Pre-approved financing makes it easier to get a loan - it simplifies and speeds up the process. Knowing that your financing is already approved will also make your offer more attractive to sellers. They will often accept a preapproved offer over a higher offer that isn’t already approved by the bank. Here’s some things you should know about the pre-approval process:

Know the difference between “preapproved” and “prequalified.” These two terms may sound similar, but they have important differences.

“Prequalified” means that you filed paperwork with a lender and received notification that you can later get a loan. You’re earlier in the financing stages. You haven’t received a loan if you’re prequalified.

“Preapproval” is taken more seriously than prequalification and brings you more advantages in the buying process. Taking the time in advance to get preapproved will be well worth it.

Prek-12 teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.

Who Can Participate?
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• PreK-12 Teachers

• Law Enforcement Officers

• Firefighters

• Emergency Medical Technicians

You don’t have to have a side-hustle or work a second job to be homeowner. A positive attitude, a good strategy and a little time will help you reach your goals.

Saving for your first home could be 16 months or more. Try to set realistic goals, be patient, extend yourself grace and remind yourself that you’re doing something phenomenal for yourself and your family. We can learn a lot about loving ourselves when we choose to live more humbly, follow through on our plans and celebrate our successes along the way.

Set a Goal: know what you want, articulate it clearly and specifically, and take action. Look at houses in your price range and talk to a real estate agent to get an estimate of how much money you’ll need for a down payment and closing costs.

Finding and purchasing a home that will meet your needs is a significant and often stressful time. Our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible. We are experts in the area, and once we learn what it is that you’re looking for, finding your dream home is simple.

Before you start looking for a home you should ask yourself a few questions:
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• Where do you want to live? Are there particular neighborhoods or communities that you like?

• What kind of house would you like (need)? Are you looking for a particular style? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want?

• Is a home office a necessity? Do you need a bonus room or flex-room?

Buying a house is a major decision because the house will soon become one of your main financial assets. Here are 7 steps to take before you buy.

Take some time for self-reflection and thinking about the future:

Ask yourself if you’re financially stable. Have you had your job for at least five years? Do you have a reliable income?

Are you ready to make monthly mortgage payments for at least ten years? Are there any other major expenses in the near future that would make keeping up with your mortgage payments difficult?

Do you plan to stay in this house for at least five years? The first five years of mortgage payments usually only cover fees and interest. Are you ready to settle down in one spot?

When thinking about selling your home it’s important to consider the needs and wants of prospective buyers. Bringing your home up to date, doesn’t have to break the bank though. Here are a few easy and inexpensive ways to increase the value of your property.

1. Crown Molding. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on having luxurious crown molding installed, you can create the look yourself. Using a nail gun, nail decorative molding to the top of the wall adjacent to the ceiling. Four inches below this molding, nail another stripe of this decorative molding throughout the room. Then, simply paint the blank 4-inch area with white paint.

2. Curb Appeal. Your home's exterior will set the tone for how a buyer will feel before even entering your home. If your landscaping is lacking and the siding of your home is dingy, they won't expect much of the interior.

Most homeowners have thought about what it would be like to pay off their mortgage early. It’s worth some consideration for sure. There are benefits and potential consequences involved.

Let’s look at the reasons, both for and against, early payoff of your property.

Benefits of Paying Off Your Mortgage

1. Money Saved: You can save literally thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.

2. Reduced Stress: You won’t to worry about making a house payment, so you can work less, and chill more.

3. Increased Cash Flow: You’ll have hundreds of dollars to spend, save or invest each month.