Ways to Build Home Equity

Cheap Fixes to Improve Home Equity

There are many ways for homeowners to build equity. From making bigger payments to refinancing, the options to add equity to your investment are numerous. Home improvements can range from very inexpensive, to quite costly. In this article, we outline some easy ways to increase the equity of your home without breaking the bank. For some great remodeling ideas for your home, check out The Housing Hour's special on Home Remodeling Ideas.

Add Storage Space to Your Home

Nowadays, even homes in warmer climates have basements, mostly reserved for recreation or storage. One way to up the value and functionality of your home is to spruce up the basement. A common solution to this is to make the basement look like the rest of the home. Get a seamless look by using the same paint and finish on your basement walls. Or, convert your basement into a massive space for functional storage. Look into professional closet organizers who custom build closets and shelving.

Adding functional storage to a previously unused space can add value to your home. Basements are full of storage potential. Basements may not be standard on homes in wet climates, but in the Midwest, where houses are subject to tornado activity, they are quite common. Historically, basements have had the simple purpose of refuge in the case of emergencies. Check out The Housing Hour's special series, Protect Your Kids to learn more about what you can do to protect your family in case of an emergency.

Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

Making a great first impression instantly changes the way people feel about your home. Having a nice landscape, a beautiful paint job and a well-manicured yard can instantly increase curb appeal to your home. It may not sound like much, but keeping your home looking nice is contagious, and it adds to the overall value of the neighborhood.

If you don’t have the best landscaping skills, consider hiring professionals to maintain your yard. There are many ways to increase the curb appeal of your house. Routine painting, or a few well-placed plants can make all the difference when it comes to curb appeal. Please download or stream the following episode of The Housing Hour for more information on home values and the importance of owning a home from the Homeownership Matters series.

Flooring Solutions

Getting new carpet is a very inexpensive way to update your home and make it look clean. Consider getting neutral colors or stain resistant carpeting. If your carpet is looking worn down, especially in high traffic areas, think about getting rugs to place over them in between carpeting. Installing hardwood floors or tiles may be an expensive, yet worthy investment. There many high quality laminates available that are just as good if not better than traditional wood flooring that you can install to increase the value of your home.

This week The Housing Hour's guest is Steve Kleber. Steve is the president of the National Remodeling Foundation, promoting excellence in the field and providing support to younger generations entering it. He is the immediate past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research, a non-profit foundation created for the purpose of educating and cultivating future leaders in the kitchen and bath industry.

For great ideas, interviews and stimulating food for thought on all things home-related, feel free to browse through all of The Housing Hour's Special Series.

Save Energy With a Heat Pump

Conserving Energy

By building energy efficient home systems homeowners can conserve energy to reduce on utility costs, increase the value of their home, and help the environment. Making your home more energy efficient can pay off in more ways than one. One thing you can do to reduce costs and increase efficiency is install a heat pump. Heat pumps can offer energy efficient solutions for your heating and cooling needs, and can outperform most traditional heating or air conditioning systems. Listen below to hear The Housing Hour's podcast on heating and air from their energy efficiency series.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps don’t work like traditional heating systems that convert electricity into heat. Instead, it
retains heat and warmth from the environment, multiplies it, and transfers it to the home. During hotter weather, the pump functions as an air conditioner. It moves heat away from the house, or out of the air,creating a cooling effect. There are many reasons to install energy star components in your home. Stream or download this podcast from The Housing Hour on Energy Star components for your home.

Heat Pumps for Heating

As the name suggests, heat pumps are great for heating and providing warmth. They can quickly and efficiently increase the temperature of the room. Efficiency is the key when it comes to heat pumps. If you put your heat pump on “reverse cycle,” it will then act as a refrigerant, cooling the air in the same fashion as a refrigerator does.

Heat Pumps for Cooling

As mentioned, the “reverse cycle” can make the heat pump work backwards. When you heat pump
works in reverse, it is extracting heat from your home, and pumping it outside. This is exactly how a
fridge works, by using sound waves to condition the air adjacent to the pump. Commonly, this is known as air conditioning.

Heat Pumps Control the Climate

With a heat pump, you are the one who controls the weather in your house. Most people are
comfortable living within a certain range of temperatures, but with a heat pump you don’t have to live within that range. Theoretically, you could turn up the air in the summer just to light a fire, although we don’t recommend it. With a quality heat pump, you can easily control the climate of your house to make it more comfortable. For more ideas on home energy solutions, stream or download more of the podcasts from The Housing Hour's special series on energy efficiency.

3 Keys to Buying a Home

Buying Real Estate

Millennial home buyers are shifting from renting to buying real estate in 2015. Many turned to renting after the housing bubble popped in 2009. As many Millennials attitudes toward buying homes cooled considerably immediately following the housing crisis, the demand for rent became higher than ever. This demand drove rental prices and the cost of living expenses up in major cities across America. 

