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What is a Home Equity Loan?

By: American Heritage01.07.21 Home & Mortgage
As part of a 2-part blog series, and in an effort to help our members better understand both options, our team is reviewing the differences between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit—both of which are potential options for those wanting to borrow on their home equity. To get started, let’s review the following brief overview that explains what is a home equity loan—including how to use it, the benefits, and how to a secure a home equity loan.

Save More on Commission When Selling Your Home

By: Holly Benedetto08.06.20 Home & Mortgage
Like purchasing a home, selling your home will include various fees. Most sales are completed with the assistance of a real estate agent or broker. These agents make their money by earning commission on each sale and only get paid once a home has sold. This commission is paid by the seller during closing.

Preparing for Your Next Home

By: Holly Benedetto03.19.20 Home & Mortgage
Buying and selling a home at the same time can make things complicated. Many variables must work together to create a seamless transaction and it takes a dedicated team to make this happen. You’ve identified your pain points with your current home and are ready to move on to the next phase of homeownership. Before you can buy, however, you have a home of your own to sell.

8 Things You Can Sell to Get Extra Cash (and Space)

By: American Heritage12.19.19 Savings & Budgeting Home & Mortgage
Is your home feeling a little cluttered? Want to get through the holidays, or start the new year, with a little extra cash in your pocket? If there are unused or seldom-used items taking up space in your home, consider selling them. Whether you’re purging your attic, decluttering your whole house, or getting ready to move, periodically selling off old things helps you simplify your lifestyle while earning quick cash – sometimes more than you might expect.

4 Programs that Can Open the Door to Your First Home

By: American Heritage06.20.19 Home & Mortgage
If you dream of owning your own home, you’re not alone. Generations of homeowners have enjoyed the opportunity to put down roots in their community, build wealth, and experience the pride of having their own place. A mortgage is usually key to buying a house, but many people struggle to qualify for this essential loan. Fortunately, there are many federal and state programs designed to make homeownership possible for more people.
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Home Improvements: DIY or Pay a Pro?

By: American Heritage04.18.19 Home & Mortgage
Most people know, or can learn, how to do some basic home improvements and repairs. But unless you work as a contractor AND have tons of spare time, you probably will not be able to tackle every project yourself. The line between which renovations you can do and which you should pay a professional to do is different for different people, but here are some general guidelines – along with information about the best way to finance your next major home improvements.

What to Look for in a Real Estate Agent

By: American Heritage04.03.19 Home & Mortgage
Buying a home is a journey – and your real estate agent is your guide. Your agent’s knowledge, skills, and level of support will have a big impact on your homebuying experience, so it is important to have the right person by your side. So who is the best real estate agent for you?

13 Tips on How to Decorate Your House on a Budget

By: American Heritage03.12.19 Home & Mortgage
Whether you are a first time home buyer or just want to freshen up your current house, decorating a home can be exciting, inspiring, and often times, expensive. The good news is that if you plan ahead and follow some of our budget-friendly tips, you can continue to pinch your pennies and still turn your house into a Pinterest-worthy home.
Young Couple Building Home

Want to Build Your Dream Home? Here’s What You Should Know First.

By: American Heritage02.28.19 Home & Mortgage
Have you been trying to buy a new home or vacation property, only to see one house after another get snatched up before you can even make an offer? Or, are you unable to find a house that fits your style or needs? Sometimes, to get what you want, you have to do it yourself. But building a house is no easy feat. Here are five things you should know BEFORE you decide to build your dream home.
blogAvoidBecomingHousePoor

How Much House Can You Afford? 8 Tips to Avoid Becoming House Poor

By: American Heritage12.10.18 Home & Mortgage
Purchasing a home is a big and often stressful decision – especially with housing prices rising almost twice as fast as wages, and a shortage of affordable housing in many areas. And while owning a home may be one of your goals, the last thing you want is purchase your dream home only to discover in a few months or a few years that you can’t afford it, a situation commonly referred to as being “house poor.”

 

 

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