We know buying a home can be intimidating. There are so many variables that can go into this big decision. Then there’s what you think you know—and what others think they know. A lot of this information can come from secondhand sources or even “expert” opinions you see on TV or on the internet. These opinions aren’t always wrong, but what they don’t take into account is your specific situation—or the fact that you have APM on your side.
Our Blog Puts YOU in the Driver’s Seat
Helping customers like you achieve their financial goals is all we do, which is why we’re arming you with our expert insight, tips, and advice to help you get there.
5 Homebuying Myths and Common Misconceptions
April: APM Elevate Newsletter
REACH YOUR GOALS
National Home Prices Keep Falling
Since hitting a peak in June 2022, home prices have fallen by 3% to 5% on average. While this is the second-biggest home price correction since the 1950s, it's still mild when compared to the 26% drop in prices between 2007 and 2012.
How Does a Home Equity Line of Credit Work?
If you’re in need of cash but already have a killer rate on your first mortgage, and you don’t want to pay the high interest rates associated with a credit card, then a home equity line of credit—HELOC for short—may be the perfect solution. HELOCs work by utilizing the equity in your home. You’ve worked hard and consistently made your monthly payment, so why not let all the equity you’ve built up in your home now work for you?
Homebuyer Hacks for Today's Housing Market
Buying a home can be an exhilarating experience. You’ll be hunting for your dream home, handpicking the perfect school district, and building generational wealth through real estate. That all sounds amazing, but the process to get there can undeniably have a few stressors.
The Most Common First Time Homebuyer Mistakes
You did it—you saved for a down payment and closing costs, worked on your credit score, determined how much house you can afford, got pre-approved, and became a first time homebuyer. We’re exhausted just listing all you’ve accomplished! You should be proud of yourself—very proud of yourself.
7 Tips for First Time Homebuyers
You’ve decided you want to buy a home. You’re ready to look at listings, view the next open house, and pick your favorite paint colors—but not so fast! You need to make sure you’re financially ready first.
Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment
January: APM Elevate Newsletter
REACH YOUR GOALS
Will 2023 Be a Better Year for Buyers?
According to many industry experts, 2023's outlook for home buyers is the best it's been for three years.
What to Do if Your Home is Flooded or Destroyed by a Hurricane
If you, your family, or your loved ones have been impacted by the recent hurricanes, our hearts are with you. We encourage you to make the best decisions for your safety and well-being as information becomes available for you and your family. Storms such as this demand our respect and attention.
6 Ways to Beat Inflation by Buying a Home
High inflation is no fun. Though everyone pays the same higher prices, periods of rising inflation don’t have the same impact on all Americans. A person’s investment strategy—including real estate, investments in the stock market and S&P 500, and their retirement plan—can be a good inflation hedge.
Understanding a 3-2-1 Interest Rate Buydown
Higher interest rate environments can make it difficult to buy a home, but there are silver linings and workarounds. The good news is that higher interest rates often mean less competition, lower prices, and eager sellers. These sellers can be more willing to consider concessions than they would have been in a hotter market. Today you may be able to negotiate who pays for many closing costs, including mortgage discount points.
Setting Financial Resolutions for the New Year
January 1 is coming up fast, and you know what that means: It’s time to set new year’s resolutions! For many people, the turning over of the calendar will involve financial new year’s resolutions.
December: APM Elevate Newsletter
REACH YOUR GOALS
Using a Buydown as an Interest Rate Hack in Today's Market
Interest rate buydowns are becoming increasingly popular as mortgage interest rates remain above 6%.
Here's how a buydown can make your home purchase affordable during the first years of a mortgage's term, or for the life of the loan.
This Is How Interest Rate Buydowns Benefit Home Sellers
Seller concessions almost never sound like a very good idea…to the home seller. For the prospective buyer, on the other hand, a little give here and there may be just what they need to close the deal and pay full asking price for your home. One of the most popular seller concessions in any real estate market is an interest rate buydown.
The Best Holiday Dessert Recipes from the APM Family
The holidays are all about festivities, food, and family. We’re thankful every day for our extended APM family, which includes our clients.
We hope the holiday season has been full of the 3Fs, with a healthy dose of fun thrown in.
In the spirit of the holidays, APM asked its employees to share their favorite holiday family recipes. These were turned into an APM family cookbook, and we’d love to share a little slice of that with you now.
5 Holiday Home Staging Ideas
The holiday season is jam-packed with parties, shopping, cooking, gift-giving and obligations. With all this going on, you might assume that the festive season is the worst time to buy or sell a home.
November: APM Elevate Newsletter
Move-Up Buyers Moonlight as Landlords
In addition to low inventory, the housing market has encountered a newer challenge: rising mortgage rates, which hit 7% recently. This has caused problems for would-be and move-up homebuyers alike.
How to Pull Off the Ultimate Thanksgiving Day Feast
Thanksgiving was one of America’s most cherished festivities even before George Washington began celebrating it in 1789. However, it wasn’t always held on the fourth Thursday in November. That happened in 1846, when Sara Josepha Hale campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday that would be held on the last Thursday of November.