When it comes to personal finance, developing good spending habits and a strong savings mindset can set you on the path to achieving your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for a down payment on a home, an emergency fund, or a dream vacation, it all starts with managing your money wisely. 1. Understand Your Spending…
Category: Mortagage Tips
Why Local Chicago Agents Are Essential for Home Buying in 2024 – They are your Secret Weapon
Chicago Real Estate Agents: Your Secret Weapon for Buying a Home in 2024
Navigating Chicago’s housing market in 2024 is no easy feat, especially for first-time homebuyers. With inventory tight and competition fierce, it can feel overwhelming to find the right home and secure it before someone else does. That’s where the expertise of a local real estate agent comes in. More than just a guide, a knowledgeable agent is your secret weapon—here’s why:
10 Questions to Ask a Loan Officer before Accepting an Offer
Top 10 Questions Listing Agents Have to ASK the Loan Officer BEFORE accepting an Offer: Accepting an offer on a home means taking it off the market for 30-60 days, passing on potentially well qualified buyers and a seller who will want updates on how the process is going. How can you ensure that not…
Assessing Your ‘Debt-to-Income Ratio’ and Why This Number Matters When Getting a Mortgage
For those who are looking to buy a home soon, keep in mind that the Debt-to-Income ratio of the borrower plays a huge role in the approval of your mortgage application. A low DTI may make it easier for the lender and the underwriter to justify making a loan to the borrower.
The Type of Home You Want to Buy Determines Your Closing Cost and Here’s Why
Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can make a more educated decision when selecting a home to purchase.
Owning A Home Can Contribute To A Retirement Portfolio
Many people dream of retiring one day, and there are numerous assets that contribute to that retirement goal. Social security, pension plans, and savings accounts have traditionally provided assets people use to enjoy their retirement; however, this traditional plan ignores one of the most valuable assets.
A Guide To Helping A Dog Adjust To A New Home
Most people treat their dogs as members of the family. Just as moving can be difficult for children, moving can be a challenge for dogs as well. Dogs develop an attachment to their homes, and they can have a hard time adjusting to a new place.
Decluttering A Home Can Make A Major Impact
There are numerous homeowners who are looking for a way to make more space. Even a small decluttering project can make a significant difference to the amount of space available in a home. This can also make it easier for homeowners to find what they are looking for. Furthermore, if a home is going on the market in the near future, it needs to be as clean as possible. That way, prospective buyers can see the potential of a home. What are a few examples of decluttering projects that can make a significant difference?
Is Now The Time To Refinance Your Mortgage?
There are many reasons why homeowners opt to refinance, from obtaining a lower interest rate, to shortening the term of the loan, to switching mortgage loan types, to tapping into home equity.
Planning a Move With Your Pets
As a pet owner, you’re probably just as excited to see how your pet loves the new house as you are yourself. It’s fun to watch as your pets explore the new digs. But moving can be stressful for pets. Here are some tips for making the move as stress-free as you can for your furry loved ones!
