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4 Ways Homeowners Can Use Their Equity

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

4 Ways Homeowners Can Use Their Equity

Equity is the difference between your home’s value and your mortgage balance — and most homeowners have gained a lot of it over the past few years. 

Thanks to rising home prices, most homeowners are sitting on more equity than they might think. The typical homeowner had about $270,000 in home equity at the beginning of 2023.

You can tap into home equity when you need it for home repairs, medical bills, college tuition or any other expense you might face. Here are four methods for tapping your home equity.

  • Cash-Out Refinance: With this method, you would replace your current mortgage loan with a larger one, then get the difference between the two balances back in cash to use how you’d like.

  • Home Equity Loan: This is a type of second mortgage that allows you to borrow from your home’s equity. You would then pay it back monthly, plus interest, for 10 to 30 years.

  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Unlike a home equity loan, this is a line of credit that lets you borrow from your equity. In other words, you withdraw money as needed, much like you would with a credit card.

  • Home Equity Agreement: This is a fairly new option, allowing you to offer a company a portion of your home’s equity in exchange for a lump sum. Then, you repay the money once you sell or during a set period — but without interest.

Do you want to learn more about homeownership? Get in touch if you have questions or if you’re ready to begin the search for your next home.

How to Reduce Your Homeownership Costs

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

 

From taxes and insurance to maintenance and repairs, homeownership comes with a variety of costs. 

But don’t worry: These expenses don’t have to break the bank.

With a strategy (and maybe a few key home updates), you can reduce your costs in the long run. You may even make your home safer and less prone to damage.

Want to cut the costs of homeownership? Try these five approaches:

  • Homeowners Insurance: Want to reduce your insurance premiums? You could bundle your home and auto policies, upgrade older systems in your home, or add safety devices (like burglar alarms and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors).

  • Utilities: To reduce your monthly utility bills, invest in Energy Star-certified appliances, and consider getting a smart thermostat. Other things that may help include seasonal weatherproofing, updating your windows, adding more insulation and installing LED lighting.

  • Taxes: If your property taxes increase, you can challenge them with your local appraisal board. You might also be able to file for a homestead exemption for a primary residence, which puts a cap on how much your taxes can increase each year.

  • Repairs: Contractor costs and building material prices are still rising. Shop around for the parts you need, and consider doing any projects you’re qualified for on your own rather than outsourcing. You can also shop secondhand for lower-cost supplies.

  • Mortgage: Refinancing for a lower rate could lower your monthly mortgage payment and help your financial situation overall. Even if you refinance to a shorter term (raising your monthly payments), you can typically reduce your long-term interest costs.

If you have questions about homebuying and homeownership, reach out today.

Displaying blog entries 1-2 of 2

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Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Dynamic Properties
3350 Midtown Place
Anchorage AK 99503
Bethany (907) 223-1632
Bonnie (907) 223-0005