Amanda Hill w/ The Amanda Hill Team 's Blog Posts

Real estate fraud is a serious concern that can have significant financial and legal consequences. Here are seven ways to help prevent real estate fraud:  Verify Property

Preparing your home for sale doesn’t always require a hefty investment. In fact, strategic and cost-effective improvements can go a long way in adding significant value to your property.

What You Can Expect from the Spring Housing MarketAs the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it comes to buying or selling

What You Need To Know if You’re Thinking About Building a HomeIf you’re ready to move up, you may be trying to decide whether you want to buy a home that's already on the market or

The Many Benefits of HomeownershipThe past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership

The Average Homeowner Gained More Than $55K in Equity over the Past YearIf you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home

Spring Cleaning Checklist for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking about selling your house this spring, here are some things you’ll want to tackle before you

Did Your Dream Home Just Come on the Market?For the first time in a long time, the number of newly listed homes is beginning to rise. In their latest monthly release, realtor.com 

Are You Wondering if This Is the Year To Buy a Home?Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home? If you;

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by Closing CostsAs a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. While most people

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden OpportunityIf you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most

Key Terms for Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsKnowing key housing terms and how they relate to today’s market is important. For example, when mortgage rates and 

Key Factors That Impact Affordability TodayYou can’t read an article about residential real estate without the author mentioning the affordability challenges that today’s buyers face.

How Global Uncertainty Is Impacting Mortgage RatesIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep a pulse on what’s happening with

Why It’s Critical To Price Your House RightWhen you make a move, you want to sell your house for the highest price possible. That might be why many homeowners are eager to list in

Supply and Demand in Today’s Market [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsToday’s housing market is the direct result of low supply and high buyer demand. Here’s

Are Home Prices Continuing To Rise?Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. So far, that hasn

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve HomeownershipFor many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s

An Expert Advisor Will Give You the Best Advice in Today’s MarketHaving an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home is important in a normal market ;&

Millennials: Do You Need a Home with More Space?If you’re a millennial, homebuying might be top of mind for you. Your generation is the largest group of homebuyers in the market today and has

The Difference Between Renting and Owning [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re deciding whether to rent or buy, consider the many financial benefits that come with owning a.

The #1 Reason To Sell Your House TodayAlmost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. This also applies to the current U.S. housing market, where buyer demand far

How Supply and Demand Can Impact Your Buying and Selling GoalsIn today’s housing market, there are far more buyers looking for homes than sellers listing their houses. Based on the

Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a RowIn an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it&rsquo

What’s Driving Today’s High Buyer Demand? [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsThere’s an influx of buyers looking for homes today, and that means your house is in high demand. Here

4 Simple Graphs Showing Why This Is Not a Housing BubbleA recent survey revealed that many consumers believe there’s a housing bubble beginning to form. That feeling is,

More People Are Planning To Buy a Home SoonWhile some homeowners may be tempted to hold off until spring to list their houses, you should know – homebuyers aren’t waiting. Demand is

What Every Seller Needs To Know About Renovating This YearIf you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership?Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsEven in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big.Build a team of trusted

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It.When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some AmericansAs we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this

Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership DreamsIf you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait

Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To SellIn today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you&rsquo

Millions of Americans Have Discovered the Benefits of Multigenerational HouseholdsIf your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as,

The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are HeadingMortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its

Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This YearOver the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us

Owning Is More Affordable than Renting in the Majority of the CountryIf you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices 

Why Your Home Inspection Matters [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsBuying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection,

Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for SellersIf you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips. When

Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change?Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes. According to a report from

The Next Generation of Homebuyers Is HereMany members of Generation Z (Gen Z) are aging into adulthood and deciding whether to rent or buy a home. If you find yourself in this group, it

Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsAccording to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for eight years in a.

