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Adapting to Life's New Chapters

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All of us encounter major life events and they have the possibility of disrupting our lives temporarily, if not permanently.    The homes we live in may have met our needs originally but due to a change in our life, it may no longer be adequate or the best fit for us, which will require a move. The decision to change one's living situation often comes as a response to these pivotal moments, and the reasons behind such changes can be as diverse as the events themselves.   The number of things that can influence these changes is numerous.    It may be the birth of a new child, or the ages of the children are getting such that you simply need more room.   Marriages generally merge two households into one.    The possibilities are endless, but it could be two single people or two single parents each with children who need the right space to blend the families. A promotion, transfer, or a new job could require a change in housing, or maybe just make it more convenient

House-Hacking your way to multi-unit rentals

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House-hacking refers to buying a multifamily property on an owner-occupied mortgage, living in one unit and renting the others.    If you're thinking about becoming a rental mogul, starting early is an advantage.    Not only will you have longer to accumulate a larger portfolio, but you can also increase the leverage on the first owner-occupied acquisitions.   Leverage is the use of other people's money to finance an investment.    The higher the loan-to-value, the greater the leverage which can increase the yield.    The lower down payment gives the investor more leverage which can increase the return on their investment.   FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac each have programs for buying owner-occupied two-to four-unit properties with the same minimal down payment required for a single-family home.    The advantage is that non-occupant investors must have a 20-25% down payment where the owner occupant is much less. A qualified veteran could get into the first

The relationship between homeownership and net worth

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During the span between 2019 and 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted both society and economic activities. Nevertheless, the latest Survey of Consumer Finance , which has recently been unveiled, highlights widespread enhancements in the financial well-being of American families during this timeframe, especially concerning their net worth. The median net worth of homeowners increased 37%, after adjustment for inflation, between 2019 and 2022.   This is the largest three-year increase in the history of the modern Federal Reserve Board's triennial survey dating back to 1989 and more than twice the next largest one on record. The survey showed increases in both median and mean net worth were near universal across different types of families, grouped by either economic or demographic characteristics. For families who owned a home, the median net housing value, the value of the home, less secured debt, increased 44% between the same three-year period.   The

Understanding Credit Life Insurance for Home Buyers

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Credit life insurance is a specialized type of insurance designed to provide financial protection for borrowers and their families in the event of the borrower's untimely death. This insurance is often associated with loans, including mortgages, and is specifically tied to the outstanding balance of the loan. In the case of a home purchase, credit life insurance will cover the remaining mortgage balance if the homeowner passes away before the loan is fully paid off. In some cases, lenders may include the expense of credit life insurance in your loan principal. This arrangement means that you'll accrue interest on the combined amount, potentially resulting in increased costs over time. Consequently, opting for traditional life insurance, as opposed to credit life insurance, might be a more financially prudent choice to protect your family's financial well-being. Credit life insurance offers peace of mind to homeowners, knowing that their loved ones won't be b

Discover how to make a difference in your neighborhood

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Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or just starting this thrilling chapter, every time you turn your key, you're not just entering a house but also embedding yourself in a neighborhood. The heartbeat of a vibrant community doesn't solely rest upon pristine lawns or architectural beauty, but predominantly on its residents � wonderful folks like you! Consider these suggestions to enjoy your new neighborhood and actively contributing to making it a wonderful place to live. Foster Connection - Begin your journey by fostering connections. Introduce yourself to your neighbors, participate in or organize social events, and involve yourself in local gatherings, HOA, Next Door, or forums. Establishing a network of friendly faces creates a sense of belonging and shared responsibility towards the well-being of the neighborhood. Create a Safe Environment - A safe community is a serene community. Be mindful of adhering to speed limits while driving through your neighborho

How Home Value Growth Beats Renting

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Over the last 60 years, the average sales price of homes has appreciated at a rate of 5.56% annually, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data . During the same period, rent has increased at a rate of 3.88% annually which presents a compelling argument in favor of homeownership. When we analyze these figures, it becomes evident that homes have not only appreciated in value at a faster rate than the increase in rental costs, but they have also provided homeowners with a substantial asset that builds equity over time. This discrepancy in growth rates means that, in the long run, homeowners are likely to experience a greater return on their investment compared to renters. Renters, while they may have the flexibility of moving without the ties of property ownership and might have lower upfront costs, do not gain any equity from their monthly payments. Their money goes straight to their landlord, and they are subject to the annual increases in rent. Over time, as rent con

Bridging Wealth Gaps: Homeownership's Stand Against Inflation

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When exploring the benefits of homeownership, it's more than just having a place to call your own. Among its many advantages, homeownership stands as a formidable safeguard against inflation and a strong vehicle for long-term wealth accumulation. This article will delve into the dynamics of appreciation and amortization, explaining why owning a home can be one of the most impactful financial decisions you can make. Inflation, the overall upward price movement of goods and services in an economy, erodes the purchasing power of money. In simpler terms, as inflation rises, each dollar you have buys a smaller percentage of a good or service.   The same inflation that is driving rising mortgage rates is putting upward pressure on home prices. Over the past sixty years, homes have appreciated in value at an annual appreciation rate of 5.56% according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data.   As a homeowner, you want to benefit from the appreciation.   Inflation for the same per