Posts Tagged ‘homeownership’
Is 2026 Your Year to Refinance?
As we kick off 2026, many homeowners are looking to refinance as a way to lower monthly payments, switch loan types, or tap into home equity. After a period of higher rates in recent years, the market has seen meaningful improvement, with average 30-year fixed mortgage rates hovering around 6% (recent reports show figures like 5.99% for purchases and slightly higher for refinances,…
Read More“I love this home and want to buy it, but what in the world is the extra ‘tax’ I would have to pay?” Understanding PIDs, PUDs, MUDs & More: What Homeowners Should Know.
If you’ve ever looked at a property tax statement or a home listing and seen terms like PID, PUD, MUD, or FWD, you’re not alone in wondering what they mean. These acronyms can be confusing, and they play a big role in determining your property taxes, monthly mortgage payment, and even the community amenities you enjoy. Let’s break down what each of these districts or developments does and why understanding them matters when buying a home. …
Read MoreIf You Bought a Home in 2025, NOW is Your Last Chance to Benefit from Your Homestead Exemption with the 2025 Property Taxes
If you became a homeowner in 2025, CONGRATULATIONS!! Buying a home is such an exciting accomplishment, and as Property Tax bills are now being sent out, there’s one important step you do NOT want to overlook: filing for your Homestead Exemption! This simple – and free – filing can save you several hundred dollars each…
Read More5 Ways to Save for a Down Payment Faster
One of the biggest hurdles for homebuyers is saving for the down payment. While it can feel like a daunting task, with the right plan in place, you can build your savings faster than you think. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move from your current home, here are five smart ways to…
Read MoreWhy Knowing Your Home’s Worth and your Equity Is So Important to Growing Your Personal Wealth
Real Estate remains one of the very top ways folks can build wealth in America. Your home isn’t just where you live, but when utilized correctly, it’s your biggest financial asset. But here’s the thing: many people don’t actually know what their home is worth today, how much equity they’ve built over the years, and…
Read MoreSo, When Does It Make Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage?
With so many opinions floating around within our coworkers, friends, and families, knowing when to Refinance can easily feel confusing. And so many Mortgage Lenders (not my team or me) will always say “right now” is the best time to refinance, because they aren’t concerned about your best interests, they’re only concerned about getting another…
Read MoreStep-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home: A First-Time Buyer’s Roadmap
Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. As a mortgage loan officer, I work with first-time buyers every day, and I know that having a step-by-step plan can make all the difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you feel confident every step…
Read MoreGet Mortgage-Ready: 5 Things to Do Before You House Hunt
Buying a home is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life but jumping into house hunting before you’re prepared can make the process unnecessarily stressful and can lead to missed opportunities or disappointment. As a mortgage loan officer, I’ve seen firsthand how preparation can make the homebuying process so much easier. Here are 5 smart steps…
Read MoreHow to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity (and When You Should)
As a homeowner, you may be sitting on a powerful financial resource—your home’s equity. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund a home renovation, or cover major expenses, tapping into your home’s equity can be a smart move when done strategically. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through: What home equity is, The most…
Read MoreWhy Buying a Home Is Better Than Renting
As a loan officer, I’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate the journey to homeownership. One of the most common questions I hear is: “Is it better to buy or rent?” While renting might seem like the easier option in the short term, buying a home is almost always the smarter long-term choice—financially, emotionally,…
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