Monday, February 19, 2024 / by Christine Elwood
Shopping for a mortgage is about so much more than simply learning what your monthly payment will be. In order to make informed decisions when buying a house, you need to ask the right questions and find a lender that fits your needs. Asking questions makes it easier to compare loan opportunities with various lenders and learn exactly what goes into calculating your monthly mortgage payment. Ask your lender these six questions to make sure you have the information you need when shopping for a mortgage.
What Kind of Interest Rate Can I Expect?
This is the big question, so it pays to ask right away. Get a quote for the direct interest rate and the annual percentage rate (APR), which includes associated loan fees and charges. The interest rates available depend largely on your credit score, with a higher credit score leading to lower rates. To raise your credit score, make all monthly payments on time, pay more than the minimum requirements, and resolve outstanding debts.
Is It a Fix. ...
Read More
strong will real estate, real estate, vermont, chittenden county, keller williams, northwest vermont, burlington, first time buyer, buyers process, homebuying
Monday, January 22, 2024 / by Brian Armstrong
Buying a home is a complex process, so as we start out the year, we built this FAQ guide with the top 10 most common questions we heard in 2024!
What is Pre-Qualification?
Pre-qualification is one of the first steps you should take when looking for a home! Your mortgage lender will help you through the pre-approval process and show you what type of home you can afford! Pre-approval also lets sellers know you are ready to make a purchase, leaving you in a strong position to negotiate!
Do I Need a REALTOR® To Buy a Home?
While it is not required to use a REALTOR®, you may be missing out if you elect not to use one. A Realtor is there to help you and will walk you through every part of the home-buying process, so no stone is left unturned! You will not only benefit from having a knowledgeable resource you can reach out to, but they also do the heavy lifting to find you the perfect match!
Where Are Vermont Home Prices Headed?
If only w; ...
Read More
strong will real estate, real estate, vermont, chittenden county, keller williams, northwest vermont, burlington, first time buyer, buyers process, homebuying, investment properties, home inspection, lending
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 / by Brian Armstrong
Gearing up for an upcoming home purchase? If so, you are in the right place! While no two real estate deals are the same, in our decade of experience, we have seen many recurring themes across transactions. To help you master your purchase, we asked our team of experts to share five stellar negotiation tactics that have proven successful!
Cash or Pre-Approval
If you want to walk the walk and talk the talk, you need to be a cash buyer or have a pre-approval letter from the bank. Each scenario shows the home seller you are motivated and ready to purchase, which goes a long way! Most sellers do not want to negotiate with a buyer to find out they cannot get the finances to make the purchase. So, make sure to prioritize your finances before bargaining with sellers!
Know Your Comps
If you fall in love with a home yet are challenged by the list price, local comparables can be a huge help! Knowing what a home is worth is not as simple as finding out what price the neighbors as ! ...
Read More
strong will real estate, real estate, vermont, chittenden county, northwest vermont, burlington, first time buyer, buyers process, homebuying, interest rates, home inspection, lending
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 / by Brian Armstrong
As we approach winter and the holiday season, you may be looking for a change of scenery and be in the market for a new home! While many others choose to buy in the spring, you may have an advantage in buying during the holiday season! Read on as we unwrap why the holidays are a great time to purchase a home!
Beat the Heat
As we mentioned before, many buyers prefer warmer weather when it comes to home shopping. Spring and summer are some of the busiest months for real estate, while fall and winters always see a slowdown. If you have been keeping up to date with the Vermont real estate market, we have seen quite a bit of bidding wars for homes. During the holiday season, there tend to be fewer buyers in the market, leaving you more opportunities to land your dream home!
Holiday Spirit
Something about the holiday season brings a whole new energy into the mix. Maybe it's the lights, the decor, or more time with those close to us, but that positive mood can help smooth over deals as th; ...
Read More
real estate, strong will real estate, vermont, chittenden county, keller williams, northwest vermont, burlington, first time buyer, home tips, buyers process, homebuying, home improvement, interest rates, holidays
Thursday, October 27, 2022 / by Brian Armstrong
Vermont, am I right? Boasting four beautiful seasons, historical roots, and gorgeous landscapes, the home of Ben & Jerry's, the list of Vermont's amenities goes on and on! If you're a local, you probably can't name the many reasons you have fallen in love with the area! However, for those new to the Green Mountain state, here are a few reasons why Vermont is a great place to live!
Our Little Corner
Many of us are lucky to live in this beautiful little state with plenty of quirks! Housing just over 600,000 residents, Vermont comes in as the second least populated state in the US. Locals have created tight-knit communities and have worked hard to preserve their foundations. Are you tired of major city traffic jams? Vermont may be the place for you! Things still do get a little cramped from time to time, especially for Fall foliage and fresh powder slopes, but that's because Vermont has so much to offer!
Supporting Local
If you have ever ventured into Vermont, you may have noticm ...
Read More
real estate, strong will real estate, vermont, chittenden county, keller williams, northwest vermont, burlington, first time buyer, buyers process, homebuying, things to do, fall foliage
