Single family homes offer the investor an opportunity to borrow large loan-to-value loans at fixed interest rates for long terms. Lenders will loan 75-80% of the purchase price at 5.5% to 6.5% interest rate for thirty years. Compare that with other popular investment alternatives like precious metals, commodities, stocks, and mutual funds and it will […]
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Will Points Make a Difference?
Lenders typically quote mortgages at a market rate but can offer a lower interest rate loan if the borrower is willing to pay points up-front which is considered pre-paid interest. These points are generally tax deductible for the year paid when the borrower pays them in connection with buying, building or improving their principal residence. […]
Your Home is More Than Just an Address
For a short time after the housing crisis a decade ago, some homeowners thought the value of home is a place to live rather than an investment. A home certainly has an appeal as a place to call your own, raise your family, share with your friends and feel safe and secure. It can be […]
LIST WITH ELIZABETH® Funds the Fairfax City Day Work Program
LIST WITH ELIZABETH® makes donation to The Lamb Center – Fairfax City, Day Work Program funded through end of fiscal year. The entire LIST WITH ELIZABETH® team recently visited and took a tour of The Lamb Center in Fairfax, VA, a Christian non-profit homeless day center located within the City of Fairfax, that helps feed, […]
Is a 15 Year Term Mortgage Better? Depends On If You Can Afford It
Affordability, stability and flexibility are the three reasons homebuyers overwhelmingly choose a 30-year term. The payments are lower, easier to qualify for the mortgage and they can always make additional principal contributions. However, for those who can afford a higher payment and commit to the 15-year term, there are three additional reasons: lower mortgage interest […]
When It’s Important…Find the Facts
Most parents don’t put a lot of credence in the statements “Everyone is doing it” and “No one does that anymore.” They’ll dig a little deeper and get the facts of the situation. Interestingly, when it comes to buying a home, similar common myths continue to prevail surrounding what it takes to buy a home. […]
Is a Home Equity Loan an Option?
Here’s the scenario: you have a project and need to borrow some money, but you want to do it in the most economic manner. You’ve got a low rate on your existing first mortgage and don’t want to do a cash-out refinance and pay a higher rate. Is a home equity loan an option? Prior […]
Taking Home Inventory
Generally speaking, when you need an inventory of your personal belongings, it is too late to make one. Sure, you can reconstruct it but undoubtedly, you’ll forget things and that can cost you money when filing your insurance claim. Most homeowner’s policies have a certain amount of coverage for personal items that can be 40-60% […]