Buyers Want To Know: Why Is Housing Supply Still So Low?One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, we

With Mortgage Rates Climbing, Now’s the Time To ActLast week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the;

Sellers: Don’t Wait Until Spring To Make Your MoveAs you plan out your goals for the year, moving up to your dream home may top the list. But, how do you know when to make your move? You

Achieving the Dream of HomeownershipHomeownership has long been considered the American Dream, and it’s one every American should feel confident and powerful pursuing. But owning a home is

When Is the Right Time To Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re trying to decide when to list your house, the time is now. There are plenty of buyers eagerly waiting for

What’s Going To Happen with Home Prices This Year?After almost two years of double-digit increases, many experts thought home price appreciation would decelerate or happen at a slower pace in

Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s MarketIf your goal is to purchase a home this year, you might be looking for any advantage you can get in today’s sellers’ market. While

Why Inflation Shouldn’t Stop You from Buying a Home in 2022If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising

Real Estate Professionals Are Experts at Keeping You Safe When You SellIf you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to sell your house this year, there’s good news. For nearly

How To Hit Your Homebuying Goals This Year [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re looking to buy a home, you may want to put these items on your to-do list to ensure you hit your goals.It

There Won’t Be a Wave of Foreclosures in the Housing MarketWhen mortgage forbearance plans were first announced and the pandemic surged through the country in early 2020, many homeowners were

Why Waiting To Sell Your House Could Cost You a Small FortuneMany homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about

How Much Do You Need for Your Down Payment?As you set out on your homebuying journey, you likely have a plan in place, and you’re working on saving for your purchase. But do you know how much

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market?There’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand – that explains what’s happening with

Early October is the Sweet Spot for BuyersAre you looking to buy a home? If so, we’ve got good news for you.While there’s no denying the housing market is having a great year,

Remote Work Is Here To Stay. Can Your Home Deliver the Space You Need?A lot has changed over the past year. For many people, the rise in remote work influenced what they’re looking for in a

5 Tips for Making Your Best OfferIn today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to the low supply of houses

Reasons You Should Consider Selling This FallIf you're trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than right now. The ultimate sellers' market we're

5 Reasons Today’s Housing Market Is Anything but NormalThere are many headlines out there that claim we’re reverting to a more normal real estate market. That would indicate the housing

The Community and Economic Impacts of a Home SaleIf you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, chances are you’re focusing on the many extraordinary ways it’ll change

Key Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a HomeSometimes it can feel like everyone has advice when it comes to buying a home. While your friends and loved ones may have your best interests in,

3 Hot Topics in the Housing Market Right NowIf you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s important to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they affect you. The

Remote Work Has Changed Our Home Needs. Is It Time for Your Home To Change, Too?Over the past year, many homeowners realized what they need in a home is changing, especially with the rise in remote

4 Major Incentives To Sell This SummerWhile the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are

The Truths Young Homebuyers Need To HearFor many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure

Save Time and Effort by Selling with an AgentSelling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From

Homeowner Wealth Increases Through Growing Equity This YearBuilding financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your

Don’t Wait To Sell Your HouseWe’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing

What’s Motivating People To Move Right Now?This year, Americans are moving for a variety of reasons. The health crisis has truly reshaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending so much more

How Misunderstandings about Affordability Could Cost YouThere’s a lot of discussion about affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. Even though the most recent index on

Don’t Forget to Budget for Closing CostsWhen buying a home, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment

Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small FortuneMany people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some are renters who have a strong desire to

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell NowThe housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of

Patience Is the Key to Buying a Home This YearThe question many homebuyers are facing this year is, “Why is it so hard to find a house?” We’re in the ultimate sellers

93% of Americans Believe a Home Is a Better Investment Than StocksA recent Survey of Consumer Finances study released by the Federal Reserve reveals the net worth of homeowners&

Your Tax Refund and Stimulus Savings May Help You Achieve Homeownership This YearIf you’re planning to buy a home this year, saving for a down payment is one of the most important steps in the

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ MarketIf you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This SpringWhen selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting

Is It a Good Time to Sell My House?Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain

Remote Workers: 5 Reasons to Move to Grand Junction (and Bring Your Job with You!)for tech home page, Information, Communications and Technology, News and ViewsOriginally published on 

Where Have All the Houses Gone?In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This YearThere are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In

Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year.Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a

Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting OneIf spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you;

Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your HouseThe housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest&

The Importance of Home Equity in Building WealthHomeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted:&ldquo

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This YearIt’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right TodayEven in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new

