Posts Tagged ‘mortgage advice’
A Financial Roadblock Doesn’t Always Mean Your Home Plans Are Over
One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners and buyers make is assuming that a problem automatically means the entire plan has to change. Your windows are drafty, so you think you need to replace every window in the house. Your student loan payment is killing your mortgage qualification, so you assume you can’t buy…
Read MoreThe Best Time to Prepare Your Home for the Future Is Before You Have To
Most homeowners are pretty good at reacting to problems. The driveway cracks badly enough, so they replace it. A parent falls, so the family starts talking about grab bars and ramps. Mom or Dad moves into assisted living, and suddenly somebody has to figure out what to do with 50 years of furniture, clothing, tools,…
Read MoreDon’t Make a $50,000 Home Decision Based on an Assumption
Some of the most expensive homeowner mistakes start with a sentence that sounds perfectly reasonable. “I thought FHA loans were only for people with bad credit.” “I figured I should refinance because I need some cash.” “I assumed a better roof would automatically lower my insurance.” “I thought solar would require $40,000 out of pocket.”…
Read MoreThe Biggest Homeowner Mistakes Usually Start With “I Thought I Was Covered”
Most homeowners don’t ignore major risks on purpose. They assume the backup sump pump will work because it worked the last time they checked it. They assume the water heater will make it another few years because it hasn’t leaked yet. They assume their condo will be easy to finance when it’s time to sell.…
Read MoreIn Real Estate, the Details You Ignore Are Usually the Ones That Cost You
Buying, selling, financing, or inheriting a home involves a lot of paperwork. Most people understand that in theory. The problem is that once the process gets moving, it becomes very easy to rely on someone else to handle the details. The attorney will check the numbers. The real estate agent knows what was agreed to.…
Read MoreThe Cheapest Option Can Become the Most Expensive Decision
Homeowners make dozens of decisions every year about repairs, financing, maintenance, and the people they hire. Most of those decisions begin with the same question: How much is this going to cost me right now? That’s understandable, but it’s rarely enough. A low mortgage rate can hide thousands of dollars in upfront fees. A perfectly…
Read MoreSmart Ways to Use Your Home Equity Without Giving Up a Great Mortgage Rate
Owning a home gives you options, but not every option is automatically a good one. You may be thinking about selling while buyers are still active. You may need access to the equity you’ve built. You may simply be looking for ways to reduce rising household expenses. Whatever the situation, the goal shouldn’t be to…
Read MoreNavigating Home Improvements and Financial Planning with Confidence: Insights from Home Sweet Home Chicago
As a mortgage broker and host of WGN’s Home Sweet Home Chicago, it’s crucial to not only discuss the dynamic world of real estate but also delve into related topics like home improvements, financial planning, and savvy decision-making. Our recent radio show covered a plethora of topics designed to educate and inform homeowners and those…
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