One of the obstacles that keeps first-time homebuyers out of the housing market is the misconception that they need to have a 20% down payment.
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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.
Low Down Payment Options for Homebuyers
The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home
When it comes to investments, many people say it’s all about timing. While that’s good advice in theory, there’s simply no way to time the market if you’re purchasing a sizable investment like buying a house. In a perfect world, interest rates and prices would both be low—and this does happen, but not very frequently.
Should I Refinance My Home to Pay Off High Interest Debt?
High interest credit card debt can suck the life out of anyone. Paying off your credit card debt at today’s high interest rates can also take major sacrifice—but it doesn’t have to. Not if you’re a homeowner, anyway.
Access Your Home Equity with a Cash-Out Refinance
Most people understand that owning real estate can be a great investment. What they may not realize is that this investment can begin to pay off while you still own the home!
Is Buying a Home for a College Student a Good Investment?
Tuition, books, transportation, room and board…the cost of college adds up fast. At first glance, then, it may seem crazy to consider buying a home for a college student, but is it?
Pros and Cons of a Debt Consolidation Mortgage Refinance
A debt consolidation refinance may let you kill two birds with one stone. It can allow you to achieve a lower interest rate on your debt while streamlining all your monthly payments into one. You’ll essentially consolidate debt obligations and roll them into your mortgage, but at a much lower interest rate. The result is a single payment at a lower interest rate: your monthly mortgage payment.
5 Things to Know About Investing in Short-Term Rentals
Investing in real estate can be an amazing experience—and a great way to earn passive income while someone else (or a bunch of other people) pays your monthly mortgage. Home-share platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental websites have made it even easier for those who want to market their investment properties as short-term rental property.
Financing and Buying an Investment Property
Buying an investment property can be one of the keys to financial freedom and generational wealth. Whether you want to enjoy rental income, tax benefits, or both, owning an investment property can help you achieve your long-term goals in less time.
Second Home vs. Investment Property: What’s the Difference?
You own your primary residence, but you’re thinking about buying a second home. Congrats! Being in a financial position to make that kind of real estate investment is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud of that.
How to Build Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
Not everyone comes from money, but there are decisions you can make today to set up future generations for long-term success. And by long-term success, we mean a true financial legacy. One of the easiest ways for the average person to do this is through real estate.
Top 8 Benefits of Homeownership
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 true value behind this investment. It isn’t simply to achieve the “American dream”!
5 Homebuying Myths and Common Misconceptions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.