The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This YearBlack Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for

5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive OfferToday’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to HomeownershipHomeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday SeasonAround this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who

Is Buying a Home Today a Good Financial Move?There’s no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year. A global pandemic coupled with an economic recession has caused heartache for many. However, it

It Pays to Sell with a Real Estate Agent [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsToday, it’s more important than ever to have an expert you trust to guide you as you sell your house.From your safety

Chances of Another Foreclosure Crisis? “About Zero Percent.”There seems to be some concern that the 2020 economic downturn will lead to another foreclosure crisis like the one we

Homeownership Is a Key to Building WealthFor years, real estate has been considered the best investment you can make. A major reason for this is due to the net worth a household gains

Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for YouAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s

4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing MarketTomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life

How Down Payment Assistance Opens the Door to HomeownershipMany people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market.

Why Today’s Options Will Save Homeowners from ForeclosureMany housing experts originally voiced concern that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families impacted financially by

Real Estate Continues to Show Unprecedented Strength This YearThe 2020 housing market has surpassed all expectations and continues to drive the nation’s economic recovery. The question is,

Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?One of the biggest misconceptions for first-time homebuyers is how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Contrary to popular belief,

One of the best ways to build your family’s financial future is through homeownership. Recent data from the Federal Reserve indicates the net worth of a homeowner is actually

Alternative InvestmentsIn a recent article, The Wall Street Journal reported that investors have rarely been this flush with cash.  The economic uncertainty due to the pandemic and the

Smart Sprinkler ControllerIt seems like most homes have sprinkler systems and if they do, they have some form of controller to automatically turn the water on and off for the time and days you feel

Real estate continues to be called the ‘bright spot’ in the current economy, but there’s one thing that may hold the housing market back from achieving its full potential this:&

How Does It Measure Up?People are always looking for a "down and dirty" way to determine the value of a home and square footage seems to be one of the most common things used by people whether they

It's Worth Digging a Little DeeperThere are hundreds of thousands of people who believe, for one reason or another, they cannot afford to buy a home currently.  Some people  may not

Grilling SafetyMore people grill in July, June & August than any other months and correspondingly, there are more injuries, as well as fires, due to grilling accidents in those months. Even

Forbearance is Not ForgivenessForbearance is a temporary postponement of mortgage payments.  The lender can grant this option to a borrower instead of forcing the property into.&

In today’s housing market, it can be a big challenge for buyers to find homes to purchase, as the number of houses for sale is far below the current demand. Now, however, we’re

8/19/2020During the first major stay-at-home event that most of us have experienced in this country, a pool can give you and your family enjoyable recreation without leaving the home.  For

Three Reasons to RefinanceThree reasons to refinance a home include lowering the cost of housing, shortening the term of the mortgage to pay it off sooner or to using the equity to accomplish

The soothsayer in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar issued his famous warning "Beware the Ides of March."  Who knew that in 2020, around the middle of March, the world, as we knew it, would

Whether you like to or not, buying and selling a home involves negotiation at all stages of the process.  It is not like the retail world where once you decide to purchase, you pay the

The National Association of REALTORS® just released the Market Recovery Survey of a random sampling to close to 100,000 members conducted June 24-26, 2020.  The following

The seller can put a price on the home but the value is ultimately, determined by the buyer. Individually, a buyer could pay over market value because they love the location, or the elevation of the

Paying off your mortgage can provide peace of mind and is a worthy goal but is it the best thing for you to do at this time.Do you have higher interest rate debt currently?  If you have

Homeowners still have considerable advantages from the amortization of the mortgage and the appreciation enjoyed by most homes even with taking the standard deduction instead of itemizing to take

Homeownership is a privilege and a responsibility. Even after decades of owning a home, you may still need some help to handle some of its challenges by focusing on the three "M"s of homeownership:

Rethinking HomeThe last two months of the new normal stay at home has led many homeowners to rethink the way they live in their home.  It has now become an office for working at home; a

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times like the one we face today, it becomes even more important to have an

The convenience of selling your home without the hassle of getting it ready, putting it on the market, showings, open houses, negotiations and repairs comes at a cost ... a significant part of your

