Tag: homebuying basics
Renting May Be a Roadblock to Your Dream Home
Read more: Renting May Be a Roadblock to Your Dream HomeAs a homebuilder, we hear the “one-and-done” sentiment all the time. Many homebuyers want to “get it right” the first time they purchase a home so they can be settled for the long haul. Why not save and keep renting until you can afford exactly what you want? While a no-compromise stance sounds good in…
5 Reasons to Become a Homeowner
Read more: 5 Reasons to Become a HomeownerThinking about buying a new home? Not quite sure you’re ready to commit? It’s perfectly normal to have cold feet—especially if you’re a first-time buyer. Homeownership is a big step, both emotionally and financially. But, like many other major life events, owning your own home can be an incredibly rewarding experience. And the more you…
3 Steps to Moving Before the Holidays
Read more: 3 Steps to Moving Before the HolidaysSummer is winding down, kids are back in school and that may mean you’re slipping out of vacation mode. Is setting a moving timeline back on your to-do list? If you’re ready to start touring model homes so you can find your dream home, you may want to be settled before the holiday season. (After…
Happy National Insurance Awareness Day!
Read more: Happy National Insurance Awareness Day!With so much going on in life, it can be easy to overlook your insurance policies. National Insurance Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 28, to serve as a reminder to take stock of your current insurance coverage and make any necessary adjustments. From auto and life insurance to homeowner’s Insurance and more, these…
5 Things to Do Before You Contract on a New Home
Read more: 5 Things to Do Before You Contract on a New HomeWe recommend having a checklist of things to research and do in the days and weeks leading up to your home purchase. A few simple steps can help you feel prepared, well-informed and ready to sign that contract with confidence. 1. Scope out neighborhoods If you’re moving within the same area of town, researching the…
Top Features to Look for in a New Home Now
Read more: Top Features to Look for in a New Home NowSpring is coming and that means more people are on the move! If house hunting is on the docket for you in 2019, this is the place to be. While you’re sure to notice the number of bedrooms and the curb appeal of any home, you may find yourself thinking back on your tours with…
Home Buying Infographic: The Mortgage Process
Read more: Home Buying Infographic: The Mortgage ProcessWhether you’re a first-time home buyer or it’s just been a few years since you last looked into home financing, this infographic is for you! It gives a very simple overview of the mortgage process from start to finish and, if you want to dive deeper, a link to get our Mortgage Quick-reference Guide. Knowing what…
The House Hunting Experience: New vs. Resale
Read more: The House Hunting Experience: New vs. ResaleHomebuyers often think of buying new construction as a mysterious process. And as with many things, the unknown can make people nervous. But fear not! Buying a new construction home can be different than buying a resale one, but we’re here to get you up to speed on the differences—and similarities. New vs. resale: Financing…
Online Tools to Improve Credit
Read more: Online Tools to Improve CreditAn acceptable credit score is one of the keys to getting your home loan application approved. Mortgage lenders have historically used FICO® scores—derived from data collected by one or more of the three major credit bureaus—as a major factor in determining whether you qualify for a mortgage. Different mortgage lenders can approve or deny loans based…
Steps to Buy a Home in 2019
Read more: Steps to Buy a Home in 2019It’s an annual tradition—as one year winds down, we look toward the horizon of the next year and anticipate all the exciting developments that will dawn with it. And if you’re planning to buy a home, no doubt it’s on the short list for upcoming 2019 highlights. After all, a successful home purchase takes long-term…
How to Save Money for a Down Payment: 7 Strategies
Read more: How to Save Money for a Down Payment: 7 StrategiesSaving for a down payment on a new home might feel daunting, but small daily changes can make a big difference when it comes to setting aside money for a large purchase. We rounded up seven strategies that make it simple to streamline your spending and save up for your dream home—and it’s a lot…
What is an Inventory Home?
Read more: What is an Inventory Home?You might imagine the experience of buying your dream home as starting with an empty lot, picking every feature from the layout of the floor plan to the color of the drapes, and then settling in to wait while your home is built completely from scratch. It’s a time-honored process that works wonders for many,…