Also at that time, banks were reluctant to offer low or no down payment mortgages. This left many home buyers with less cash on hand, and few options for securing a loan. However, in the last few years, the real estate market has been stabilizing and new mortgage loan products have made owning a home affordable again.

Lenders have loosened requirements for applicants, and many people are taking advantages of government insured loan programs. Now more than ever, people are re-examining the benefits of owning a home. Following are 3 things you can do before buying a home that can help you find your road to real estate success. 

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Never underestimate what it means to have the right real estate agent in your corner. Don’t just settle for the first real estate agent that you find. If you are not completely comfortable with any part of the process, make sure that it is addressed. You will want to find an agent who is experienced, can explain all the finer points of contracts or any other information you need to know in order to make your purchase go as smoothly as possible. You will be spending quite a bit of time with this person, so you should pick an agent that you like. It’s important to choose someone you have a good rapport with. I certainly would be happy to refer you to the right Realtor or you can search online for real estate agents. 

Get Pre-Qualified For a Loan

You should know your credit score, and get pre-qualified before you start shopping for a home. Most home buyers can afford more than they want to spend on mortgage payments, insurance payments, and property taxes. It’s best to find out what you can afford, and work back from there. Getting pre-qualified is simple. You will work with a mortgage lender who will help you find out what you can afford. Don’t rely solely on online calculators to do the math for you. Make sure you contact a qualified professional mortgage lender that can guide you in the right direction.

Make a Checklist 

Make a list of all the features and amenities you want from a home. Make sure you are realistic about space, location and your budget. Have two lists. Make one list of the bare necessities, and another for everything you’d like to have. There are sometimes tradeoffs that you will have to make, like more space vs proximity to restaurants and shopping destinations. With clear goals of what you want to look for when shopping for a home, you can really help yourself narrow down the options. Please check out ALL of The Housing Hour's specials on Loan Programs.    

Finance Your Home Remodel

Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling your home can be exciting, as well as intimidating.  Improving your home can help you enjoy life more while you passively build equity. From kitchen cabinets to closet doors, there are many different remodeling projects that can add to the value of your home. These projects can be very cost effective or cost quite a lot.

This article offers some tips for financing your remodel. Whether you want to create more space, update your appliances, make your home more energy efficient, build a home office or add a personal touch; there are endless ideas to choose from. To learn more about home values and how you can get the best appraisal, check out The Housing Hour's special on home values with appraiser Tom White.

Remodel Your Home With Equity

There are many different loan programs that allow you to use the equity in your home, to remodel your home. Sounds nice doesn’t it? Whether you hire someone or do the work yourself, you will need to accurately predict the price of the project. Before you get a loan, you will need a specific figure to give to lenders.

The amount of money you can borrow will depend on your credit rating, income and your loan to value ratio, also known as the LTV (Loan To Value). The LTV is a percentage of the lien compared to the appraisal value of the home. Usually, cash out refinances have a max LTV of 80%.  For a $200,000 home, that would be approximately $160,000.

Here is an example:

If your mortgage balance is $40,000 and your home appraises for $200,000, the most you can borrow would be $160,000.  The first $40,000 of the new loan would go to pay off the balance and the additional money would go towards paying your closing cost and your home improvements.

If you have an excellent credit rating, you might get a higher LTV than 80%. Conversely, if you have a less than perfect credit rating you may get a loan with a lower LTV.  Contact MIG for more information and talk to a mortgage advisor near you. 

Listen to this episode of The Housing Hour with Eddie Hops from Cabinet Conversions of Tennessee to get some great ideas for you home renovation.

Remodel Without Using Equity

There are lots of ways to add value to a home without spending a lot. You can still remodel your home without dipping into the equity. You could pay with your savings, and even opt for cheaper fixes. Making regular improvements on your home out of pocket can add value to your investment. This can help you take out lines of credit in the future. Clean out your attic! You may be surprised on how much you can make from a garage sale. Clean out space and get cash to put back into your home, or your pocket. To learn more about the housing market and home values, visit The Housing Hour’s editorial section on their website. 

USDA Rural Housing Loans

USDA Rural Loans

Do you know what a USDA rural loan is? FYI, if you aren’t familiar with the term, it has nothing to do with high quality beef. USDA rural loans help moderate to low income individuals buy homes, with 100% financing and NO down payment. You don’t need to farm or raise livestock for a living to get one of these home loans. In all seriousness, USDA rural loans are mortgages backed by the US Department of Agriculture that often apply to areas that aren't so rural at all. Many people are obtaining USDA loans in neighborhoods that are considered suburban.