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House TodayWith the release of the latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), results

It Starts Before the Statement is SentThe deadline for challenging your property tax assessment this year may be later than normal due to the stay at home orders but when you are notified, you'll

Taking cash out of the equity of your home could be a legitimate way to fund a temporary cash crisis now or to have it on-hand if the need arises.  Most homeowners can pull out the difference

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we

Everyone knows someone it has happened to or has heard a tragic story.  It could have been a fire, a flood, a burglary or some other disaster but to file a claim on their insurance, they

Hey there,Did you know that you can buy a home without leaving your current house!?! It is definitely not as much fun but it is doable ?  Here are the ways we can work together

Today’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with

FAMILY  INTEGRITY  COMMUNITYTRUST EARNED EVERY DAY SINCE 1946. 1015 N 7th Street • Grand Junction, CO 81501 • 970-242-3647 • www.brayandco

The American bank robber, Willie Sutton, was asked why he robbed banks and his answer was "because that is where the money is."  During his 40-year career, he stole about $2 million but

While you're isolating at home, there are things you can do to help buy a home now or in the near future.  Instead of spending time surfing the Internet looking at homes, do the groundwork

During these unsettling times, sellers and buyers are concerned about staying healthy and virus-free as we all are.  To keep all parties safe, new procedures should be considered regarding

You don't have to watch TV for long before Tom Selleck, Henry Winkler or Robert Wagner will tell you why seniors should consider a reverse mortgage.  However, there are a seniors who are

A lower rate will not only result in a lower payment, it will amortize the loan quicker.  A $250,000 mortgage at 4.5% for 30 years will have a $1,266.71 principal and interest payment.;

The least amount in a down payment is an attractive option when people are thinking of buying a home.  A common reason is to have cash available for furnishing the new home and  possible

Home improvement loans provide a source of funds for owners to finance the improvements they want to make.  These are usually, personal installment loans that are not collateralized by the

House-hacking refers to buying a multifamily property on an owner-occupied mortgage, living in one unit and renting the others.  If you're thinking about becoming a rental mogul, starting early

Ideally, what every owner wants when they sell their home is to get the highest possible sales price in the shortest period with the least inconveniences.  They may not realize that's what

Now that the standard deduction is increased to $12,200 for single taxpayers and $24,400 for married ones, many homeowners are better off with the standard deduction than itemizing their deductions

Reverse mortgage loans are like traditional mortgages that permits homeowners to borrow money using their home as collateral while retaining title to the property.  Reverse mortgage loans

Approximately 52 million or 16% of Americans are age 65 and over.  It is easy to understand that some of them are thinking of downsizing their home because they don't need the same space

Borrowing from a 401k, 403b or the cash value of life insurance policy is a common financial strategy.  While taxpayers are not allowed borrow from either a traditional or Roth IRA, they

The largest expenditure a buyer has when purchasing a home is the down payment which can range from zero for veterans or 3.5%, 5%, 10% and 20%.  With mortgages come closing costs which can be

Even if Benjamin Franklin never actually used the expression "a penny saved is a penny earned", the reality is that it has been a sentiment for frugality for centuries.  He did say: "Beware of

Looking for an investment that will turn $10,000 into $80,000 in seven years?  Sound too good to be true?  What if I told you that you could live in it every day during that seven years?

Mortgage interest paid on your principal residence is deductible today as it was in 1913 when 16th amendment allowed personal income tax.  The 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act reduced the maximum

Most people who have car, home and health insurance have probably made claims and wouldn't consider being without it.  However, it might be difficult to find a homeowner who has made a claim on

Some people don't need a reason to buy a home, they just want it.  That can be enough justification by itself.  Other people need some solid logic before they're ready to make the

Before looking for a home, you need to know how much you can afford. While you may have a number in your head, the lender has the final say. Securing a pre-approval from a lender helps make the home

Buy Your Retirement Home NowMaybe you're not ready to move into it but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't take advantage of the present opportunities to acquire the home you want to live in during

You may have noticed that REALTORS® seem to always think now is a good time to buy and they can usually justify it with solid reasoning.  While it can be true in general, a good time to buy

