16
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Should You Lower Your Amortization to Pay Off Your Mortgage Faster?

Paying off your mortgage faster is a tempting goal. After all, who doesn’t want to own their home outright sooner and save on interest along the way? One way to do this is by lowering your amortization period, which is the time it takes to repay your mortgage in full. But is it the right move for you?  What Happens When You Lower Your Amortization? Lowering your amortization means shortening the repayment period for your mortgage. For example, instead of a 30-year term, you might choose 15 or 20 years. While this strategy can lead to significant savings in interest…
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15
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Homebuyer Tips, ,

How Much Money Do You Really Need to Save to Buy a House?

One of the biggest questions future homeowners ask is, “How much do I actually need to save before buying a home?” The answer depends on a few key components, but don’t worry—it’s easier to break down than you might think! Here’s an overview of what you need to save to step into homeownership confidently. 1. The Down Payment The down payment is the first major cost to consider. The traditional 20% down payment isn’t your only option anymore. Many loan programs allow buyers to get started with as little as 3% down. For example, if you’re looking at purchasing a…
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14
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Homeowner Tips, ,

Functional Home Offices for the Modern Remote Worker

As remote work becomes a standard part of life, the traditional home office is undergoing a major transformation. What was once a corner desk or spare room has now evolved into a personalized, stylish, and functional space. Homeowners are getting creative, designing offices that not only cater to their work needs but also reflect their unique personalities and styles. Creative Home Office Transformations Some of the most imaginative home offices come from thinking outside the box—literally. For instance: Attic Retreats: Attics, often underutilized, are being converted into cozy workspaces. With sloped ceilings and skylights, these spaces offer a peaceful, secluded…
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13
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 13th, 2025

In the first FOMC Minutes of the year, the Federal Reserve signaled strongly that while officials remain vigilant for inflation exceeding their expectations, they have no plans to raise interest rates. Much of the apprehension among speculators is the monetary policy which could keep inflation higher than expected for some time. Meanwhile, unemployment reports indicate that the previous year remained stable, consistently staying below the annual high—a positive sign of a stronger job market.  However, this has been somewhat dampened by the recent reports of the Trade Deficit. Compared to the previous year, the trade gap has nearly doubled, potentially…
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10
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

What Closing Costs Will Look Like When Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be exciting and emotional. You may be focused on the potential profit from the sale, it’s essential to understand the costs that come with closing the deal. Closing costs can significantly impact your net proceeds, so being prepared will help you avoid surprises and plan accordingly.  1. Real Estate Commissions The largest portion of your closing costs is usually the commission paid to real estate agents. This fee is typically split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent and ranges from 5% to 6% of the sale price. For instance, if your home sells for…
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09
Jan
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

Cleaning Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

When selling your home, first impressions are everything. A clean, well-organized space allows potential buyers to envision themselves living there and can even increase the perceived value of your property. Cleaning is not just about making your home look good; it’s a strategic move to ensure your home stands out in a competitive market. Here’s how to tackle the cleaning process effectively when preparing your home for sale. 1. Declutter to Highlight Space Decluttering is the first step in preparing your home for sale. Buyers want to see the potential of each room, not your personal belongings. Start Room by…
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