Invest in Your Future

These loans were designed to bring strength and capitol to rural communities by offering loans, grants and loan guarantees that support economic and social development. USDA rural programs are responsible for millions of dollars of loans, creating jobs and wealth for communities across America. Right now, mortgage rates are very low, and with a USDA rural loan they’ll get even lower. Click here for to see a list of all the Housing Hour’s podcasts on Loan Programs.

Single Family Direct Loans

To obtain a single family direct loan, the applicant must meet the minimum income requirements for the area in which they wish to purchase a home. Household income cannot be more that 115% of the median income for that area. Lenders will also look at your debt-to-income ratio when determining your eligibility.

With single family direct loans, many Americans who never thought they could afford a loans, are buying their own homes. This is fortunate for families with limited income or tight budgets. If you plan on working and taking care of your family, these loans can help you to quickly build equity and credit. Home improvements and additions can put money back into your pocket as well. Check out the Protect Your Family Series from the Housing Hour to get more ideas and tips on protecting your loved ones.

These loans apply to small towns only, with a population of less than 20,000 people. The buyer must also be using the property as primary residence, and have a good credit rating. In many cases renting can cost hundreds of dollars more than making payments on your own home. This is good news for families that qualify for FHA mortgages, but cannot cover the cost of the down payment.

Give this episode of the Housing Hour a listen for expert advice and information on USDA loans.

A True Irish Saint, Frank P. Callaghan

Francis P. Callaghan

On March 17, 1978 this country lost a great American. Only two years old at the time, I am not fortunate enough to remember his voice or his touch, but his legacy has spoken to me and touched me in many ways.  This man was my Grandfather, my "Dedaddy",  Frank P. Callaghan. He served his community with a passion and a desire to change lives. He had a real concern for the people who were less fortunate. He helped many, with nothing expected in return. 

His career with the United States Government is decorated with many awards and recognitions. He entered federal service in 1940 with the Immigration and Naturalization Service. He then served in the Intelligence division of the Manhattan Engineering District in 1943 and later was selected as the Director of Security of the Oak Ridge Operations in the early 1950’s. In 1957, he took part in a security review of four NATO countries in Europe. He also helped to complete a bilateral agreement with the United States for information exchange between countries. He was awarded the Superior Service Award in 1958. In 1971, he was the Atomic Energy Commission’s representative in a joint project with the Department of Defense. The project's goal was to revise how our government handled classified documents. 

During his career, he was an outstanding employee and an incredible asset to the intelligence community. After talking to one of his friends recently, he certainly loved what he did, but felt his more rewarding work was accomplished in the community. His accomplishments were just as impressive in this area. From writing speeches for the Mayor to helping to start the CONTACT answering service Dedaddy seemed to be involved in every aspect of social concern that there was. In 1968, he even organized a five week seminar called "An Experiment in Social Concern". This was under parish sponsorship at St. Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge. He was one of the founders of the Oak Ridge Civic Ballet Association in 1964 and was one of the early board members of the Oak Ridge Art Center. In 1967, he worked with Leslie Dale, serving as executive chairman of the Oak Ridge 25th committee, a year long celebration of the city's anniversary.  

He served as chairman of the Oak Ridge Housing Authority in 1970 after being vice chair for two years. He rigorously fought for low income housing to be offered in neighborhoods that were not isolated from the rest of the community. Frank Callaghan Tower’s is right next to Emory Valley. A month before Dedaddy died he appeared before City Council to argue for more low income housing in Oak Ridge.  1977, Dedaddy was presented with the Columbus Award by the Oak Ridge Council of the Knights of Columbus. This award was reserved for citizens who showed outstanding community service. He also received an award from the Catholic Bishop of the Nashville diocese. The Governor himself proclaimed October 22 "Frank Callaghan Day".

So with a life full of accomplishments and outstanding community service what else can be said about

Security Check point in Oak Ridge, TN

this noble man? Dedaddy loved his Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day is by far a wonderful time for our family to celebrate that. It is no coincidence that my Dedaddy died on St. Patrick’s Day. After all, St. Patrick died on that very day. We named our first son Patrick Callaghan Rhea. In many ways after these two men. Amazingly St. Patrick and my Dedaddy have a lot in common. Serving their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was their priority. St. Patrick showed incredible social concern as did Frank Callaghan. Today is a day to pay tribute to two great human beings. Separated by over 1500 years in time but brought back together with the blood of Jesus Christ. I look at Dedaddy’s life in wonder. How does one man have time to do all of that? Raising five kids and still able to make time for all of those community involvements. I have one word for that. Memommy. She was a loving wife and mother who did an outstanding job raising five brilliant and loving children. Each has made their mark in their own way on this wonderful Country. She is still a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. One thing that I have realized is that Dedaddy was a very special man. Trying to follow in his footsteps is a very daunting task. This man did it all. I have concluded that in God’s time he will show me what else he wants me to do. It starts by being a good person today. It starts by being a good father, husband and son today. A good grandson, cousin, brother, nephew. Those relationships are what are most important. I don’t always wear these hats well. As a matter of fact I fail often. My hope is that I can do better tomorrow.

