Whether it be togetherness, personal growth, or overall wellbeing, your home must strike a balance between quality family time and individual pursuits.
One of the ways to do this is to design for winter comfort. Incorporating warm colors, soft textiles, and ambient lighting creates an inviting atmosphere to exercise, journal, or host a game night or movie night. Another bonus of prioritizing home and family this season is being fully present.
While the days may seem shorter, natural light can enhance your overall mood and activities allow for undivided attention & deeper connections.
Read our latest blog to unlock creativity and create lasting memories in your home this season.
Tips of the Trade
One thing we do at The Gresham Group is prepare clients for the best case scenarios when buying a home! We had a chance to chat with Julie Hawk, Producing Sales Manager with Neighborhood Loans about ways stay on top of this process.
Since rates may be dropping, should homeowners refinance their homes in 2024?
Every homeowner has a unique situation and may or may not benefit from refinancing even if they are currently at a higher rate. We would analyze how long they have been in their home and how long they have left on their mortgage as well as their future plans of staying in the home.
It is important to understand how soon the savings in payment will cover the initial cost to refinance. While it would be nice to have a crystal ball and know exactly what rates will be, we can only follow past economic trends as indicators of the future. A good time to start the process is if the rates are .5% lower than your current rate. A mortgage lender can walk you through if-then scenarios, costs, and potential benefits.
What’s the number one thing people can do to improve their credit?
The number one-way people can improve their credit is to know what is on the report and how the various tradelines are affecting that score. Paying your monthly obligations on time and keeping your credit card balances less than 30% of total credit limit are the major factors affecting a score.
What is something a home buyer shouldn’t wait to do?
A future home buyer should start by knowing their credit and saving money for the home purchase process. While it is easy to focus on making sure there is enough money saved for a down payment, other expenses do occur – for example, paying a moving company.
Buyers should not wait to speak to a mortgage lender and get pre-approved. The lender will help them identify a price point that aligns with their financial ability.
What are the benefits and downfalls of mortgage loan lengths?
The benefits to a shorter term mortgage are the rates are generally better and the borrower will pay less in interest. The downfall would be the monthly obligation will be higher on shorter notes.
Longer mortgage terms will have lower monthly payments and if the borrower chooses, they can make extra payments to pay the loan off early. The downside to a longer term is the borrower will pay more interest throughout the loan.
When is the best time to meet with a mortgage lender for the home buying process?
When a client knows that they are interested in purchasing a home, they should contact a lending professional. This initial conversation should explain the mortgage process, and loan programs and establish a possible price range.
Julie Hawk, Producing Sales Manager
Neighborhood Loans
Julie knows the benefits of making the mortgage process a win-win endeavor for all of The Gresham Group clients. With this, Julie brings an exceptional knowledge of the mortgage industry and practical hands-on experience to each transaction. Let Julie’s professional talent bring your dreams of home ownership to life!
Top 3 Things When Home Buying
If buying a home is top of mind for you, we believe it takes some careful consideration to decide which house is best for you. There are 3 core areas to look into when buying a home. Each one of these will help you make the best decision your personal life and family.
Location
Start house-hunting by focusing on the location that will compliment your lifestyle. What is most important to you and your family: schools, parks and lush green areas, workplace or well-cared for roads? Remember, your home is not just a building, it’s part of a community. Find a location that suits you and your family’s needs.
Interior Condition
The condition of the interior is where comfort meets convenience, and we want both for you! Are there any specific areas in the home that require immediate attention maintenance? A few red flags to look out for are water damage, foundation cracks, roofs or sagging ceilings. Also, consider each space and ensure all areas are usable for your lifestyle. Your home is all about the *happy* memories you will create, without the headache of issues.
Neighborhood Amenities
Your home belongs to a community. What extra amenities are important to your lifestyle: gym, shops, cafes, pool, or restaurants? Creating your own personal haven turns your house into a home. A neighborhood that compliments your lifestyle allows for more fun and adventure.
Did You Know?
With so much to remember during the home buying or selling process, we continually see things slipping through the cracks or even, noticeable issues that need should be taken care of.
SMELL
Did you know 80% of our time is spent indoors?
The most common sources come from
- Kitchen: Trash Can, Fridge/Freezer, Sink/Disposal, Stove, Counters
- Bathroom: Toilets, Dirty Clothes, Towels, Mold/Mildew
- and, Pets: Litter, Urine/Vomit, Food/Water Bowls, Bed/Blankets, Carpets/Rugs
TILE
Did you know most contractors don’t seal grout?
Contractors can’t seal grout until at least 48 to 72 hours after applying grout. By that time, bathroom remodelers have already cleaned up from the job and left your home.
INTEREST RATES
Did you know most people wait to buy until interest rates are down?
We say buy now to avoid a multiple-offer situation. Most buyers can utilize a no cost refinance option with the right lender.
AIR QUALITY
Did you know dirty air filters can show signs of other culprits, besides dust?
Beyond tracking in dust every day shown on those air filters, candle soot and animal dander/dirt may be culprits for even dirtier filters.
Get Cozy and Reconnect at Home
Whether it be personal time to meditate, meal prep, or read, listen to our January playlist on Spotify.
What’s going on in the Market
Meet Leah Smith, Senior Loan Officer with Fountain Mortgage.
Nothing brings me greater happiness than working with families who thought they may never find a way to buy a home, and watching them get their keys for the first time!
Leah Smith • lsmith@fountainmortgage.com
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Buying and selling a house is an emotional process. Our agents are here to be your trusted advisor and lifelong friend. We’re dedicated to the people of Kansas and Missouri and believe everyone should be able to find home.
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