Category Archives: Home Buying

Managing Moving Costs – Avoid These Mistakes

Moving Soon? Avoid These Common (and Costly) Mistakes… When it comes to moving, you’re in good company. According to Zillow, June is the most popular month to move, with many families and individuals packing up during the summer to take advantage of better weather and school breaks. Moving comes with more than just boxes and… (read more)

Real Estate Market in 2025 – Buyer/Broker Agreements

If you’re stepping into the real estate market for the first time, you might have caught wind of recent news: commission rules have changed, and the way homes are bought and sold is shifting in 2025. While this may sound daunting, the good news is these updates are making the home buying process more transparent—and… (read more)

Tips for First Time Home Buyers – 2025 Edition

Buying a new home can be an intimidating process, particularly if it’s your first time. It’s the largest purchase most of us will make in our lifetimes. There’s a lot to think through and a lot of preparation involved. Here are a few tips for first time home buyers.   Budget: How Much Should First… (read more)

How to Brace for Increasing Housing Prices: A Guide for Homeowners and Renters

Have you noticed your insurance bills skyrocketing lately? If so, you’re in good company. According to Policygenius, the average home insurance premium rose by 21% between May 2022 and May 2023. Combine this with increasing housing prices, property taxes, and high interest rate debt, and it’s no wonder why so many Americans are struggling in… (read more)

Stay or Go? – Home Equity vs Mortgage

Flashy new homes decked out with the latest design trends. You’re spotting them as you cruise through your city. You’re seeing them while idly scrolling Zillow. And they are definitely making an appearance on your favorite HGTV shows. It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out when you see a slick new construction. Could a… (read more)

Is This a Good Time to Buy a House?

Is this a good time to buy a house? You might be worried about interest rates that are still high, or maybe you heard that housing inventory is low. While those are factors, a lot more goes into determining if you’re ready than just the current housing market. Purchasing a house is a significant milestone… (read more)

Buying a House in 2024 – How to Make the Most of Your Mortgage

If you’re already searching, you probably know that buying a house in 2024 is a stressful prospect. Interest rates are still high at the moment as the Federal Reserve continues efforts to minimize inflation. And while we’ve heard that rates are likely to drop during the year, the question of when and how much is… (read more)

Hidden Costs of a DIY Home Remodel

Gloves? Check. Safety goggles? Check. Hammer hanging off of your carpenter jeans? Check. You’re ready to fulfill your HGTV dreams and dive into a much-needed DIY home remodel project. You’re going DIY with this because A) it will save on the cost, and B) you’ll have fun doing it. You’ve carefully budgeted for your project,… (read more)

How This Rising-Rate/Low Inventory Housing Market Is Right For You

With the housing market on a proverbial roller coaster, it’s hard to know whether to buy a house now or wait until interest rates decline. In a recent study from Fannie Mae, 79% of those who responded stated that it’s a bad time to buy a house. However, it doesn’t all need to be doom and… (read more)

Five Reasons to Use a Credit Union for your Mortgage

If you know anyone who has recently tried to buy a house, you know what a challenge it can be. Due to the economy, interest rates are climbing, and it isn’t easy to find a reasonable interest rate in this market. While there are many options for acquiring a mortgage, people often overlook that their… (read more)