Thank you Dedaddy, Daddy, Frank, for what you taught us. For that for which you stood. For helping all of us understand that it is not about us. It is much bigger than that. Most importantly, thank you for taking the Great Commission seriously. Let’s go out and make disciples of all nations. Like St. Patrick did. Like Frank Callaghan did. Both only men, but true disciples of Jesus Christ.

In loving memory of my Dedaddy Frank P. Callaghan,

How to get a higher appraisal

Home Appraisal Value

There are numerous reasons why a home appraisal is conducted. You may want to get your home appraised to estimate its value, for the purpose of selling or refinancing. Or maybe you want to find out if you are being charged the proper amount for taxes and insurance premiums based on the value of your home. In most cases a homeowner is hoping for the highest possible appraisal value. This article outlines some ways to prepare your home, and get the highest appraisal possible. To get expert advice and information on real estate, visit the Housing Hour’s website.

Improve Curb Appeal

Curb appeal does more than turn heads of prospective buyers. Your home’s first impression is also important to the appraiser. There are many cost effective ways to increase curb appeal, and add to the market value of your home. Maintaining your yard, planting a garden, keeping shrubs trimmed and having a well-manicured yard are all things that will help with your home’s market value. We’ve only touched upon small portion of this topic. From door treatments to new paint, there are a number of simple things you can do to increase curb appeal for the appraisal.

Compile an Information Packet

Appraisers have access to a number of resources, in which they can obtain information about your house and recently sold homes in the area. This information is usually credible, but can contain mistakes. To help prevent a low appraisal because of errors, put together and information packet for the appraiser. Just a few neatly written pages will suffice. Following are some suggestions on things you can include in the package. To get more information on appraisals and all sorts of other useful home-related topics, visit the Housing Hour's website.

Similar homes in the neighborhood. Supply your appraiser with any information you may have that support reasons why houses in your area sold for the prices they did. If one of your neighbors needed to sell quickly for some reason, and dropped the price, that should be brought to the attention of the appraiser.

Homes sold in the area over the past six months. Homes that sold within the last 6 months, which are located within a one mile radius of your home make the best comparisons. You can print data for homes sold in the area, and make note of anything that may have affected the prices.

Have a sheet detailing why your home deserves a high appraisal. Sometimes the appraiser does not get the most reliable information, and this can lower the value amount of your appraisal. Having a “brag” sheet for the appraiser to refer to can clear up any erroneous information, and help the appraiser see what they might have missed. Here are some suggestions for things you may want to include:

Home improvements such as: new windows, new flooring, refinished countertops etc.
• Any replacement of major heating or cooling system components.
• Include any major improvements or add-ons done to your property. Provide as much documentation as you can about the work that was done.

Listen to this episode of the Housing Hour with residential home appraiser Tom White, to hear more about home appraisals and home values.

Home Energy Solutions

What is a home energy audit?

Home energy audits, also known as home energy assessments, are the first step in analyzing how much energy a home consumes, and what can be done to make the home more energy efficient. Auditing the energy use in your home is a great way to find out any hidden problems, and can help to save time and money on energy expenditures. You can hire a certified professional, or do a simple audit on your own.

Remember, energy audits on their own will not lower your power consumption, you must implement energy efficient changes to increase the efficiency of your energy systems. The Energy Star, is program created by the Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates the nation’s energy standards. Check out this podcast from The Housing Hour’s special series on Energy Star to learn all about the energy audit process.  The Housing Hour's Energy Efficiency expert is Scott Higgins.  You can find out more information about Scott here.

Benefits of a home energy audit

There are many reasons to measure the energy consumption in your home including but not limited to:

• Lower energy bills. Save money on energy costs by making your system more efficient.
• Uncover hidden problems. Many homeowners might not know they are losing money on a potentially easy fix. An energy audit can uncover potentially expensive problems that can be nipped in the bud.
• Increase comfort. Energy audits can identify air leakage problems, or poor air circulation within the home. Fixing these issues can make your house more quiet and comfortable.
• Add equity to your home. In theory, for every one dollar you decrease on energy costs, the market value of your home increases by twenty dollars. So if you cut $200 off your energy costs with improvements, you home’s value will go up $4,000.
• Help the environment. Go green and support clean, renewable energy systems. Help be part of the solution to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions while saving money on costs.

Energy efficient upgrades

After you have looked over all the data from your home energy audit, you’ll be ready to start making energy efficient improvements. There are many great ways to save on costs while adding to your investment.

