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Blog HELOC vs Refi

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Refinancing: What's Best for Me?

By: Holly Benedetto09.09.21 Home & Mortgage
For the seasoned homeowner, researching how to fund your next big project or life event can bring up a variety of complicated terms. Many of these terms are presented together, but they often work very differently from one another. In this article, we compare a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to refinancing your existing mortgage. To learn how each option works and when you would want to choose one over another, continue reading.
blogFirstTimeBuyingAHome

First Time Buying a Home? Avoid These 7 Mistakes

By: American Heritage08.26.21 Home & Mortgage
Buying a house is a great investment in your future. But the process can be a bit confusing when you’re first starting out. If you’re not careful, or let your emotions get the better of you, it’s possible to make mistakes that can derail the homebuying process or lead you to a home that isn’t the best fit for you (or your finances). Be sure to avoid these common homebuying mistakes from the beginning.

Participate in National Give Something Away Day with These Tips

By: Holly Benedetto07.15.21 Culture Home & Mortgage
Sometimes we find ourselves no longer in need of the things we keep around the house. Gently used or good condition items can find life in a new home — a much more environmentally friendly solution than ending up in the trash. Before you reach for the online marketplace, consider the value of giving the item away for free. This simple action can create a large positive impact on interpersonal relationships and your surrounding community.
Blog 5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home Curb Appeal

6 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal

By: American Heritage06.17.21 Home & Mortgage
As a homeowner, you know that taking care of your house is the best way to maintain its value. But even a house that’s in good working order can look drab or uninviting from the outside. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, that could affect your home’s selling price. That’s why many real estate agents put a big emphasis on curb appeal.
Boxes sitting unattended on a front porch

4 Tips to Protect Your Mail (for Travel and Every Day!)

By: Holly Benedetto05.13.21 Security Home & Mortgage
Mail theft is an issue that can leave you feeling blindsided, especially if the stolen mail contains sensitive information that puts your identity at risk. On top of that, stolen bills or statements can cause late payments or other financial headaches. Many people don’t think about protecting their mail until it’s too late, so take these proactive steps today!
Blog PreApproval

Mortgage Pre-Approval: What You Should Know

By: American Heritage04.08.21 Home & Mortgage
If you’re in the market for a new home, there are a few key steps you’ll need to take early on. You’ll need to consider the type of home and neighborhood you want to move to, and find a great real estate agent to help you search. One of the most important steps of all? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Here’s why getting a lender’s pre-approval is a big deal when shopping for a new home, and what you should know before you begin.

8 Home Upgrades That Can Lower Your Energy Bills

By: American Heritage01.28.21 Home & Mortgage Savings & Budgeting
Around here, winters can get cold. While it’s great to enjoy the sight of a winter wonderland (and a cup of hot cocoa) from inside a warm home, the cost of keeping your place comfortable can be significant. In the spirit of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, which is January 10, here are eight strategies to improve your home’s energy efficiency, lower your energy bills, and help reduce your impact on the planet.
Couple enjoying coffee

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.

Should You Refinance Your Home? Consider These 4 Factors.

By: American Heritage05.07.20 Home & Mortgage
Right now, you’re probably looking for ways to boost your financial security, such as by lowering your bills or building up your savings. You’re not alone. Many homeowners are doing exactly that by refinancing their home to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. To see if refinancing is right for you, it’s important to understand why people choose to refinance and what makes someone a good candidate for a refinance mortgage.

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.
Dad and son drilling hole into piece of wood

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?

 

 

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