Preparation¶ You’ll probably start entertaining the idea of looking for a home years before you’re totally financially prepared. It can be daunting, but it will give you a better idea of what you want, like a master suite, basement, or garage apartment. Using online mortgage calculators you’ll also be able to get a rough idea […]
How to Survive Buying a House¶ Read More »
Unfortunately, without proper preparation, many buyers get lulled into the mistaken notion that if a lender pre-qualifies them for a mortgage, it means that they have been pre-approved for the home loan. There’s a world of difference between these two terms. If you’ve ever been confused by the two, this will explain how they differ,
What’s the Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval? Read More »
Did you know that the definition of a first-time buyer isn’t restricted to people purchasing their very first home? According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it also includes the following: A person who has not owned a residence for at least 3 years. A single parent who previously co-owned a home while
How to Qualify as a First-Time Home Buyer in California Read More »
Owning your own home has distinct advantages over renting, especially when it comes to building your net worth and providing a stable environment for your family. If you’re struggling with whether to buy versus rent, consider these 10 reasons to take the plunge into homeownership: 1. You can ramp up energy efficiency. Energy-efficient improvements—from adding
Why Buying a Home is Better than Renting Read More »
Is buying a home a good investment? You’ve probably heard from the media, parents, older relatives, and, of course, real estate professionals that buying a home is a great investment that always helps to secure your future. You’re told buying a home is a good investment that will appreciate over time, and that it will
Investing in a Home is an Investment in Your Future Read More »
Home-buying trends have changed over the last decade, and in today’s new market, more single homebuyers are entering the real estate market than ever before. And, single women have now outpaced single men as a percentage of homebuyers—a whopping 21 percent of all new home purchases are credited to single women. Single men and women
Advice for Single Homebuyers Read More »
The truth is, many consumers are confused about credit, with good reason—it’s a complicated subject. While a large majority of consumers (more than 80%) know the basics of credit scores, they’re still lost when it comes to some very important details, a 2016 survey from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and VantageScore Solutions, LLC,
All About Credit Scores Read More »
It is most Californians’ dream to one day own their own home in California. However, if you buy before you are ready, your home can quickly drag you down and make you house poor, meaning you owe more on your property than what its estimated worth is. You want to buy a home. Eventually. But
When Should I Buy a House in California? Read More »
You too can buy a house, even in a relatively unpredictable market. Talking with first time homebuyers in California, they often say their reasons for why they haven’t chosen ownership over renting. Some common themes always emerge, which we discuss below. I don’t have a 20% down payment! Most people assume that you need 20%
Don’t Assume You Can’t Afford to Buy a Home in California Read More »
As it’s getting cooler out, the idea of getting new plants to accent your new home can be an impractical one…but only if you’re thinking in terms of the outdoors only! Succulents are great, hassle-free indoor plants, and a quick way to add a bit of living art to any space…but let’s face it, unless
Which Succulents Fit Your Personality? Read More »