Insulate the upstairs

It turns out that half the homes in the US are under insulated. Good insulation is meant to keep your house cool during warm weather, and warm during cold weather. Insulation is inexpensive and useful. You can prevent pipes from freezing, or heating systems from dispersing heat improperly with insulation. For more in depth information on energy efficient heating and cooling solutions, check out the podcast below.

Seal the air leaks

Making sure your windows and doors have weather stripping, and controlling drafts can really save on cooling and heating costs over time. Many home owners don’t realize just how much money is lost due to air leaks.

Don’t forget! If you want to get more info and tips on home energy management, listen to all the The Housing Hour’s Energy Star podcasts.

To learn more about Energy Audit's, or to have one done on your home, please visit the website of The Housing Hour's Energy Efficiency Expert and owner of Prudent Energy Sytems, Scott Higgins.

Benefits of a Home Appraisal

Home Appraisal Value

There are numerous reasons why a home appraisal is conducted. You may want to get your home appraised to estimate its value, for the purpose of selling or refinancing. Or maybe you want to find out if you are being charged the proper amount for taxes and insurance premiums based on the value of your home. In most cases a homeowner is hoping for the highest possible appraisal value. Learn some ways to prepare your home, and get the highest appraisal possible.  Listen to this episode of the housing hour with residential home appraiser Tom White, to learn all you need to know about appraisals and home values.

Improve Curb Appeal

Curb appeal does more than turn heads of prospective buyers. Your home’s first impression is also important to the appraiser. There are many cost effective ways to increase curb appeal, and add to the market value of your home. Maintaining your yard, planting a garden, keeping shrubs trimmed and having a well-manicured yard are all things that will help with your home’s market value. We’ve only touched upon small portion of this topic. From door treatments to new paint, there are a number of simple things you can do to increase curb appeal for the appraisal. Click here to get more home remodeling ideas.

Compile a Home Information Packet

Appraisers have access to a number of resources, in which they can obtain information about your house and recently sold homes in the area. This information is usually credible, but can contain mistakes. To help prevent a low appraisal because of errors, put together and information packet for the appraiser. Just a few neatly written pages will suffice. Here are couple suggestions on things you can include in the package:

Comparable Home Sales

Supply your appraiser with any information you may have that support reasons why houses in your area sold for the prices they did. If one of your neighbors needed to sell quickly for some reason, and dropped the price, that should be brought to the attention of the appraiser.
Homes that sold within the last 6 months, which are located within a one mile radius of your home make the best comparisons. You can print data for homes sold in the area, and make note of anything that may have affected the prices.

Home Upgrades

Sometimes the appraiser does not get the most reliable information, and this can lower the value amount of your appraisal. Having a “brag” sheet for the appraiser to refer to can clear up any erroneous information, and help the appraiser see what they might have missed. Here are some suggestions for things you may want to include:
• Home improvements such as: new windows, new flooring, refinished countertops etc.
• Any replacement of major heating or cooling system components.
• Include any major improvements or add-ons done to your property. Provide as much documentation as you can about the work that was done.

Don’t forget to check out The Housing Hour’s website, for advice and tips on all things home-related.

DIY Home Upgrades

DIY home upgrades 

You don’t need a huge budget to make noticeable improvements to your home. You can ride the waves of the real estate market and successfully navigate your way toward a good return, or you can take matters into your own hands by increasing the value of your home. To learn more about ways to increase your home’s value, visit The Housing Hour’s website.

Fortunately, there are many cheap ways to get your home in shape without putting a dent in your wallet. You can make your home cozy, more functional, or more spacious while adding value. A few smart moves can turn time into money in your pocket.

Elbow grease, or sweat equity can significantly add to your home’s value over the years. We’ve outlined a few simple projects that can you can do around your house. If you have the time, these projects can be very fun and beneficial. Checkout this podcast from The Housing Hour to hear about other budget friendly ways to add value to your home.

Painting

Think about a fresh interior or exterior paint job to add value to your home. There are many ways you can use paint to change the feel and appeal of your home. A fresh paintjob on the outside can increase curb appeal, and there are many options for interior paint designs. Use a sponge or a texture to add complexity and warmth to the room. There are so many things you can do with paint that are cheap and easy.

Enhance the Entry

Make your place stand out with an alluring entryway. Draw attention to your home with some extra curb appeal by enhancing your front door. There are many ways to make your entrance stand out. If you want to catch people’s eyes, consider having big hardware on your door, or other accessories. Pick a bold paint or finish color that contrasts well with the home and keep a clear path leading to your door.

