Spring may not have "officially" sprung in Iowa, but we are feeling the excitement of buyers and sellers in the Cedar Valley! The warmer temps have our Oakies busy with new listings and buyers eager for a new place to call home. Before looking at houses, it is critical to have your ducks in a row if you want a place to call home. We asked our Realtors what three pieces of advice they would give buyers as the spring market approaches. Here is what they had to say.
1. Make sure you are pre-approved. Without a pre-approval letter from a bank or credit union, your offer won't be as appealing to a seller. Having a pre-approval letter will show sellers that you are serious about making an offer.
The #1 Reason People Move: To Be Closer to Family & Friends
source: Keeping Current Matters
Have you ever thought about packing up and moving to be closer to the people who mean the most to you? Maybe you’re tired of long drives to see your family or wish your kids could spend more time with their grandparents. Clearly, a lot of other people feel the same way.
According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the desire to be near family and friends is the #1 reason people move (see graph below):
That’s because moving isn’t just about finding a new house – it’s about living a life where you’re surrounded by the people who matter most. Whether it’s catching up over weeknight dinners, watching your kids play with
The Personal Joys of Having a Home to Call Your Own
Source: KCM
There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful.
A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens.
From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones.
Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home.
The Mortgage Corner With GreenState Credit Union: How to Protect Yourself Against Cyber Security Threats
Obtaining a mortgage or facilitating any financial transaction electronically can expose you to potential cyber security threats. Our team wants to ensure you, your information, and your financial accounts are protected. While technology has improved your ability to manage your financial accounts, including everything from handling daily transactions to applying for a mortgage loan, it has also opened the door to criminals who seek to gain access to your accounts for fraudulent purposes.
In today's digital age, safeguarding your personal information is more important than ever. Here are some essential tips to help you prevent fraud and
The Mortgage Corner With GreenState Credit Union: What is an Escrow Analysis?
To understand what an escrow analysis is, we must first understand what an escrow account is.
An escrow account is an account established at the time of mortgage closing to hold the property taxes and insurance premiums. When an escrow account is established the monthly payment due from the borrower will include the actual loan principal and interest, plus the monthly equivalent of the property taxes and insurance premium for the home. When the taxes and insurance items are due, they are paid by the mortgage lender from the homeowners’ escrow account.
Now that we have that understanding, let’s walk through what an escrow account analysis is.
The Mortgage Corner with Greenstate Credit Union: 5 Tips to Finding the Right Mortgage Lender
Finding the right mortgage lender can feel like embarking on a quest through a maze of financial jargon and paperwork. All loans are created equal right? Wrong! Similarly, all mortgage lenders are not created equal either. Each of us come with an arsenal of loan programs with different rates and fees, but it’s equally as important that you are comfortable with whom you are getting your financing from. Who is the person behind the desk that is helping you with one of the largest financial investments of your lifetime?
With these five tips, you're sure to emerge victorious, loan in hand and homeownership dreams within reach.
What to Know About the Buyer Representation Agreement
As of July 1, 2024 the NAR (National Association of Realtors) and IAR (Iowa Association of Realtors) put into state law that anyone who wanted to buy a home in the state of Iowa with a REALTOR® must enter a Buyer Representation Agreement with their REALTOR®. The Buyer Representation Agreement ensures that the REALTOR® will act in the best interest of the buyer throughout the home-buying process, providing them with dedicated support, expertise, and advocacy. This agreement must be signed, in person or electronically, by both parties before looking at any homes or properties. By signing this agreement, you will be assured that your REALTOR® is committed to helping you find the right property and
The Mortgage Corner with Greenstate Credit Union: June is National Homeowership Month
June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the many benefits that come with owning a home. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the advantages that homeownership can bring.
Building Equity
One of the most significant benefits of owning a home is the ability to build equity. Unlike renting, where your monthly payments go to a landlord, mortgage payments contribute to your own financial asset. This equity can be a substantial financial resource over time, providing security and potential borrowing power for future investments or emergencies.
A home is more than just four walls; it’s a sanctuary, an investment, and a place where memories are made. That's why working with a knowledgeable realtor is invaluable! From navigating the tricky market to negotiating the best deal, a realtor's expertise turns the complex home-buying process into a seamless journey. Today we are sharing the value a Realtor provides when buying a home.
Expert Knowledge: Your Oakridge Realtor® possess in-depth knowledge of the housing market, including current trends, pricing, and neighborhood insights. Our expertise can guide you to make informed decisions.
Access to Listings: With a team of over 65 Realtors® and access to the Multiple Listing
Welcome to your dream home in Fieldstone! This stunning 2-story home offers spacious living areas flooded with natural light, providing the perfect setting to relax and entertain. As you enter, you'll be greeted by the inviting front living area boasting a vaulted ceiling and new vinyl plank flooring, creating an elegant and modern feeling. Continue further into the home and discover the family room featuring a gas fireplace flanked by built-in cabinets and shelving with a view of the backyard through a bank of windows. The family
