home buyer tips: 3 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Your First Home
- 03/25/19 06:42 AM
Hunting for your new home can be a confusing process. There are countless factors you need to take into account to ensure your new location fits your family's lifestyle and preferences. In their excitement, first-time home buyers can easily overlook some essential points about their potential property. When you're searching for your new residence, ask these questions to get exactly what you're looking for. Am I Financially Ready For A New Home Purchase? It takes more than money to find the right home. Your credit rating is an important factor in your ability to secure enough funding to finance your dream. Check out your … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: Myths About Buying A Vacation Home
- 08/17/18 09:33 AM
Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? Maybe owning two homes is part of your retirement dream. Maybe you'd like to have a second home in your favorite holiday locale. If you are thinking about taking this step, you might have talked to family and friends about it. Unfortunately, many people give well-intentioned, yet poor advice when it comes to buying a vacation home. Here are some myths -- and the truth -- about buying a second home straight from leading real estate experts. You Can Buy A Vacation Home With No Money Down You have probably seen advertisements about buying a … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: 3 Generations Top Housing Market Trends
- 07/26/18 11:18 AM
Historians like to say that those who do not learn the lessons of the past are doomed to repeat them. In the real estate industry, the chances of that happening are slim because agents and other professionals follow market trends closely. That being said, a careful examination of 2017 market trends and other factors can help highlight where the housing market is headed. Consider these top trends when deciding about whether to buy or sell a property. Millennials Scooping Up Homes According to resources such as Zillow, the low inventory and emergence of Millennials in the home-buying market helped break records last year. … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: Look Beyond The Interest Rate: What Else Matters When Choosing A Mortgage Lender?
- 06/29/18 10:56 AM
Most consumers securing a mortgage plan to remain in that loan for 30 years. During that time, the borrower maintains a relationship with the loan servicer or lender. Most often, home buyers do not think twice about who the mortgage lender is, but rather focus on the interest rates offered. Look beyond this information. Borrowers need to take into consideration much more before they sign on the dotted line. Here's what to look for specifically: Choosing a Specialized Lender Can Help Home buyers interested in special loan programs must select a lender approved to provide those loans. FHA, USDA and VA loans, in … (1 comments)
home buyer tips: 5 Ways Millennial Buyers Can Snag Their Dream Home In This Sellers Market
- 05/02/18 11:05 AM
According to the 2017 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report, Millennials bought 34% of the homes sold; the largest of any generation last year. Millennials looking to buy their first or second home need to ready themselves for a surprisingly competitive market. Lack of supply causes attractive homes to garner multiple offers in just a few hours! What can a Millennial buyer do to appeal to sellers and be the one who ends up with the home? Here are 5 ways they can snag their dream home in this seller's market. Get Pre-Approved Figuring out what a home buyer can afford is a crucial step … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: Manage These 3 Items Before Applying For A Mortgage
- 04/10/18 08:09 AM
Mortgage lenders weigh the risk of getting their principal and interest paid back by looking at the qualities of the prospective borrower. And due to the amount of money being requested and lent to purchase homes, those requirements can become daunting. Working with a trusted and qualified mortgage professional makes this sometimes confusing process a little clearer. To this end, there are three things that a potential homebuyer can do to prepare for the mortgage approval process. Manage Debt And Credit Levels For many homebuyers, managing their credit score is the biggest challenge. Mortgage lenders like buyers with strong credit. While getting strong … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: Speed Your Mortgage Approval by Following This Checklist
- 01/30/18 09:30 AM
Have you finally found your dream home after months of searching, only to discover that the seller has received other offers? Few circumstances can raise your stress level as much as finding yourself in a bidding war against another buyer. However, being unprepared by not having your finances in order can make the situation even worse. Let's take a quick look at a few ways that you can speed up your mortgage approval if you are in a hurry to buy your next home. Pull Your Credit Report ASAP The first step you will want to do is check your credit report … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: Don't Make These Mistakes When Shopping for a Mortgage