Landscaping

One of the biggest factors of curb appeal is your yard. Having a few well-placed shrubs, and an attractive lawn can make all the difference. Not only will landscaping increase the value of your home, as the plants grow over time, so does the value of the property. Any real estate professional will tell you that a home for sale that has a 30 year old maple tree on the property, will have much more value than a home with a 3 year old maple tree on the property. If you aren’t a green thumb or don’t have the time to maintain your yard, consider hiring professional landscapers.

FHA Loans

FHA Mortgage Loans

In 1934, the Federal Housing Administration was created to bring strength to the US housing market and functions today in much the same fashion it did since its inception over 80 years ago. FHA mortgages are government insured loans that allow people to afford moderately priced houses with low down payments. This means that the loans will be insured, so that the lender can recoup any losses if the borrower unexpectedly defaults. Click here for more resources and information on government insured loans.

FHA loans can have down payments as low as 3.5% and have been even lower in recent times. HUD and the FHA have worked together to insure over 34 million home loans for multi-family construction projects since their partnership began. The FHA alone insures just under 5 million single family mortgage home loans, and 13,000 multifamily mortgage loans. Federal Housing Administration loans are great for single families who have less money for a down payment and/or imperfect credit.

Benefits of FHA Loans

From lower interest rates to lower down payments, millions of homebuyers are taking advantage of the opportunity to take out FHA loans.  FHA loans, USDA rural loans and VA loans boast the lowest down payments of all loans. Many homeowners are able to afford homes when they otherwise couldn't, due to strict credit guidelines or hefty down payments. FHA also allows borrowers to have less than perfect credit.  As long as you are three years out of foreclosure and your credit has been stable since then, you have a good chance at getting a loan provided everything else is in order.

Requirements for an FHA Loan

You should always do a little research on your own and consult a real estate professional to learn about which home loan programs you may qualify for. Since FHA mortgages are designed to help low to moderate income families afford homes, you must ask for an amount that falls within the maximum loan range. This amount varies depending on where the loan is being given out. Visit The Housing Hour for more advice on the maximum loan amounts in your area. There is no minimum credit score requirements for FHA mortgages, but you do need to be able to demonstrate the ability and to pay bills on time, and have no major credit problems in the past few years. Also, make sure your debt-to-income ratio is under 45% and have enough cash to make the 3.5% down payment.

The Benefits of Pre-Approval

What is Pre-Approval?

Lenders can give borrowers a pre-qualification letter, but most realtors suggest getting pre-approved for a loan before you even begin seriously shopping for a home. A pre-qualification letter will outline how much a lender thinks you can borrow based on your budget and credit profile. Pre-approval requires extensive documentation and verification by the lender to verify your financial status. Getting pre-approved shows you are serious, well-qualified, and can speed up the home buying process by helping you close quicker. Visit the Housing Hour to learn more about getting a pre-approval.

Prequalification vs Pre-Approval

It’s not hard to confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval. Many people interchange the terms, making it even more confusing. Pre-qualifying for a loan is a precursor to getting pre-approved. Pre-qualifying is more informal and not legally binding. If you are pre-approved, the lender has basically approved your loan, keeping in mind, your credit and financial situation remain the same or better as when applied.

Although this process may be time-consuming, by getting pre-approved, you can speed up the home buying process. You will have already completed two important steps in obtaining a home loan once you have gotten your pre-approval letter. You’ll have finished your credit check and all your documentation will be in place, speeding up the underwriting process once you make an offer on the house.

Advantages of Getting Pre-Approved

The advantages of getting pre-approved definitely outweigh the disadvantages if you are serious about finding a home. We have listed a few good reasons illustrating why getting pre-approved is a smart move. These advantages include knowing your loan amount and what you are able to afford, leverage for negotiating, saving time, and relieving added stress.

Pre-Approved Loan Amount

Obtaining a pre-approval letter from a lender will let you know the exact price range that you can afford to buy. Letting you know the loan amount you qualify for tells you what you can and can’t afford and will save time and money by narrowing down your options.

Leverage for Negotiating

Getting pre-approved lets sellers know you are serious about buying and have the capital to back up your intentions. Since the loan is all but approved, you can offer a price lower than the property is listed for. If someone offers more than you, but is not pre-approved, you still may have the advantage with your credible status as a home buyer.

Being Pre-Approved Saves Time

While the pre-approval process can be lengthy and in depth, at least you’ll have all the documentation you need to be in place for the underwriters to give your loan the go ahead. You can close faster on the home you want with your status as a pre-approved borrower.

Being Pre-Approved Relieves Stress 

Take a lot of the stress and headache out of shopping for a home by narrowing your options. This not only saves you time that could have been wasted shopping for homes outside of your price range, but it can save you time spent worrying about verifying your financial status for the home you want. Visit The Housing Hour to learn more about all things related to home ownership. There, you’ll find a treasure trove of helpful information and resources.

