It’s common for both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners to feel overwhelmed by the process of purchasing a house. Plus, myths and misconceptions often make the experience even more confusing.

Myths like: Renting is cheaper than buying. You need a credit score of 700 to get a loan. You shouldn’t buy in a seller’s market. Have you come across any of these?

If you’re thinking of buying this year, don’t let these misleading ideas deter you from your goals.

Myth #1: You need a certain credit score. While mortgage programs do have credit score minimums, you’d be surprised at how low those go. With an FHA loan, you may be able to get financing with a score of 500. (Just know that your score may also affect the interest rate and terms of the loan.)

Myth #2: You should only buy during certain seasons or under certain market conditions. While competition may seem fierce lately, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a house. As long as you choose a home you can afford and one that will grow in value, it’s still a smart long-term investment. 

Myth #3: It’s cheaper to rent than buy. Home prices have been rising lately, but rents have jumped significantly, too. Since homeownership allows you to build equity and wealth over time, it’s important to crunch the numbers before assuming you’re better off renting.

Myth #4: You should get a mortgage from your bank. Your bank should definitely be on the list, but don’t limit your shopping to just them. Get quotes from several banks and lenders to ensure you get the best deal.

Myth #5: You should waive your inspection to win a bidding war. Waiving your right to an inspection might help you beat out other offers, but it can also come back to bite you. Inspections often reveal costly and even dangerous defects, and you’ll want to know about these before deciding to buy.

Have questions about buying or selling a home? Get in touch today.

Are you thinking about a home remodel project this year? Before you start knocking down walls or hiring a contractor, you might want to think about a few projects that won’t require a big contract and heavy equipment. I want to share a few simple projects that will add value to your home and not break the bank.

When it comes to your home, your kitchen is the star of the show. Small projects to a kitchen can make your whole house seem updated. It also adds val​ue; you can recover between 53% and 72% of your costs.

• Add a backsplash

• Refinish your cabinets

• Update lighting

• Update faucets and fixtures

You don’t have to tear up the tile or rip out showers to add value when thinking of bathroom remodels. Instead, simple fixes add a big punch.

Easy Small Bathroom Updates:

• Fresh light fixtures

• Create more storage

• Update faucets

If you haven’t jumped on the Smart home technology train, it’s time to get on board. Adding smart home technology can increase the value of your home from 3%-5%.

If you’re thinking of updating, remodeling or repairing your home this year, it’s time to start planning. 

Want to make the most of your efforts? Don’t overlook color. Color plays a big role in your home’s aesthetic and mood, and it can affect your overall property value, too. 

If you’re not sure where to start, get acquainted with the trending hues for 2022 and take a look at these tips for incorporating color like a pro.

1. Let the colors of the year guide you. A great place to start is by reviewing the “colors of the year.” For 2022, hues of green are in for two of the most well-known brands. Benjamin Moore went with October Mist, a pale, silvery green, while Sherwin-Williams opted for Evergreen Fog, a soothing “green-meets-gray” shade. Pantone went in a different direction with Very Peri, a periwinkle shade with violet-red undertones meant to “encourage courageous creativity.”

2. Have a color-placing strategy. How will you use the colors? You can opt for a more nuanced approach and paint an accent wall, your crown molding or your baseboards, or you could go all-out and use it on your kitchen cabinets or even an entire room or ceiling. Another option: You could focus on accessories like bedding or drapes if you want something more temporary. 

3. Factor in durability and upkeep. White and light hues photograph well and make a room look nice and clean. On the downside, they may get dirty easily and often require a lot of cleaning and upkeep. They’re typically not good choices in a well-used space (like a playroom or right around the kitchen sink or oven, for example).

Planning to sell your home or buy a new one this year? Reach out today for guidance.

Whether you were outbid on every home you liked or you never found the right fit because of limited inventory, you probably encountered a few challenges if you tried to buy a home this year.

With a new year around the corner, are you thinking about continuing your search? No matter what the market looks like in 2022, we can work together to find the right home for you.

To start, take these four steps to prepare for a successful experience, and reach out when you’re ready.

1. Stick to a budget. Tighten those purse strings and start funneling away as much money as possible for your closing costs, down payment and other expenses. Typically, the higher your down payment is, the easier it is to get a mortgage loan.

2. Work on your credit. Increasing your credit score can help you get a lower mortgage rate, which means a more affordable home purchase on the whole. Try to pay down some debts and set your bills to autopay. Both steps may help you improve your score.

3. Consider where you might compromise. Sometimes compromising on a few nice-to-haves can help you find a home within your price range. Could you settle for three bedrooms instead of four? A rural home instead of a suburban one? One story instead of two? You may also think about buying a condo or townhouse.  

4. Do some deep-dive research. Make sure you know about all your possible mortgage loan options, as some can lower your upfront costs (or even cover them entirely). Talk to a few lenders, ask questions and consider getting preapproved for your loan before starting your search in the new year.

Make sure to keep in touch as you get ready to begin house-hunting. And if you need guidance on lenders, mortgage options or local market trends, reach out anytime.

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.  