- 01/24/18 12:30 PM
Are you ready to dive into the real estate market for the first time? Buying a new house, condo or apartment is an exciting experience that sets you on the path to building your net worth. However, if you are planning to take out a mortgage, you should be aware that there are some potential pitfalls to avoid. Let's explore a few of the key mistakes that first-time homebuyers make when they are shopping around for a mortgage. Mistake #1: Trying To Rush The Process The first mistake that you will want to avoid making is trying to rush the mortgage process … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: New Construction vs. Existing Home: Why New Might Be Better
- 01/24/18 12:19 PM
Are you in the market for a new house? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or are upgrading to get more space, you will need to choose between buying an existing home or building a brand new one. As you might imagine, there are pros and cons to each kind of home. But if it is in your budget, you may want to lean towards a newer home over an older one. Let's explore three reasons why new construction homes are better than existing homes. Customize Every Aspect To Your Tastes Ask anyone living in a custom-built home and they are … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: 3 Great Reasons to Use an Experienced Mortgage Pro for Your Next Mortgage
- 01/24/18 12:15 PM
Are you thinking about buying a new home in 2018? Whether you are a first-time home buyer or you're downsizing now that the kids have moved out, you are likely considering whether or not you will need a mortgage. Even if you can afford to buy a home in cash, taking out a mortgage can help you maintain your liquidity for other spending purposes. No matter what the case, you will want to work with someone who can help you understand your options and what the right decision might be. Let's explore three excellent reasons why you should work with an experienced … (1 comments)
home buyer tips: 5 Big Misconceptions About Mortgage Lenders And What You Should Know
- 12/15/17 09:39 AM
Are you in the market to purchase your first home? Congratulations! You've earned your slice of the American dream. The process of buying a home is exciting and nerve-wracking. Becoming a home owner is a huge step in life. As a first-time home buyer, you may not know much about the buying process. Aside from your realtor, mortgage lenders are extremely important. You want to ensure that the lender you choose has your best interests in mind. Looking to learn more about mortgage lenders? Want to be an informed home buyer? If so, continue reading! We'll discuss the top 5 misconceptions about lenders. 1. My … (2 comments)
home buyer tips: Driverless Cars: Will They Reshape How We Design and Use Our Homes?
- 12/13/17 02:51 PM
Are you ready for the coming shift to driverless cars? While it might seem like some sort of futuristic vision, the truth is that driverless vehicles will be on the road within a few short years. Let's explore three key ways that driverless cars are going to help to shape how we think about our homes in the very near future. #1: Goodbye, Garages It might seem a bit strange to think about now, but many people are likely to get rid of their cars entirely. Car ownership is expected to shift to entrepreneurs and services who offer vehicles for on-demand use. We … (6 comments)
home buyer tips: Why New Construction Homes Are A Top Choice For Today's Home Buyer
- 12/13/17 02:46 PM
Are you in the market for a new house? If so, you may have been comparing your options when it comes to open listings on the local market. One decision you will need to consider: do you want to purchase an existing home or build a new one? Let's explore a few reasons why new construction homes are a popular choice for today's home buyer. A Home Designed (By You) With The Future In Mind Ask anyone who has recently invested in a brand-new home, and many will share that all of the built-in technology was an essential factor. Today's homes are designed … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: The Pros and Cons of a Large Down Payment When Buying a Home
- 12/13/17 02:38 PM
If you are in the market for a new home, one of the considerations you will need to make is how much to invest in your down payment. A Large Down Payment Has Its Benefits If you have the funds available, you may find a bit of an advantage in a large down payment. The following are a few potential benefits that you may realize. You Can Afford More 'House' - if you are aiming for a large, luxurious home a significant down payment can help you get there. As long as your credit is in line with your needs, a large down … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: Buying in 2018? Get Your Down Payment Ready Now by Tapping These Helpful Sources