Fireproof Your Home

 

Fireproofing Your Home

According to the National Fire Protection Association , there were 3,420 deaths, and $5.5 billion dollars’ worth of fire-related damage in the year 2000. Luckily these figures have been declining steadily over the past 15 years, due to fire education and prevention. Sources of fire in the home can range from things such as BBQ grills, stoves, gas heaters, water heaters, candles, and other flammable items. Although no house is truly fireproof - because fire has so many common household uses - there are steps you can take to prevent fires. Fireproofing your home can be the deciding factor between life and death. Read further to learn how you can safeguard your house against potential fire damage.

Preventing Household Fires

Faulty wiring is one of the leading causes of household fires. Here are some basic steps you can take to make sure your wires and outlets are safe:

• Check all wires to make sure they are not frayed.
• Don’t pinch or pull on cords with furniture or rugs.
• Never overload your circuits. Be aware of how much power your system can handle, and don’t use too many extension cords.
• Use surge protectors to regulate the electricity of powerful devices, such as personal computers or TVs.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher within easy access, especially in the kitchen.
• Make sure not to keep any flammable plants near an outdoor barbecue.

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the first line of defense against fires. Smoke alarms can alert you if a fire is starting in another room, whether you are asleep, or in another part of the house. Smoke alarms, also known as smoke detectors, work by testing the air for gases and other particles produced by fire. Smoke alarms are a good choice because they are inexpensive, simple to install, and easy to maintain. Be careful when installing a smoke alarm in the kitchen, unless you want a 30 second alarm clock every time you cook.

Fire Extinguishers

We can see fire extinguishers everywhere; from the walls in churches, to the outsides of schools. Fire extinguishers are all around for a reason. If there is a flare up, it’s important to act fast. Fire extinguishers are one of the most important safety devices for preventing a fire that you can get. Every day in kitchens and small businesses around the country, fire extinguishers are used to quell small fires, and prevent disasters. Fire extinguishers are inexpensive, and very useful.

Reverse Mortgages

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

A reverse mortgage is a type of home loan that lets home owners convert some of the equity in their homes into cash. By taking out a reverse mortgage, the home owner is essentially taking out equity that they built from their investment, and turning it into spending money. There are three different types of reverse mortgages: Single Purpose Reverse Mortgages, Private Proprietary Reverse Mortgages, and Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. The most common of these, and the one that this article discusses, is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. These loans do not have to be repaid until the borrower no longer uses the home as their primary residence, or fail to satisfy the conditions of the loan.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) were created to help retired senior citizens who have limited income to use their equity to cover basic living and medical expenses. This is typically what borrowers spend their money on, but there are no requirements on how they should spend their loan. It’s called a “reverse mortgage” because the lender is making payments to the borrower instead of the other way around. To learn all you need to know about reverse mortgages among other things, check out this podcast from the housing hour.

 

Reverse Mortgage Qualifications?

To qualify for a reverse mortgage, you must be a homeowner who is at least 62 years of age, own your own home, and have a mortgage balance that is low enough to be paid off with the funds from the reverse mortgage loan. You must be using the home as your primary residence, and are required to stay current with all property taxes and insurance premiums. Before you make application for a reverse mortgage, you will need to obtain counseling from a qualified HECM counselor.

Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage

With a reverse mortgage loan, you may elect to receive tax free funds as long as you live in the home. You will not have to pay taxes on the money you receive on your HECM because the payments are based on your equity, not earned income.

Also you might want to add maintaining your home as a requirement in addition to living in the home as your primary residence and paying the taxes and insurance.

Give me a call if you have questions.

Insured by the US Federal Government

These loans are very secure and safe for lenders and borrowers. There is no risk of foreclosure for failure to make monthly loan payments because there are no monthly payments due by the borrower. Because the government insures these loans, there is no risk on the line of credit you choose for payment to be withdrawn. The government also guarantees that you receive all of your payments.

Debt Not Transferred to Loved Ones

As mentioned earlier, HECM loans are insured by the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development. If the homeowner passes away and the value of the home is priced higher than the amount of the loan, the remaining equity will be transferred to surviving heirs. Also, there will never be any debt passed onto your loved ones in the case you pass away because the value of the loan can never be greater than the value of the home. Visit The Housing Hour to find more resources on home loans and all things home-related.

Advantages of Homeownership

Homeownership

There are many advantages to owning your own home. For Americans, home ownership is a symbol for economic and financial success, as well as personal freedom. It’s been a time honored tradition to set down one’s roots and become a part of a community by owning property. Since the housing bubble burst, millions of Americans have wondered if owning a home is still as beneficial as it was before the housing crisis.

