Blog

15
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

3 Useful Tips for First-time Homebuyers Trying to Navigate the System

Whether you're tired of renting, need more space or want to make an upgrade, buying your first home is the solution. However, if you have never participated in the market before it can be a bit daunting at first. Let's explore a few useful tips that are helpful for first-time homebuyers who are new to the process of buying real estate. Tip #1: Begin With The End In Mind Before you start exploring local home listings and shopping around, it's worth asking yourself both what you 'need' in a home and what you 'want' in a home. For example, are…
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14
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Speed up Your Mortgage Closing Process With This Handy Four-step Guide

Are you in the market for a new house or apartment? If you are financing the purchase by taking out a mortgage, you'll want to know how to make this transaction run as smooth as possible. In today's article, we'll share a quick four-step guide to speeding up the mortgage closing process. Step #1: Check In On Your Credit Score The first step before applying for your mortgage is to check in on your credit. Request a copy of your credit score and history from one of the major reporting firms. Go over this report, paying close attention to any…
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13
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Kids Moving Out of the House? Here Are 3 Tips for Creating a Warm, Welcoming Guest Bedroom

If you're a homeowner with children, at some point, you'll be saying goodbye. They'll move off to college or to start their career and adult life. As children move out, you'll discover that you have extra bedrooms and other living spaces that will need a new purpose. Let's take a look at three ways that you can transform an unused bedroom into a welcoming place for guests to stay. Get Started With A Deep Clean The first thing you'll want to do is engage in a top-to-bottom deep clean of the room. Get everything out of the room so that…
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12
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Worried About Interest Rates Rising? Here’s How You Can Prepare for an Upward Trend

Whether you are just starting to shop for a new home or you've been paying off your mortgage for years, the news of potential interest rate increases may be worrying. Of course, interest rates naturally cycle higher and lower over time, so is there anything to be genuinely concerned about? In today's article, we'll explore interest rates and how you can prepare for an upward trend in rates if and when the time comes. Speak With Your Mortgage Advisor First If you already have a mortgage, the first step would be to speak with your lender to discuss what's coming…
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11
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 11, 2017

Last week's economic news was slim due to the Labor Day Holiday. Scheduled releases included the Fed's Beige Book Report and weekly readings on mortgage rates and new jobless claims.  Beige Book Cites Concerns Over U.S. Auto Industry Federal Reserve Board members shared anecdotes from their respective regions; of note were concerns about U.S. automakers. Auto production was more than 16 percent lower year-over-year in Cleveland, Ohio. Fed business contacts said that automakers are no longer seeking buildings for expanding production. Analysts said that slowing auto production and sales could indicate slowing economic trends. Auto industry slow-downs could also result…
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08
Sep
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: What Are the Fees and Costs That Come Along With a Mortgage?

Have you been considering a mortgage for your next home purchase? As with any loan or financial product, there are a variety of fees and costs you may incur in the process of closing your mortgage. In today's post, we'll explore a few of these potential fees and the situations in which you may encounter them. Let's get started! Title Insurance Costs You're almost certainly going to incur insurance fees and charges. In most cases, you'll need to pay for title insurance for the lender, which is based on the purchase price of the home but varies from state to…
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