Blog

15
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips,

Not so Fast: 3 Reasons Why You Might Want to Avoid Paying Off Your Mortgage Early

The burden of debt, especially when it comes to the high price tag of a home, can be a significant worry to many people. However, what many homeowners may not be aware of is that paying your mortgage off early can actually have a negative impact on your financial health. Whether you've recently come into money or you're working hard to bump up your monthly mortgage payments, here are some reasons you may want to hold off on paying it off too quickly. Creating A Credit History It can certainly be a weight off your mind to pay down your…
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14
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Self-Employed? Here’s What You’ll Need to Get a Mortgage Approval

There's a lot of flexibility and personal freedom associated with self-employment that can be a great benefit to your lifestyle and your pocketbook. However, because of the somewhat unpredictable nature of self-employment, it can make acquiring a mortgage a little more difficult. If you've recently become self-employed or have been in the game for a while, here are some things you may want to consider before submitting your mortgage application. Putting More Money Down 20% is often considered the magic number when it comes to the down payment because this will allow you to avoid homeowner's insurance. However, if you're…
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13
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Around The Home, ,

Winter’s Coming: Learn How to Prepare Your Plants, Trees and Other Landscaping

From the approaching holiday season to the New Year, there are a lot of things to prepare for when it comes to the winter. It's important, though, not to forget about the needs of your lawn for the upcoming cold season. If you're wondering how to ready your trees, your plants and your yard, here are some tips for saving your vegetation until the springtime. Fertilize For Grass Growth It might seem like a waste of time to fertilize your grass going into the winter months, but this is actually the perfect time to prep it for spring. As fertilizer…
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12
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 12, 2016

As 2017 winds down, analysts are forecasting economic developments for 2017. Forbes identified three indicators that the U.S. housing market has recovered. Mortgage rates rose again last week; jobless claims fell and consumer sentiment jumped rose five points. The details: Housing Market Recovery Complete: Forbes Three conditions were cited by Forbes as evidence that the housing market has recovered: Analysts said that homeowners are putting their homes on the market after years of waiting for home prices to peak. On the flip side, mortgage rates are expected to rise further and home buyers may be taking a "now or never"…
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09
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, ,

Home Equity Tips: 3 Upgrades That Will Make Your House Worth More When You Sell

It's likely that your house is your biggest asset, so when it comes time to sell it you'll want to do everything you can to maximize your profit. Good news the value of your home isn't solely determined by the market, there are several ways in which you can increase its value by making upgrades before listing. Let's take a look at 3 top upgrades that will make your house worth more when you sell. 1. Make It Profitable Not surprisingly, the number one way in which you can increase the value of your home is to add an income…
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08
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

5 Ways That a Mortgage Can Be a Huge Benefit to Your Financial Future

For many people, investing in a house is one of the most important purchases they will make in their lifetime. However, alongside having the comfort of your own home, there are many financial benefits associated with buying in. If you're currently perusing the market for opportunities, here are some reasons to consider investing a little sooner. Get Away From Inflation If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, your interest rates will certainly fluctuate from time to time, but owning a home actually allows you to guard against the reality of inflation, which can be a significant burden as a renter. While…
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