Recent spikes in foreclosure and home value depreciation have put doubts in the psyche of many potential homeowners. Despite these doubts, recent studies suggest that since 2013, the housing market has been making a comeback, and the benefits to owning a home still outweigh the drawbacks. With the gradual recovery of the market, buyers and sellers attitudes are changing, making owning a home as lucrative as ever. Check out The Housing Hour’s Homeownership Matters Series to get tips and other useful information on home ownership.

Benefits To Owning A Home

As a songwriter once said, “When you’re happy, good things happen to you.” Being a homeowner can bring a sense of fulfillment and security that is impossible to put a price on. It can be stressful to own a home, but anything worthwhile takes a bit of effort. Owning your own home can give you a sense of control and accomplishment that is just not possible with renting. There really is nothing like the stability and gratification that comes from turning hard work into a tangible equity. You are in control, and knowing that gives many homeowners a deep sense of satisfaction. To learn more, check out this podcast from The Housing Hour, where Dr. Kim Manturuk gives her expert opinion on the social benefits of owning a home.

Social Status To Homeownership

With your status as a homeowner, you become a vital part of your local community. Having a stable place in the community leads to more social opportunities and pull. Owning a home gives you a voice in the community, opening doors for participation in civil engagements and community events.

Building Home Equity

When you make payments on your home, you are essentially investing in yourself. You can build real equity and cultivate a successful financial future. Besides financial wealth, you will be growing relationships with members of your community, giving you more social capital as well.

Family Advantages To Homeownership

Good quality neighborhoods with high home ownership rates are often in the vicinity of better quality schools. This can lead to more educational opportunities and enhanced social capital. Your children will have the chance to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, giving them the best chance possible to be all that they can be. Neighborhoods with high home ownership statistically have less crime and more socio-economic opportunities as well. Visit The Housing Hour’s website to learn more about the endless benefits of owning a home.

Buying vs Renting

Advantages to Buying a Home

There are different advantages and disadvantages for both renting and buying a home. What’s best for you depends on your personal and financial situation. Before buying a home, it’s important to understand the benefits and costs to such an important transaction.  Buying a home can enable the homeowner to build equity which is one of the main reasons they jump into the housing market.  However, the level of equity they build may be affected by the real estate market and economy.  Check out this episode of The Housing Hour, to get more in depth information and expert advice about mortgage lending.

Benefits to Owning a Home

• Tax Breaks. Owning a home can offer income tax benefits. Federal and state income taxes you pay when owning a home are fully deductible on your tax return. You can deduct your property taxes as well as mortgage interest.  If you choose to sell your home, the IRS will not apply a “capital gains” tax on the profits of the sale of your home if you meet certain requirements.  You may keep the first $250,000 of profit if you are single and the first $500,000 of profit if married.  Also, if you work from home and have a home office, you may be eligible to take deductions as well.
• Build Equity. Owning a home is a great way to build equity while you pay off the principal. Homes are regarded as safe investments when home values rise and your debt drops. According to NAR (National Association of Realtors), the national median home price has risen every year since 1968. Usually, the value of a home will appreciate along with the rate of inflation, with a couple of extra percentage points. If you intend to stay in your home for at least five to seven years, the cost of purchasing the home is usually offset by accrued equity and increased housing value. If the equity of your home increases 20 – 80 percent loan-to-value, you may borrow against the equity to pay off major purchases such as a second home, medical expenses, your child’s education, or an emergency. Also, another benefit includes that if interest rates drop, you may take advantage of lower rates if you choose to refinance.
• Freedom. If you own your home, you can choose how to make changes such as paint color, possible remodels, adding new features, or how to maintain the home. This can add financial freedom as well knowing you may have equity building with every passing year.

Many people may choose to rent because they don’t understand all the benefits of owning a home. In 2015, federal loan programs have made some dramatic changes making home ownership easier and more affordable than ever. There are various federal loan programs from state to state for potential home buyers, including USDA Rural Housing Loans and THDA loans. Why rent when you can make comparable payments on a home of your own? Read on to discover why many Americans are buying homes at an increasing rate.

• Increase Borrowing Power. For owners who decide to stay in their home for a long time, the equity built up on a home can be useful for many things. You can use it to secure a line of credit, which means you have more power to invest how you see fit. This means you have more cash available for big purchase or emergencies.
• Stability. If you get a home with a fixed rate mortgage, you can have the same payment amount for 30 years. Adjustable rate mortgages have a cap, so homeowners with these types of mortgages can figure out their maximum payment in advance. Owning a home also gives you more pull in your local community, since you’ll be a fixture in your neighborhood.
• More Control. You have more freedom to do as you wish with your home when you own it. You can enjoy the power to change anything you want without having to haggle with the landlord. Grow a beautiful garden or make any other permanent changes that you’d like while adding to your own investment. Visit The Housing Hour to get more tips and info on home ownership.