If there's anything you need in the coming weeks, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Renovation projects can be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, they’re not your only option if you’re looking to change up the look or feel of your house.

Even a few small changes can make a big impact — as long as you pick the right ones.

Do you want to update your house without overspending or committing to weeks or months of construction hassle? Then try one of these four simple projects:

Create More Space

Want more space but can’t afford a full-on addition? Try to enlarge your rooms organically. Add more lights and mirrors, paint the walls a brighter color, or rearrange the furniture to make better use of the space.

Try a Backsplash

You don’t need new counters or cabinets to make a big impact in the kitchen. Sometimes just adding a new backsplash — even the stick-on tile kind — can be a great way to transform a room. It even works in the bathroom, too.

Add an Accent Wall

Full paint jobs can be expensive, especially if you call in a pro. Can’t afford it? Consider an accent wall instead. You could even use a fun, patterned wallpaper for an extra pop.

Reimagine Your Pantry

Adding more storage space in the kitchen is always a valuable improvement. And you don’t necessarily need to knock out a wall or add more cabinets. Instead, add more shelves, install pot organizers, or add pull-out trays to make grabbing back-of-the-cabinet items easier.

Is your house no longer meeting your needs? It may be time for a new property. Get in touch today to start your next home search.

Down payments can be a challenge to navigate, even for experienced homebuyers. 

How much do you need to put down? Do current market conditions change anything for you? Even the most basic questions aren’t always easy to answer.

Whether you’re thinking of buying soon or planning ahead for a purchase in 2022, now is a good time to clear up any uncertainties and come up with the right strategy for your household. 

Take a look at these frequently asked questions, and reach out if you need a helping hand.

How much should your down payment be?

The minimum down payment depends on what type of mortgage loan you’re getting. Some loans (conventional and FHA mortgages) require 3 to 3.5%, while others (VA and USDA loans) require zero. Your credit score will also play a role in some cases. 

Is a large down payment always better? 

It depends on your budget and goals. A big down payment will mean a smaller monthly payment and fewer interest costs in the long run. If it eats into your emergency savings or puts you in dire financial straits, though, it’s probably not the best move.

What should you consider when setting your goal amount? 

You’ll want to look at the price range you’re shopping in, your budget and the types of loans you’re eligible for. Talking to an experienced loan officer can help you get an accurate idea of what to expect.

Do you have to come up with all of it on your own? 

Many loan programs allow “gift” funds, which means money given to you by your parents or another family member. You’ll just need a letter stating that the funds are a gift, not a loan, before you can use them.

Great curb appeal can make a big difference when selling a home. Not only can it make your property stand out from the competition, but it could also bring in higher offers.

An attractive house can also be a benefit even if you’re aren’t planning to sell right now. After all, who doesn’t want to take pride in their home while keeping it in excellent condition?

Do you want to boost your home’s curb appeal without spending a lot of time or money? Take a look at these budget-friendly ideas:

1. Freshen up your door. You don’t have to replace your door to give it a makeover. Try a new coat of paint, new address numbers, upgraded hardware or even just a decorative welcome mat. A brassy kickplate can be nice, too.

2. Update your mailbox. Still stuck with that old aluminum mailbox up front? Upgrade to brick or another stylish look. You can also paint the old box a new color or replace the pole if it’s rusted.

3. Make the porch more inviting. If your front porch looks a little bland, add a sitting area with chairs and a rug or install a bench swing. Potted plants and warm lighting also go a long way.

4. Clean up the exterior. Power-wash the brick and siding, give your shutters a new coat of paint, and fix any holes or stains on the driveway. You’d be surprised what a little deep cleaning can do. 

5. Outline your garden. Add a new layer of mulch and install pavers around the outside of each garden area. They make the yard really pop — even without flowers or other foliage.

Planning to list your house soon? Just want to check in? Reach out today.

The housing market typically slows down in the fall, so if you’re thinking of selling in the near future, it may take a little more effort to stand out from the crowd.

Knowing what buyers want and making a few smart updates can help make your home more marketable and improve your selling price.

Are you considering a home sale soon? Here’s what potential buyers might be looking for this fall:

Safety Features

You might consider upgrading your garage door, adding an alarm system or repairing your fence. Anything that improves the safety and security of your home is an automatic value-add.

Energy-Efficient Enhancements

Making your home more energy-efficient has a two-fold benefit: It helps the environment and cuts down on utility bills. Most buyers are happy to pay extra for both.

Plenty of Storage 

Storage space is always worth a premium. If you can, find ways to add additional storage to your property before listing it, maybe with a set of garage shelves, a closet system or a more streamlined pantry.

Functional Fun

Can you make your home more enjoyable? This might mean adding an outdoor kitchen, building a theater room or installing a small fire pit in the backyard. As we’ve learned over the last several months, outdoor areas are practically essential.

Health-Forward Add-Ons 

Homes equipped with no-touch faucets, mudrooms, air filtration systems and other health and comfort-focused items are sure to align with modern buyers’ needs. 

Of course, it’s always important to keep up with your home’s general maintenance and perform any major repairs that may be necessary as well.