Whether it is a cosmetic or a mechanical reason for upgrading a toilet, you may not know all the choices that are involved to choose the right one for your home.  The current toilet may

Condensation occurs when the air has too much moisture in it which is felt as high humidity.  The water deposits on various surfaces that are cooler than the air itself.  Several

Selecting an agentWhen a whole lobster was presented at the table of a restaurant, the customer noticed there was only one claw on it.  He asked what happened to the lobster and the waiter,

Price It Right the First TimeThe Internet has empowered all buyers with information and home buyers are no exception.    The amount of information available to public includes details

Insurance is required on a home by the mortgage company, but homeowners rely on it for peace of mind also.  Unfortunately, people may not take the time to investigate their policy and what

Real estate has consistently been one of the highest rated investments available to individuals.  TV shows certainly make rentals look easy and you may even know someone who has made a lot of

Occasionally, buyers who can qualify to purchase a home decide to "take a break" and wait to purchase a home.  When the focus of buying a home is relaxed, other uses for the money that was

It is estimated that over 15% of the population in the U.S. are over 65 years of age.  With one of the most common fears of seniors being their money will run out early, it is understandable

The process of buying a home can be different based on the price range and whether a mortgage is needed.  While some things are different, others are similar regardless of price, financing or

Equity build-up could be one of the biggest advantages to buying a home.  There are two distinct dynamics that take place to make this happen: each house payment applies an amount to

35% of respondents, in a recent annual Gallup poll that dates back to 2002, identified real estate as the best long-term investment option compared to 27% who identified stocks.The top choices

The Internal Revenue Service considers four different types of real estate.  Specific types of properties have benefits based on their classification.  The determination does not depend on

Get Leverage Working for YouLeverage is an investment term that describes the use of borrowed funds to control an asset; sometimes referred to as using other people's money.  Borrowed funds can

Two things can happen when the mortgage rates go up before you've found a home or locked-in your mortgage.  You'll either pay the current mortgage rate which means a higher payment, or you'll

Measuring Square FootageSquare footage is commonly used to determine if a home will fit a buyer's needs.  The price per square foot can be used to compare the costs of different homes and

Checking for Water LeaksAside from standing water in your yard or water running out from under a sink, the first indication that you might have a water leak comes from a larger than normal water.

Owning a home is the first step to building equity.  Tenants build equity but not for themselves; they build it for the owners.Equity is the difference in the value of the home and what is owed

Whether you're an owner now or expect to be one in the future, it is important to be familiar with the federal tax laws that affect homeownership.  Since personal income tax was enacted in

IRS has provisions for homeowners regarding the sale of a principal residence that allows for temporarily renting the home without losing the ability to exclude the gain if the home is sold under

For people who have experienced a distressed sale of a home and gotten their finances and credit back in shape, there can still be an unanswered question of "How long do we have to wait to qualify

According to the 2018 Profile of Buyers and Sellers, 52% of buyers want help to find the right home to purchase.  Physically locating the home is certainly part of what buyers want from

Heating and air-conditioning are frequently referred to as the "comfort systems."  If one has gone out in the dead of winter or the heat of summer, lack of comfort becomes a primary.

A Home Warranty Can Save MoneyYour income tax is probably filed for last year by now and you've been through your expenses for the year.  Money spent on repairs to your home is not deductible

There are an increasing number of real estate companies, termed iBuyers, like Open Door, Offerpad, Zillow, Knock and others that market a service that has an appeal to homeowners.  The pitch

One Loan for Purchase & RenovationsThe FNMA HomeStyle conventional mortgage allows a buyer to purchase a home that needs renovations and include them in the financing.  This facilitates the

Get Rid of Things You Don't NeedPeriodically, you need to rid yourself of things that are taking up you time and space to make room for more of what you like and want.There's a frequently quoted

Qualified Charitable ContributionIf you're at an age where you need to be taking Required Minimum Distributions (age 70.5) from your IRA, a qualified charitable contribution and some planning may

4/3/2019In the time that it takes to write one check, you can set it up with your bank and never have to do it again.  You won't have to write checks, envelopes or buy stamps anymore.;&

Checklists work because they contain the important things that need to be done.  They provide a reminder about things we know and realize but may have slipped our minds as well as inform us

