The rise in remote work has changed drastically throughout 2020 and into 2021 due to COVID-19. If you think working from home is a passing fad, it isn’t. A survey by Statista and Upwork projected that 37.5 percent of United States employees would work remotely in the next five years, up from 21 percent before…
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Most people are aware that mortgage payments can increase over time, but did you know payments can actually decrease? In this article, we’ll explore a few ways how this can happen. Mortgage payments decrease on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs). While not as common as the payment increasing with ARMs, your monthly payments can decrease based on…
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Stay-at-home mandates during 2020 caused many homeowners to realize their home wasn’t accommodating to their lifestyle. At-home offices, media rooms, children’s school areas, gyms, and large yards were suddenly in high demand. These amenities became highly desirable and led many homeowners to invest in a new home. Instead of purchasing a home near the office…
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Finding the house you want and making an offer are just the first steps before purchasing a home. After the inspection and appraisal come back adequate, it’s time to submit the required documents. Finally, the last step is to get your keys during closing. An exciting yet nerve-wracking point in the process, closing is the…
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June is National Homeownership Month, and to celebrate, we’re listing the benefits of owning a home! For many, our homes have become workplaces, schools, and provided a safe harbor during the pandemic. American homeownership has risen to its highest point in eight years, to 65.6 percent. According to a survey by Gallup, real estate topped…
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Owning a home is a constant responsibility. Upkeep includes aesthetics, but it’s essential not to overlook smaller, less-noticeable aspects of home maintenance as well. For first-time homebuyers, home maintenance might feel somewhat overwhelming. Where do you start? Look no further. Monthly Each month, you can do some easy and inexpensive tasks to prevent extensive maintenance…
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Before you start shopping for a home, it’s essential to get pre-approved by a mortgage lender to get a concrete idea of the loan amount, interest rates, and available loan programs. A pre-approval is different from a pre-qualification. The pre-approval process involves gathering information (income and asset documents along with a credit report) to confirm…
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The age-old question of “Lock or Float?” is typical in the mortgage industry. Mortgage brokers get asked this question frequently by first-time home buyers. The answer to this question will determine the mortgage rate borrowers ultimately receive. Interest rates dictate monthly payments for up to 30 years (without refinancing), so this option should not be…
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Home is where your heart – and your wealth – is. The benefits of homeownership are vast; there are numerous financial aspects, but the wealth creation is the most significant. Forming household wealth begins with homeownership. According to Freddie Mac, “Homeownership has cemented its role as a part of the American Dream, providing families with…
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