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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.

APM Financial Fitness: March 2024

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.

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Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer?

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! 

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8 Questions Homebuyers Should Ask About Mortgages

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.

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Interest Rate Buydowns: Permanent vs. Temporary Buydowns

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.

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APM Elevate: February 2024

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!

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The Pros and Cons of Buying New Construction

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.

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APM Elevate: January 2024

As we move through January, we've been reflecting on the enduring values championed by Martin Luther King Jr.

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What Is a Good Credit Score to Get a Mortgage Loan?

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. 

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Buy a Home Now, Refinance Later at Reduced Fees

The real estate waiting game is no fun. But with today’s high interest rate, some would-be buyers think it’s prudent to play if they want to secure the best homeownership deal. The problem with that is you miss out on homeownership opportunities today, including less competition and falling prices in many markets.

 

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Unlocking Income: 5% Down Payment for Multi-Family Homes

Do you think owning multi-family dwellings—duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes—is only for the 1%? Think again, because now all you need is 5%! 

As of November 18, 2023, Fannie Mae has lowered its required down payment on owner-occupied multi-family properties from between 15% and 25% to just 5%. That’s right: Five. Percent. Down.

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Buy a Home with 1% Down Through APM’s 1% Home

It’s a tough market out there right now for people who are looking to buy a house. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to move, the current mortgage rates and high home prices can be limiting. Many homebuyers are second-guessing whether now is the right time for them to buy.

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6 Most Commonly Asked Questions About VA Loans

If you or a loved one have served your country and are now looking to buy a home, you may wonder if you qualify for a VA loan.

VA mortgage loans offer tons of benefits, like no down payment requirements, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) monthly payment, and flexible underwriting guidelines.

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What You Need to Know About Qualifying for VA Jumbo Loans

Getting a jumbo VA loan, which is a type of VA-backed home loan, offers several great advantages for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. While there isn’t technically a jumbo VA loan (all VA loans are treated similarly, regardless of loan amount), it’s common to think of the larger loans to be “jumbo” for the sake of discussion. 

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Pros and Cons of Waiting to Buy a Home

Buying a home is full of questions. Should we? Shouldn’t we? Can I afford to? Can I afford not to? All these questions are deeply personal, which means their answers will depend on your financial situation and long-term goals. 

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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TOP POSTS

What You Need to Know about Sales Price vs. Appraised Value
What You Need to Know about Sales Price vs. Appraised Value
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Interest Rate Buydowns: Permanent vs. Temporary Buydowns
Interest Rate Buydowns: Permanent vs. Temporary Buydowns
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7 Things to Know Before Cosigning for a Mortgage
7 Things to Know Before Cosigning for a Mortgage
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