- 12/08/17 03:47 PM
Are you in the market for a new house or condo in 2018? With the new year just around the corner, now is the time to get all of your financial details in order. As you may know, buying a home is a significant financial transaction. But it all starts with your down payment, which is the lump sum that you invest in order to purchase the home. In today's blog post we will share a few sources of funds that you can tap into for help saving up your down payment. Peer Into Your Financial Future A helpful first step is to … (3 comments)
home buyer tips: Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Should Be The First Step When Buying a New Home
- 12/05/17 11:00 AM
Are you thinking about buying a new house, condo or apartment? Whether you are upgrading, downsizing or investing, if you intend on borrowing the funds you'll need to be pre-approved for a mortgage. In today's blog post we'll explore mortgage pre-approval and why this should be one of your first steps in buying a new home. Pre-Approval Helps To Determine Your Budget Do you know your budget? Mortgage lenders consider many factors when deciding how much they are willing to lend to a home buyer. While your employment status, salary, assets and credit rating are important, they are all pieces of a larger puzzle … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: 3 Key Flaws to Watch Out For in an Older Home
- 12/05/17 10:42 AM
Are you a fan of homes with a bit more character than newer, modern designs? Whether in pristine condition or more of a "fixer upper," older homes are incredibly popular in cities across the country. However, there are some key factors to consider if you're thinking about buying a home built decades ago before modern standards were enforced. Old Electrical Designs Can Be A Significant Fire Hazard No matter when a home was built, it's almost guaranteed to have electrical wiring running through walls to supply rooms with lighting and power outlets. However, if the wiring was run in decades past it … (4 comments)
home buyer tips: Four Pieces of Mortgage 'Advice' to Take With the Proverbial Grain of Salt
- 12/01/17 10:03 AM
Are you in the market for a new home? If you have been talking to friends and family or researching online, you have likely come across quite a bit of mortgage-related advice. As with anything, there is low-quality advice out there which is essential to avoid. In today's blog post we will share four pieces of mortgage-related advice that you should take with the proverbial 'grain of salt.' #1: Only Get A Mortgage From Your Bank Have you heard that you should only get a mortgage from the major bank that you use regularly? Many people believe that working with a large bank … (8 comments)
home buyer tips: Make 2018 the Year You Escape the 'Rental Trap'
- 12/01/17 09:18 AM
Are you growing tired of paying rent each month and not building your net worth? Being stuck in the 'rental trap' isn't much fun, but if you are determined, you can break out. Let's explore some of the steps that you can take to make 2018 the year that you become a homeowner. Rent Money Is Lost Money First – why homeownership? As you may already understand, money spent on rent is 'lost' money. Each month you pay your rent, but you do not build any equity, own any property or get any other benefits in return. When you own a house, the … (1 comments)
home buyer tips: Til' Debt Do Us Part: How to Get a Mortgage If One Spouse Has Poor Credit
- 04/12/17 08:18 AM
A poor credit history is a reality for many people, but it can be particularly daunting when it comes to investing in a house. Simply because you or yours have experienced bad credit doesn't mean that you should be penalized in the future. If your spouse has struggled with bad credit in the past but you're both preparing to move forward and invest in a home, here are some tips for getting it together financially. Face The Music Many people who have bad credit are too scared to look at their credit report and broach it honestly. But it's important to come … (5 comments)
NMLS ID: 247026
Colorado Mortgage License: 100019059
Benchmark Mortgage, Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143. Equal Housing Opportunity. This advertisement is for general information purposes only. Some products may not be available in all licensed locations. Information, rates, and pricing are subject to change without prior notice at the sole discretion of Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC. All loan programs subject to borrowers meeting appropriate underwriting conditions. This is not a commitment to lend. Other restrictions may apply. Colorado Mortgage Company Registrant – Regulated by The Division of Real Estate #2143
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