September 16, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Pros, Cons, and Exceptions of an FHA Loan: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to buying your first home, understanding the different types of mortgage options available to you can make a significant difference in your financial future! One popular option for frist time homebuyers is the FHA loan, a type of government-backed mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This article will delve into the pros, cons, and exceptions of FHA loans to help you determine if this mortgage option is right for you.

September 11, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

What Home Can You Afford on a $90K Salary?

Buying a home is a significant milestone, and understanding what you can afford is crucial to making an informed decision. If you earn $90,000 annually and are considering a down payment of 5%, you’ll need to factor in your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio to determine the price range of a home you can comfortably afford. In this article, we’ll break down how to calculate your home affordability and ideal home price, taking into account a 35% DTI ratio and a 5% down payment.

September 9, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Buying a New Construction vs. Older Home: Pros and Cons for First-Time Homebuyers

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, especially for first-time buyers! A key decision in this process is whether to opt for a new construction home or an older property. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. This comprehensive guide will explore the pros and cons of buying new construction versus an older home to help you make an informed decision.

September 5, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Preparing for a House Viewing: What to Bring, What to Ask

When you’re getting ready to become a homeowner, attending house showings and open houses is one of the most exciting steps in the process! To make the most of these viewings and ensure you make an informed decision, it’s essential to be well-prepared. One of the most important documents you should bring is a pre-approval letter. This article will explore why a pre-approval letter is crucial and provide a comprehensive list of other items to bring to a house viewing, ensuring you cover all your bases and feel confident walking into your house viewing!

September 4, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

The Foyer First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide

Are you taking the first step toward homeownership? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying your first home and everyone is on their own unique journey. Our job is to help prepare you in the best, most confident way possible, and that’s exactly why we prepared this guide. This guide will walk you through the A to Z of becoming a homeowner!

September 2, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Should you buy a house alone or with your partner/friend/family member?

Many people dream of owning a home, whether it's to live independently, to access the benefits of leveraged debt, or simply to achieve a personal milestone. But is it feasible to purchase a house on your own in 2024? In this guide, we explore how you can buy a home solo and what to consider when making this decision, and discuss the implications of FHA and conventional loans for first-time buyers in the US.

August 29, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

What Kinds of Expenses Should You Budget For When Buying an Older Home?

Buying an older house can be so exciting! You may be drawn to buying an older home vs. a new build because of it’s character and charm, sense of community in an established neighborhood, or sense of history. Maintaining and upgrading an older home though, can be costly!When buying an older home, there are several common expenses to anticipate beyond the purchase price. Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential costs you might encounter.

August 28, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Buyer's Agent Commissions and How Buyer's Agents Make Money

In the intricate world of real estate, buyer’s agents play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the complex process of purchasing a home. The services they off, from identifying suitable properties to negotiating deals. But how do buyer’s agents make money? Understanding their revenue model can provide insights into the real estate market and help buyers make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various ways buyer’s agents earn their income and the factors that influence their earnings.

August 27, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

What is a Construction-to-Permanent Loan and is it Right for You?

You may be considering a construction-to-permanent loan if you're weighing your options for buying a new build. Construction-to-permanent loans offer a flexible and economic solution for financing new home construction. These loans are designed to cover both the construction and permanent mortgage phases of building a new home, combining the two into a single, efficient process. This guide will explore the key features, benefits, and considerations of construction-to-permanent loans to help you determine if this financing option is right for your homebuilding project.

August 26, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

How to Open and Use your First Time Homebuyer Saving Account (FHSA)

Did you know that there is a dedicated savings account for first-time homebuyers that has tax incentives? First Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (otherwise known as FHSAs), or “First Home Savings Accounts” are a longstanding popular concept in Canada and have recently been introduced in the US to help offer incentives for Americans saving for their first homes, offering benefits like tax advantages, competitive interest rates, exclusive savings and discounts, and homebuyer-specific features and tools.