10
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Photography Tricks To Watch Out For When Buying A Home Online

With COVID and social distancing keeping people apart, buying a home in person has become a real challenge. Digital tools and online presentations of homes for sale have ramped up in response, making it possible to see properties with both static images/photos and with “360 degree” views or interactive walkthroughs. However, these are not real-time images of the home itself. They are professionally-developed representations of a property, and a lot of software work goes into making those images marketing ready. Photographic Tools of the Trade If a listing has included images created by a professional photographer, he or she will…
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04
May
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips,

3 Things You Must Do after Inheriting a Home

There can be a lot of excitement when it comes to the realization that you've inherited a home, but simply because it's an inheritance doesn't mean there aren't a few strings attached. Whether you're expecting to be gifted with a home in the future or you're currently going through this process, here are a few things you may need to watch out for. The State Of The Mortgage Once a home has been effectively handed over to you, it's important to determine the status of the mortgage with the lender and if anything is still owed. While you have the…
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31
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Homeowner Tips, ,

Important Legal Tips For Homeowners

Being a homeowner is exciting. It can be financially rewarding, too. Unfortunately, it can also put you in a tough legal position. Between the complexities of owning a house, having to deal with lenders and the risk that comes from owning something valuable, keeping yourself legally protected is a good idea. Here Are Some Risks -- And Some Ways To Handle Them. HOAs. If you own a condo, townhome or other property in an association, the homeowner association is extremely powerful. Not paying their dues, violating their rules, or doing just about anything else to end up on the wrong…
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10
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying a New Home? Follow These Three Tips to Ensure a Stress-Free Transaction

Buying real estate and or taking out a home loan is a significant milestone in life. Frequently, it means that a new phase is starting, whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or moving to a new area. However, when the most basic steps are missed, this transition can be fraught with stress and disaster. To ensure a smooth transaction, home buyers should be sure to mind the following tips. #1: Always Be Honest Honesty and clear communication need to be a two-way street. Home buyers expect their mortgage professional to be honest with them, and likewise it is…
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26
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Planning On Getting A Mortgage in 2021, Take These Steps

As we move into 2021, there are a lot of people who are thinking about getting a mortgage. Even though it is a great time to look for a home loan right now, it is also important for everyone to make sure they place themselves in the best position possible to be successful. It is important to take the following steps for those who are interested in applying for a new home loan this year.  Calculate Your Budget Carefully First, it is important to take a look at the budget carefully and find a mortgage that is affordable. Remember that the…
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21
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

Understanding The Role Of A Mortgage Prepayment Penalty Fee

When people take out a home loan, it is important to think carefully about how the home loan works. At first, the majority of the monthly payment is going to go towards interest. For example, it is not unusual for 90 percent of the monthly mortgage payments go toward interest during the first year. Then, during the latter part of the loan, most of the payment is going to go towards paying off the principal. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that a lot of homeowners are looking for ways to reduce the amount of Interest they pay on…
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