Partnering with lenders, Realtors & builders to provide financing opportunities for first-time homebuyers & support home ownership in Harris County TX
11/28/2018
If your home's closing sale coincides with your new purchase, make sure there is a contingency in your purchase contract. Otherwise you'll owe on two properties or will be in default on new purchase due to lack of proceeds from the sale of your existing home.
11/27/2018
Matching can be so overrated -- and expensive. Look online for beautiful sets of antique china and silver flatware. You'll save money and the unique place settings will feel more exclusively designed to your guests!
11/27/2018
When looking for a home to buy, only schedule a maximum of 7 homes at a time. Scheduling more than this will make your head spin, and it will overwhelm you in the long-run!
11/24/2018
Remember -- just because you qualify for a certain mortgage amount, it doesn't mean that you should max out your budget. Be sure that your new mortgage payment not only fits your bank's standards but your budget as well!
11/22/2018
Clutter detracts from a home's best assets. As soon as you know you're going to list your home, pack things you won't need and store them outside of the house, either in storage or at a generous friend or family member's house.
11/22/2018
For an affordable exterior upgrade, paint your front door an unexpected shade, like buttercup-yellow or chartreuse-green. The result: a happy punctuation point that modernizes an old house yet doesn't compromise its historic character.
11/21/2018
If you've always fantasized about buying a brand new home - without previous owners, here are a few tips that can help you find the home of your dreams: https://www.thebalance.com/buying-new-home-construction-from-builders-1798334
11/20/2018
Your monthly housing payment (including taxes and insurance) should be no more than 28% of your pre-tax income, and your total debt (including your mortgage payment) should be no more than 36%! Make sure to calculate this 'rule' before making the big home-owner leap!
11/16/2018
If you live in a planned neighborhood, you'll likely be part of a homeowners association, which comes with dues that can cost several hundred dollars a month. Even if your HOA fees are due annually, earmark the amount each month so you're not hit all at once.
11/15/2018
Hire a home inspector, separate from the appraiser required by the lender, to find any potential problems you may need to deal with in the future. This will also protect you from getting into unforeseen major issues before the property is yours.
11/14/2018
Conventional mortgage lenders charge higher interest rates for lower credit scores. Raising your score may help you qualify for lower rates.
11/13/2018
Many people thinking of touring your home will do a quick drive-by to decide if they'd like to look inside. Keeping your porch lights on in the evenings, and making sure your home's curb appeal is on point are great ways to lure buyers into taking the next step!