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.
If you're wondering how to make your money work harder for you, or want help with setting up investments and savings accounts, it could be time to find a financial advisor to help you. Here are some strategies to keep in mind.
Down payments can be one of the most daunting parts of the homebuying process. We all know that buying a home costs money! Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to drain your savings account to come up with the sum. There are other ways to secure a down payment, including gift funds, grants, and down payment assistance programs.
The benefits of homeownership involve more than simply putting a roof over your head. The goal of buying a house will be less meaningful until you understand the actual value behind this investment. It isn’t just to achieve the “American dream”!
When it comes to financial planning and wealth-building, most savvy people know that building wealth through real estate is an important piece of the puzzle. The beauty of this investment strategy is that you don’t have to be a multimillionaire, real estate agent, stock market guru, or even a member of one of those real estate investment groups to make investing in real estate work for you.
What do you think of when you picture a real estate investor? Is it a Donald Trump type in a snazzy suit sitting high up in an ivory tower?
You may not realize it, but anyone who owns a home is technically a real estate investor—which means the title is up for grabs for just about anyone. You simply have to know how to get started.
As April blossoms forth, signs of renewal are all around us. Though inflation and the specter of higher interest rates linger, there's hope in the air. Forecasters predict a gradual upturn in the residential real estate market, with more new constructions and existing homes hitting the market throughout 2024, akin to buds bursting into bloom. Moreover, consumers may find relief in their finances following the recent decision by the CFPB to rein in bank overdraft fees and credit card late payment charges, promising a brighter financial landscape ahead.
Last month saw the start of the Lunar New Year, which is the Year of the Dragon. It's an auspicious year, as it's believed that children born this year are destined for success. Some famous Dragon babies: Keanu Reeves, Rihanna, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, John Lennon and Peyton Manning.
We know the story: Part of you is thinking about homeownership, but another part is unsure whether you’ll qualify as a first-time homebuyer. The mortgage process can seem intimidating the first time around, which is completely understandable. You haven’t owned a home before!
We know you know that buying a house is a major investment—one that can pay off in more ways than one, but still a major investment. This can weigh on a first-time homebuyer who has never made such a large financial commitment.
One of the biggest hurdles for many first-time homebuyers is getting that down payment together. We understand, especially if you’re trying to scrape together 20% of a home’s purchase price [insert large gulp here].
Many would-be homebuyers are feeling the pinch from rising interest rates, but you don’t have to! APM has buydown options to help you reduce your mortgage interest rate and get you the lowest monthly payments possible.
Interest rate buydowns are the key to lower interest rates, a smaller monthly mortgage payment, and saving you money.
It's the month of love and we wanted to share some financial love with you in celebration! Below are some articles about smart money moves, buying investment properties (hint: down payment requirements have changed!), and ways to save in filing your taxes this year. We even included a delicious salmon recipe if you're feeling like a spring meal!
Are you having a rough time finding the exact home that meets your vision? Then building your dream home may be the right strategy for you. A custom home can take a few forms.
This label encompasses everything from buying a newly built home that allows for a few customized home plans to hiring a custom home builder who can tailor every plank, light switch, and master bedroom angle to your exact specifications.
As we move through January, we've been reflecting on the enduring values championed by Martin Luther King Jr.
New year, new goals, right? When it comes to personal goal-setting, creating financial goals can be one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself and your family.
Before you go too far down the house-hunting rabbit hole, you’ll want to ensure that you meet the credit score requirements to secure a mortgage loan. After all, this mortgage loan will allow you to purchase your dream home. And while many factors go into qualifying, a good credit score is definitely one of them.
Now that the holidays are behind us, it’s time to put those New Year’s resolutions into full effect. If yours include financial goals like saving for retirement, paying off student loan debt, or buying a home, then read on for some solid financial planning advice, and make sure to download our personal budgeting guide here.
The new year is a great time to think about budgeting for homeownership. When you do this correctly, you can get into your own home more quickly than you might expect.
