For those who are looking to buy a home, they know that this is one of the most exciting experiences in the world. There is something special that comes with looking at a bunch of homes and envisioning a life there. On the other hand, the prospect of saving 20 percent of the home’s value to put down might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few creative ways that people can save up enough money to purchase their starter dream home. Talk To The Seller One of the first tips that people need to keep in mind involves talking to the seller. There are a bunch of items that need to be … [Read more...]
Building An Emergency Fund During An Emergency
By now, it should be apparent that this COVID-19 (Corona-virus) pandemic is going to be here for several months. It is already causing the market to plummet and is disrupting jobs all over the country. Many people who work as hourly employees (or are independent contractors) are starting to suffer. As people's budgets start to feel the squeeze, this is exactly the time that people should be relying on an emergency fund; however, for those who don't have one, it is time to start saving. How To Create An Emergency Fund Even though cash assistance from the government might be coming soon, this is … [Read more...]
3 Signs You’re Not Ready To Buy A Home
Those who are looking at buying a home need to think about whether or not they are truly ready for this responsibility. When someone takes out a mortgage, this is frequently the largest loan someone will ever apply for in their life. Furthermore, owning a home also means homeowners insurance, real estate taxes, home maintenance, and home repairs. There are a few signs that signal someone is not ready to buy a home. Identifying and rectifying these situations ahead of time will ensure that someone is the right position to take on the responsibility of homeownership. Too Much Debt One of the … [Read more...]
3 Positive Reasons To Get A 15-Year Mortgage
Most people can't pay for a home outright, so they finance it with a mortgage loan. 30-year mortgages are more conventional, but they also come with a significant interest price tag. People who have a stable career and the income to afford larger payments, or who are nearing retirement, may want to take out a 15-year mortgage. Here are some reasons to consider one. Save Money Over The Life Of The Loan The total interest paid on a 30-year loan can be nearly as much as the principal. While it can be difficult to see the bigger picture when facing a mortgage payment that will be a good bit … [Read more...]
5 Power Saving Ideas That Can Lower Your Energy Bill
How to Save Money on Energy Costs in Your Home Many communities in Arizona and around the US are seeing their energy costs increase; sometimes dramatically. Whether you are energy conscious or just trying to save money, there are many steps you can take to lower your Phoenix home bills while helping the environment at the same time. Below are several energy-saving measures to help you save money either in your current house or future residence. Heating and cooling Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature uses more energy than anything else. To save energy, install a programmable … [Read more...]