Expert buying advice

Like most homebuyers, you are probably contemplating your mortgage loan choices. And, while there are several different loan options, if you’re a US Veteran you may want to consider a VA loan.

Texas is a big place and Houston is no exception. In fact, you can drive for hours and still be …

Continue reading “Moving to North Houston: Comparing the Suburbs”

While building a new home allows for customization, buying a home that has already been lived in has its own perks. 

Although buying a home may not be right for everyone, the advantages can be eye-opening.

As our lives change over time, so can our housing needs. You may find that you have outgrown your current home, or maybe you are in a better place financially and you want a newer, more spacious one.

If the financial burden of buying a home has you running for the hills, you might want to think again – especially if you live in Texas. As rent prices continue to rise across the nation, buying a home in Corpus Christi can be a more affordable option for many. And while homeownership does come with its costs, like maintenance, repairs, and taxes, it’s probably not as expensive as you might think. In fact, the state makes sure of that! Thanks to what’s called the “Homestead Exemption,” Texas residents can catch a serious break on their property taxes – just for simply owning a home.

Many people confuse a home appraisal with a home inspection. While both of these services are designed to evaluate a property before a buyer purchases it, the two serve very different purposes.

Planning on taking out a mortgage? You’ll want to be aware of how credit scores, down payments, and mortgage rates will impact you.

Figuring out how much house you can afford takes some planning and analyzing. There are a few factors that go into finding out the maximum amount of money you can spend on a home including income, debt, and mortgage rates.

Investing in a home is a big decision and your Realtor should understand what you are looking for and be able to guide you efficiently through that decision-making process

Because mortgage rates can fluctuate often, it is important to understand what an interest rate lock is and what your options are when it comes to them.

Pretty much everyone would like to buy their own home. After all, it means lower monthly payments, no landlords, and you can (in most cases) do what you wish with the property. What more could you ask for? Unfortunately, sheer desire isn’t enough to make someone a homeowner – at least it shouldn’t be.

It’s an old wives’ tale that buyers need to put down at least 20 percent in order to purchase a home. In fact, there are several loan programs that allow you to put down just a fraction of that – as little as 3 percent of the sales price (zero in some cases!)

Depending on the home sales in the area you are looking to buy in, prices of homes you have your eye on may increase or decrease.

Buying a home is great. You get a property all your own – one you can decorate, paint, update, renovate and really make your own – and you also enjoy lower monthly payments than you generally would in a rental. It’s a win-win, right? Sure, but the real advantage of home ownership lies in this two-word phrase: home equity.