Single family homes offer the investor an opportunity to borrow large loan-to-value loans at fixed interest rates for long terms.  Lenders will loan 75-80% of the purchase price at 5.5% to

Lenders typically quote mortgages at a market rate but can offer a lower interest rate loan if the borrower is willing to pay points up-front which is considered pre-paid interest.  These

More Than Just an AddressFor a short time after the housing crisis a decade ago, some homeowners thought the value of home is a place to live rather than an investment.  A home certainly

Affordability, stability and flexibility are the three reasons homebuyers overwhelmingly choose a 30-year term.  The payments are lower, easier to qualify for the mortgage and they can always

When It's Important...Find the FactsMost parents don't put a lot of credence in the statements "Everyone is doing it" and "No one does that anymore."  They'll dig a little deeper and get

Being a better homeowner is a full-time job.  It takes good information to make good decisions not only when you buy and sell but all the years you own a home.Think of times when you need

Here's the scenario: you have a project and need to borrow some money, but you want to do it in the most economic manner.  You've got a low rate on your existing first mortgage and don't

Generally speaking, when you need an inventory of your personal belongings, it is too late to make one.  Sure, you can reconstruct it but undoubtedly, you'll forget things and that can

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 increased the standard deduction to $24,000 for married couples.  There will be some instances that homeowners may be better off taking the standard

One of the first steps in a good outcome is knowing a little bit about what you're about to undertake.  By being aware of some of the areas regarding homes that may not come up every year

Being a better homeowner is a full-time job.  It's not just about making better decisions when you buy and sell; it's making better decisions throughout the time you own the home.It takes

Smart home technology promises to make your home more comfortable, convenient and secure.  It may not be the home from the Jetson's but artificial intelligence is the hope to make it the home

Price, condition and terms are factors that any owner must consider when marketing their home.  Price is usually the easiest to adjust to compensate for shortcomings in location or

The Federal Reserve Board's Triennial Survey of Consumer Finances recently revealed the net worth of a homeowner was $231,400 compared to $5,200 for a renter.  The net worth of homeowners

There is a little-known mortgage program that could provide the vehicle for the right person to get into a home.  If a person sells their home to another for less than the fair market value,

It's been said that if you can find a home that has most of what you want, you should go ahead and purchase it.  Many first-time buyers are using everything they have for a down payment

Finding the right home is still the biggest challenge buyers are faced with in today's market as is shown in the latest Confidence Index Survey.  Assuming the buyers find the "right" home

As storybooks go, the character is introduced, they meet their love interest, a villain thwarts their intentions, true love overcomes, they marry and live happily ever-after.  It's a very

When the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly was increased from $12,700 to $24,000 for 2018, there was some speculation that the bloom was off the rose of homeownership.  

Some buyers think that finding the right home is the critical part of the buying process and that is how they determine which agent to use. While it is important, there may be a broader skill set to

One of the silver linings to filing your income tax return is finding out that you are going to receive a refund. If you happen to be one of these fortunate taxpayers, your next decision is what to

The Federal Housing Administration, operating under HUD, offers affordable mortgages for tens of thousands of buyers who may not qualify for other types of programs. They are popular with both first

In September, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the third time in 2018 and they're expected to go up one more time this year and three times next year.  If you have a Home Equity

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer you don't want in your home but because it is colorless and odorless; you may not even be aware the deadly condition exists. The Center for Disease Control says

t’s understandable; you’re excited; you’ve found the right home, negotiated a contract, made a loan application and inspections.  Closing is not that far away, and you

Moisture is mold's best friend and it thrives between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit which is why it is commonly found in homes.  Mold spores float in the air and can grow on virtually any

Congress enacted the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010 in response to the mortgage crisis that led to America's Great Recession.  The two parts that apply closely to homebuyers are the Ability-to

The gutters and downspouts on your home are intended to channel rainwater away from your home and its foundation.  When they're blocked and not functioning properly they can lead to the

Mortgage rates surged to their highest averages since 2011 following the Federal Reserve’s announcement Wednesday that it is raising its benchmark interest rate by a quarter point. The 30