Setting a budget and saving money for a down payment can be a challenge, but a gift from a willing (and generous) family member can certainly help reduce the financial strain. However, before you head to the bank to make the deposit, there are some rules and requirements that you should know about accepting gift funds.
6 (slightly wacky) ways to warm your home this winter season
By now you’ve heard tons of cost-effective, energy-efficient tips for keeping your home warm in the winter; make sure doors and windows are insulated, use a programmable thermostat and maintain your heating system, close the fireplace damper, etc.
4 Ways to Sell Your Home Before It Even Hits the Market
It’s that time of year when the housing market traditionally tends to slow down. How can you make sure your home still sells as quickly as it would in a hot market? Some sellers are taking the extra step and utilizing these four early-bird tactics to ensure that their home has gained so much interest that it’s scooped up as soon as it hits the MLS.
6 Potential First Time Homebuyer Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Considering buying your first house? Before you can open the door to your new abode, you’ll first need to tackle the homebuying process. For first time buyers, this process can be especially daunting. To help make your first purchase a smooth one, avoid these six first time homebuyer potential pitfalls:
How Millennials are Changing the Housing Market
The Millennial generation is vastly different than previous generations, and it has affected many aspects of our society. Millennials’ lifestyles and preferences have even started to alter the real estate world. Let’s take a look at how Millennials are shaking up the housing market:
How to Buy a Home Solo
The housing market may seem like it’s filled with newlyweds looking for their first home, but there are a growing number of people who are looking to buy a home solo. Here’s how you can make buying your first home on your own a success.
How To Uncover The History Of Your Home
Whether you are looking for clues to restore your home to its original glory, curious about previous owners, or just trying to determine property boundaries, discovering your home’s history may be easier than you think. Who were the previous owners? How much has the home sold for in the past? What interesting events have happened on or near the property? What did the property used to look like? Find the answers to these questions and more with a few sleuthing hacks to uncover your home’s hidden past:
Six Tips For A Smooth Closing
Buying a home is an exciting adventure that may also become a stressful life event, especially when delays throw plans off track. Follow these simple tips to avoid unnecessary delays and keep your purchase on schedule to ensure that you get into your dream home – on time!
Understanding Residual Income for VA Loans
A VA loan is a type of mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is available to current service members, veterans and eligible surviving spouses. VA loans offer several advantages, including no private mortgage insurance (PMI) and no down payment required. When qualifying for a VA purchase or refinance, you need to meet certain minimum residual income requirements based on your requested loan amount, where you will be buying, and how many people will live in the home. Here’s how it works:
Americans’ Housing Confidence is at a Post-Crash High
It’s shaping up to be the most competitive home buying season yet and prospective homebuyers know they are entering a seller’s market. In markets with limited inventory, bidding wars are becoming the usual. While home prices are soaring, Americans remain optimistic about the state of the housing market.
