Blog

10
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips,

Making the Grade: How to Research Local Schools Before Buying Your Next Home

There are so many things involved in moving into a new home in a different neighborhood that it can be easy to forget about the proximity of many nearby amenities. However, if you have children, the local schools available can make-or-break the decision on whether or not to invest in a house. If you're wondering how you can find out more about the local school, let the following tips be your guide. Take a Web-Search To SchoolMatch.com One of the benefits of so many things being online these days is that local schools are no exception, and SchoolMatch.com is a…
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09
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Are You ‘Mortgage Pre-approval Worthy’? Learn How to Assess Your Finances in 10 Minutes

Finding the right home and the right mortgage can take a lot of time and energy, so it's important to consider whether you'll be prepared for approval before diving into the process. Whether you've had some financial setbacks or you just want to have an idea ahead of time, here are some ways to quickly determine if you'll be pre-approved for a mortgage. Do You Have A Down Payment? You may have heard that the ideal down payment amount is 20% of the cost of the home, but this doesn't mean you have to have this amount. However, it is…
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08
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying Small, Living Large: 4 Big Pros to Buying a Smaller House or Condo

Are you on the hunt for a more efficient living space? Whether you're a first-time buyer or downsizing from a larger home, buying small can still mean living big. Let's explore four positives to living in a smaller, more intimate house or condo. You're Going To Save Money The first, most obvious and most exciting reason is that you're going to save money. The home itself will cost less than a larger one, especially if there is less land or property included. Even better: the money you save on space can be re-invested in quality. Losing a bedroom or two…
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07
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Feeling ‘Priced Out’ of Your Local Market? Here’s How You Can Still Buy a Great New Home

If you're trying to buy a new home, few things are more frustrating than a hot real estate market. When home prices are climbing fast it can feel like you'll never be able to save enough for your down payment. In today's post we'll share a few ways that you can get in – even if you're feeling priced out. Start Smaller And Upgrade Later If you're a single professional or a young couple, it might be wise to start with a smaller starter home. While a townhouse or condo might not feel as large as a detached house, they…
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06
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 6, 2017

Last week's economic readings included reports on construction spending, Case-Shiller Home Price Indices and pending home sales. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a speech that federal interest rates would "likely" be raised. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and mortgage rates were also released. Pending Home Sales Slump as Available Homes Dwindle Pending Home sales fell in January as inventories of available homes declined. Prospective buyers faced with fewer choices may have chosen to wait rather than purchase homes that weren't a good match for their needs. Analysts expected pending home sales to grow by 1.10 percent in January,…
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03
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Thinking About Refinancing Your Mortgage? 4 Ways to Ensure It’s Worth Your Time

If you're familiar with the real estate market, you've likely heard the term 'refinancing' and may be wondering what this can mean for your mortgage and your financial well-being. While refinancing can be a great benefit for those who are looking for a lower interest rate or a different mortgage type, here are the details on what it can offer and whether or not it will work for you. Acquiring A Lower Interest Rate The most common reason people consider refinancing their home is to take advantage of a lowered interest rate. While it might seem like a minimal savings…
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