers the mortgage to another buyer, it's known as an assumable …

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Feb. 16, 2023

Understanding Your Debt to Income Ratio

Are you considering buying a home? If so, it’s important to understand the concept of debt-to-income ratio as it relates to home mortgages. A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures the total amount of debt you have against your income. This ratio can be used by lenders to determine your eligibility for …

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Feb. 9, 2023

Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Difference?

 

 

When it comes to getting a mortgage, one of the most important things you can do is get preapproved or prequalified. Preapproval and prequalification serve as indications from a mortgage lender that you may be eligible for a loan. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is …

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Feb. 3, 2023

Top Factors Affecting Homeowners Insurance

 

Homeowners insurance is essential to protecting your home and possessions, but what factors determine the rate? From location to building materials, there are many elements that can affect how much you pay for homeowners insurance. 

Location

The location of your home plays a major role when it comes …

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Feb. 1, 2023

What is PITI?

What is PITI?

PITI is an acronym for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. These are the 4 components of a borrower's monthly mortgage payment to the lender. The principal, or the amount borrowed, plus the interest, goes to the lender as repayment of the loan. The property taxes and …
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Jan. 23, 2023

Real Estate Vocabulary: Earnest Money

What is Earnest Money? 

 

It’s a deposit a prospective homebuyer makes as evidence of good-faith intention to complete the purchase, and it’s generally submitted once all parties ratify the contract.  You may see it abbreviated to EMD (earnest money deposit).

 

The amount of the earnest money …

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Jan. 14, 2022

Ask smart questions when buying your home!

light gray background with two white talk bubbles.  Text reads:  Instead of this: How old is this home?  Ask this:  How old are the roof, HVAC, windows, electrical, and plumbing systems?

 

One of the first questions many buyers ask is "How old is this house?"

A great question to ask, especially when house hunting in some of our older & historic neighborhoods.
What they really want to know is "What potential problems will I have to deal with if I …
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Dec. 28, 2021

3 steps to becoming a homeowner in 2022

Green leafy plants in front of a pale pink wall, large graphic number 3 in green.  Text reads: 3 steps to becoming a homeowner in 2022.  1.  Get pre-approved, 2. create a budget, 3. Find the right real estate agent for you

Are you hoping to become a homeowner in 2022?

Smart move! Home ownership can be key to creating wealth for your family. Wondering how to get started? Here are your first steps:

❶ Get pre-approved. Getting pre-approved now will help stream-line the process and make everything easier later.
❷ Create …
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Dec. 22, 2021

What does Clear to Close mean?

White and natural wood mid-century modern style table and chairs with a black and white rug in front of a gray wall and wood hutch with small bookshelf.  Text reads:  Real Estate Vocabulary, Clear to Close

What Does ‘Clear To Close’ Mean?

After “Your offer was accepted!” “Clear to close” is the phrase homebuyers can’t wait to hear.
Clear to close means you’ve met the requirements and conditions to close on your mortgage. At this point, your lender has fully inspected your documents and verified …
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Dec. 21, 2021

Don't make this housewarming gift mistake!

Smiling Black woman holding a bottle of wine with a bow with two people with their backs turned in the foreground.  Text reads:  Which one is bad luck to give as a housewarming gift?  A. Spoon, B. Knife, C. Fork

 

Which one is bad luck to give as a housewarming gift?

A spoon, a knife, or a fork?

The answer…a knife!
A long-standing superstition says that gifting a knife will sever the friendship between the giver & the recipient.
The only way around this unfortunate outcome is to tape …
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