Real Estate Tips Archives – Page 11 of 35

29

Dec

Around The Home

3 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for the Allergy-Prone Pet Lover

3 Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for the Allergy-Prone Pet Lover Do you find yourself itchy and sneezing after an encounter with a friendly, furry dog? You are not alone. The CDC estimates that around ten percent of Americans suffer from allergies related to dogs or cats. But, of course, that is no reason not to enjoy the love of a dog. So, if you are ready to push your suffering aside and adopt a furry pal, below are a few breeds that are perfect for those prone to allergies.

What Causes Dog-Related Allergies?

Do you know what the primary causes of pet-related allergies are? Many people believe that reactions are triggered by hair that has been shed, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Shed hair carries flakes of dead skin known as dander, and it is this dander which causes most typical dog-related allergic reactions.

In an allergy-prone individual, this dander is treated as a harmful invading virus or bacteria. The body issues an immune response with symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, hives and coughing which can be treated with antihistamines.

Note that it is not just a dog’s dander that can cause a reaction. Dog saliva and urine are also known to carry the proteins that can trigger allergic reactions.

3 Breeds Perfect For Allergy Sufferers

The Poodle – if you are the energetic type that likes to get out and walk, a Poodle might be the right fit. Poodles are recognized as a cleaner dog as they do not shed much fur. They love to get outside and can be trained easily.

The Schnauzer – if you are more of an introvert or have a quiet side, you might find a Schnauzer to be a better companion. These are smaller dogs that aren’t going to beg you to run around for a few miles each day.

The Bichon Frise – this breed is an excellent choice for first-time dog owners and those who prefer smaller dogs. Bichon Frise are happy, friendly dogs that are very sociable. They are not incredibly high maintenance, but they do need daily grooming.

Renting A Home That Doesn’t Allow Pets?

If you are thinking about how great it would be to have a dog but can’t get one due to your current rental situation, contact us today. Our friendly mortgage professionals are happy to introduce financing options for a pet loving home.

27

Dec

By support

Home Buyer Tips

Landlord Squeezing You for yet Another Rent Increase? It’s Time to Buy a Starter Home

Landlord Squeezing You for yet Another Rent Increase? It's Time to Buy a Starter Home Did you recently receive your annual notice that the rent is going up? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of renters are seeing more and more of their income drained away due to higher rents. To make matters worse, every dollar in rent is one that you are not saving, investing or using to build your net worth. If you’re feeling the pinch of higher rents, it might be time to buy your first starter home.

Comparing Rent With A Mortgage

Have you ever done the math to understand how close your monthly rent might be to a mortgage payment? Here’s a quick and easy exercise. Multiply your monthly rent by twelve, and then multiply that number by 25. For example, if your rent is $1000 per month, that is $12,000 per year and $300,000 over 25 years. So if nothing changed from today, you could afford a $300,000 mortgage.

Homes Are More Affordable Than You Think

Many first-time home buyers are convinced that they can’t afford to enter the market, but that is not the case. There are homes available that fit almost every budget or price range. In fact, it is less important to worry about the total cost and more important to worry about location, size and local amenities like schools and parks.

Remember, when you buy a house you aren’t just locking yourself into a rental contract. You are investing in a home and property have the potential to gain in value over time.

A Few Other Considerations

Of course, there are some considerations that you will need to make as you start down the path to homeownership. The first is that your mortgage is unlikely to be your only monthly expense. You will also encounter property and other taxes, utility fees and if you buy a condominium or apartment, homeowners’ association fees. You will also be responsible for maintenance and upkeep since you own the home. But that also means that you are free to customize and renovate as you see fit.

Keep in mind that it is never too late to escape the rental trap. When you’re ready to start building your future by investing in your first home, contact us. Our experienced mortgage team is happy to share financing options that will suit your budget.

21

Dec

By support

Home Mortgage Tips

How to Run a Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply for a Mortgage

Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let’s take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage.

Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget

First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven’t already, it’s time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have a mortgage, it will be important to prioritize your monthly payments so that you don’t end up falling behind.

Starting a budget is easy and can be done with mobile apps, software, a spreadsheet or a pen and paper. List all sources of income so that you know exactly how much cash you are working with. Then, list out every one of your expenses. It can be tough to remember them all, so consider using debit and credit card statements from the past few months as a reminder.

Get A Copy Of Your Credit Report

Next, you will want to get a copy of your credit report so you can see what potential mortgage lenders will see when assessing your financial history. This is a free service that you can request once per year, so be sure to take advantage. Note that you will want to use government-approved websites for requesting your credit report. Be wary of scams.

Do You Have A Down Payment?

A down payment is not required for every home purchase, but having one saved up can make the buying process easier. The amount you will want to have saved up will depend on the cost of your home, whether you plan on carrying private mortgage insurance and a variety of other factors. If possible, try to save up an amount close to (or more than) twenty percent of the home’s purchase price.

Ready? Chat With A Professional

Now that you have run a quick financial health check, it is time to meet with a mortgage professional to discuss your options. Contact us today to book an appointment with one of our friendly expert advisors. We are happy to help you with financing so you can buy your perfect dream home.