September 5, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Preparing for a House Viewing: What to Bring, What to Ask

When you’re getting ready to become a homeowner, attending house showings and open houses is one of the most exciting steps in the process! To make the most of these viewings and ensure you make an informed decision, it’s essential to be well-prepared. One of the most important documents you should bring is a pre-approval letter. This article will explore why a pre-approval letter is crucial and provide a comprehensive list of other items to bring to a house viewing, ensuring you cover all your bases and feel confident walking into your house viewing!

September 4, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

The Foyer First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide

Are you taking the first step toward homeownership? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying your first home and everyone is on their own unique journey. Our job is to help prepare you in the best, most confident way possible, and that’s exactly why we prepared this guide. This guide will walk you through the A to Z of becoming a homeowner!

September 2, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Should you buy a house alone or with your partner/friend/family member?

Many people dream of owning a home, whether it's to live independently, to access the benefits of leveraged debt, or simply to achieve a personal milestone. But is it feasible to purchase a house on your own in 2024? In this guide, we explore how you can buy a home solo and what to consider when making this decision, and discuss the implications of FHA and conventional loans for first-time buyers in the US.

August 29, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

What Kinds of Expenses Should You Budget For When Buying an Older Home?

Buying an older house can be so exciting! You may be drawn to buying an older home vs. a new build because of it’s character and charm, sense of community in an established neighborhood, or sense of history. Maintaining and upgrading an older home though, can be costly!When buying an older home, there are several common expenses to anticipate beyond the purchase price. Here’s a detailed breakdown of potential costs you might encounter.

August 28, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Buyer's Agent Commissions and How Buyer's Agents Make Money

In the intricate world of real estate, buyer’s agents play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the complex process of purchasing a home. The services they off, from identifying suitable properties to negotiating deals. But how do buyer’s agents make money? Understanding their revenue model can provide insights into the real estate market and help buyers make informed decisions. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various ways buyer’s agents earn their income and the factors that influence their earnings.

August 27, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

What is a Construction-to-Permanent Loan and is it Right for You?

You may be considering a construction-to-permanent loan if you're weighing your options for buying a new build. Construction-to-permanent loans offer a flexible and economic solution for financing new home construction. These loans are designed to cover both the construction and permanent mortgage phases of building a new home, combining the two into a single, efficient process. This guide will explore the key features, benefits, and considerations of construction-to-permanent loans to help you determine if this financing option is right for your homebuilding project.

August 26, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

How to Open and Use your First Time Homebuyer Saving Account (FHSA)

Did you know that there is a dedicated savings account for first-time homebuyers that has tax incentives? First Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts (otherwise known as FHSAs), or “First Home Savings Accounts” are a longstanding popular concept in Canada and have recently been introduced in the US to help offer incentives for Americans saving for their first homes, offering benefits like tax advantages, competitive interest rates, exclusive savings and discounts, and homebuyer-specific features and tools.

August 22, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

FHA, VA, and USDA Loans: A Comprehensive Guide to Government Mortgage Loans for First-Time Borrowers

Have you heard the terms FHA loan, VA loan, and USDA loan but aren’t sure what’s right for you? Are you trying to understand whether or not a government loan is right for you at all compared to a conventional mortgage? Navigating the mortgage market can be daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers. Government-backed home loans provide a valuable option for those who may find it challenging to secure a conventional mortgage. These loans often offer lower interest rates, more accessible qualification criteria, and reduced down payment requirements. This guide will help you understand the key government-backed mortgage options available and how they can support your journey to homeownership.

August 21, 2024

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McKenzie Hagan

Condos vs. Townhouses vs. Single-Family Homes: How to Decide What's Best for You

Navigating the real estate market can be overwhelming for first-time homebuyers. Among the many options available, condos, townhouses, and single-family homes tend to be the most popular choices. Understanding the differences between these types of properties, as well as the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed decision.