Buying Your First Home? Here’s Why You’ll Need to Ensure You Have a Proper Home Inspection

There's a whole lot to learn when buying one's first home, an investment that can bring joy, but sometimes, grief. A competent real estate agent can assist in locating those homes that meet the home buyer's needs and can advise on factors such as market value of the home and neighborhood services. The agent will help the buyer through the negotiation and purchase process. But the buyer should take responsibility to make sure that the steps below are taken. Home Inspection Contingency Included in Purchase Offer At the point where the buyer finds a home and decides to make an…
Read More

Is It Worth It to Put More Than 20 Percent Down?

Are you thinking of buying a new home this spring or summer? If so, you're not alone. Many thousands of individuals and families alike will become homeowners this year. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran of the housing market, you probably know there are significant choices to make. One of the big decisions you will have to ponder is how much you want to invest in your down payment. With that in mind, let's try to answer the question of whether or not it is worth it to put more than 20 percent of the home's price…
Read More

4 Reasons Why Your Mortgage May Be Denied After Pre-approval

So you've been pre-approved for a mortgage – great! You've taken the first step toward becoming a homeowner. But before you start picking out china patterns, you'll want to keep in mind that a pre-approval isn't the same thing as a mortgage agreement. There's still no guarantee that you'll actually get a mortgage. But why would a lender deny a mortgage after pre-approving a borrower? Here's what you need to know. Sudden Changes In Income Or Employment History A number of mortgages will require borrowers to have consistent employment for a certain length of time. If you apply for an…
Read More

Buying a Home in a Fire Risk Area: Here’s What You Need to Know

Outside of the significant financial responsibility of delving into home ownership, there can also be a lot of other risks involved that you may not have thought about before investing in a home. You'll need to protect your home against theft or burglary. And homeowner's insurance to protect your home and belongings is almost a requirement. But there are other less common occurrences you may not have thought about. If you happen to be living in an area that's at high risk of fire, here are some things to consider beforehand. Defining "High Risk" It's easy to be swept away…
Read More

Downsizing? Here’s What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo

Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren't using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels 'too big' is rarely fun. In today's post, we will share a few changes you can expect when you downsize from a large house to a smaller apartment or condo. Why Downsize At All? As you might imagine, having too much space is the primary reason that couples and families downsize. Larger homes cost more to maintain and can feel empty if it's just one or two people living there. In many cases, old items and clutter tend to build up…
Read More

3 Reasons Why Your First Home Should Be a Spacious One

Buying a home for the first time? One of the key considerations you'll need to make is just how much 'house' you want to buy. While going minimal might seem like a good idea to save on costs, having a smaller living space can end up cramping your lifestyle in many ways. Let's take a look at three great reasons why your first home should be roomy, spacious and luxurious. You Might End Up With More Family Than You Think Have you considered whether or not you want to have a family? Whether you're a single young professional or part…
Read More