Category: Financial

  • Interest Rates

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    Ben
    in ,

    What you should do before interest rates rise!!! In today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. If you have been in your current home for several years and haven’t refinanced lately, there’s a good chance you have a mortgage with an interest rate higher than today’s average. Here are some options…

  • Conveyance Tax

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    Ben
    in

    Selling residential property comes with conveyance tax, or a tax on the transfer of property. This tax is paid by the seller, unless otherwise noted in the purchase agreement. In Connecticut, there is a conveyance tax at both the state and municipal level. Municipal town clerks collect the entire conveyance tax and give the state…

  • Why Selling Your Home on your Own is a Mistake

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    Ben
    in

    There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your home. If you are considering selling on your own (For Sale By Owner FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items: Your Safety is a Priority A Powerful Online Strategy is a Must to Attract a Buyer Too Many Negotiations to…

  • Waxy Leaves Protect Trees But Can Beat Up Your Basement

    Waxy Leaves Protect Trees But Can Beat Up Your Basement

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    Scottio Wilson
    in

    Tree leaves shed rain so that the tree won’t lose vital water through them. Great for trees but if our gutters and downspouts are covered with them they effectively repel and block water from the intended path of a gutter system. Imagine hundreds of plastic bags in your kitchen sink. It’s logical to assume the…

  • Buyers: Don’t Be Surprised by Closing Costs!

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    Ben
    in , ,

    Many homebuyers think that saving for their down payment is enough to buy the house of their dreams, but what about the closing costs that are required to obtain a mortgage? By law, a homebuyer will receive a loan estimate from their lender 3 days after submitting their loan application and they should receive a closing disclosure 3 days…

  • What If I Wait Until Next Year to Buy a Home?

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    Ben
    in ,

      Good News: Increases in home prices and historically low interest rates means you can be a home buyer now! I recently shared that national home prices have increased by 6.7% year-over-year. Over that same time period, interest rates have remained historically low. This has allowed many buyers to enter the market. This is good news! As…

  • Is Family Mortgage Debt Out of Control?

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    Ben
    in ,

    Good News: Family Mortgage Debt is Not Out of Control! Some homeowners have recently done a “cash out” refinance. They have taken a portion of their increased equity from their house. Others have sold their homes. They have purchased more expensive homes with larger mortgages. At the same time, first-time buyers have become homeowners. They…

  • Most Qualify for Financing in 2-3 Years After Bankruptcy

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    Ben
    in ,

    According to a new study from Lending Tree. Americans who have filed for bankruptcy may be able to rebuild credit faster. They may qualify for a home loan in as little as 2-3 years. This is in stark contrast to the belief that many have that they need to wait 7-10 years.  But, people find their bankruptcies clear…

  • Rising Rates: Consolidate Your Home Mortgage and Equity Loans

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    Ben
    in ,

    If you have a home equity line of credit, now may be the time to consolidate it into your first mortgage. So, how will you know if it is a good time to consolidate it into your first mortgage? Home equity loans tend to be variable rate loans, and with rates rising, so will your…