June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the lasting impact that owning a home can have on individuals and families. One of the most powerful benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity. As you make mortgage payments, you are gradually increasing your ownership stake in the property. This equity becomes a form of forced savings and can be used in the future for things like education, home improvements, or retirement. Unlike rent, which builds no future value, … [Read more...]
Renting vs. Owning the National Homeownership Month Edition
June is National Homeownership Month and there is no better time to look at the long-term financial benefits of owning a home compared to renting. As a mortgage professional, I often speak with clients who are unsure whether to keep renting or make the leap into homeownership. The decision can feel overwhelming, but when you break down the numbers and look at the bigger picture, the advantages of buying a home are clear. Monthly Payments Are an Investment Not an ExpenseWhen you rent, your … [Read more...]
Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs
When you are budgeting for a new home, it’s easy to focus on the down payment, but do not forget the closing costs. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and cover things like the appraisal, title search, loan origination, and other administrative expenses. For many buyers, especially first-timers, they can feel like an unwelcome surprise. The good news? There are creative, effective ways to reduce these expenses and make homeownership more affordable. … [Read more...]
How to Leverage Home Equity for Financial Freedom
If you’ve owned your home for a few years, chances are you have built up equity, maybe more than you realize. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to build wealth, reduce debt, or increase financial flexibility? We will discuss how homeowners are turning their built-up equity into tools for financial freedom, and how you can, too. What Is Home Equity?Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if … [Read more...]
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