Custom Down Payment Savings Plan
Developing a custom down payment savings plan can be a great first step toward becoming a future homeowner. Understanding both what you need to save and setting the time you can give yourself is key to making a savings plan that is just right for you. There are a few upfront costs to buying a […]
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Using a mortgage payment calculator is a great place to begin if you are thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage. An online mortgage calculator can be a great tool to estimate your potential monthly mortgage payment. Adjusting the numbers in each field can help you take a look at the numbers […]
Holiday Budget Planner
Holiday Budget Planner The most common reason that people over spend during the holidays, is that they don’t even think about how much they are spending. Putting a holiday budget in writing is an excellent way to organize your thoughts. This planning guide could be the best way create a financial plan for this holiday […]
How to Remove PMI From Your Mortgage: A Guide for Texas Homeowners
If you bought your home with a smaller down payment, you may be paying private mortgage insurance, often called PMI. It protects the lender, not you, so understandably most homeowners want to stop paying it as soon as they reasonably can. The encouraging news is that PMI is not necessarily permanent. For many homeowners, it […]
The Benefits of a VA Mortgage
The Benefits of a VA Mortgage The primary goal of the VA mortgage program is to make home ownership affordable for qualifying members of the US military and their spouses. There are a number of benefits that a VA mortgage provides in comparison to a conventional mortgage. These are a the benefits of a VA […]
How Much House Can I Afford in Texas? A Buyer’s Budget Guide
Before you start touring homes, it helps to answer one big question: how much house can you actually afford? Setting a realistic budget early keeps your search focused and your finances comfortable long after you move in. It is easy to fall in love with a home that stretches your budget, but the goal is […]
Escrow Accounts Explained: What Texas Homeowners Need to Know
If you have a mortgage, you have probably seen the word escrow on your statements, but it is not always clear what it means. Understanding your escrow account helps you make sense of your monthly payment and avoid surprises down the road. Escrow is one of those behind-the-scenes parts of homeownership that quietly handles some […]
Competing in a Seller’s Market: Homebuyer Guide
Competing in a Seller’s Market The housing market is HOT! Home’s are receiving multiple offers after being listed on the market for just a few hours. Many potential home buyers are frustrated with the competition and all of the challenges that a seller’s market brings. If you are looking to buy a home in a […]
buyer’s market vs seller’s market
The difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market is the advantage of negotiating power to one party in the transaction or the other. The primary evaluation of the buyer’s or seller’s market is based on the basic principal of supply and demand. There can also be divides in the market based on other […]
Using Home Equity to Finance Home Improvements
If you are thinking that your home could use some tender loving care by updating or renovating your living space, consider utilizing your home equity. Many homeowners use their home equity to increase the value of their property with home improvements. Adding a pool to the backyard, renovating the kitchen or bathrooms, updating the flooring, […]
