If you’re planning to buy a home, you may be worried if you’ll have enough money saved for a down payment. You’ve probably heard that you can use retirement funds to help, but it’s important to know the restrictions, or you could be stuck paying penalties and taxes. And even though a home can be a great investment, taking out retirement funds early could hurt your long-term security.
Here’s what you should know before you make any financial moves. Continue reading
Buying your first home is a tremendous achievement, but the journey to get there can sometimes feel like a winding road rather than a straight path. That’s why it’s important to learn as much as you can about the process and lean on the expertise of your real estate agent to help you navigate any bumps along the way.
Here are four common mistakes first-time buyers make, and what you can do to steer clear of them.
Are you hoping to become a homeowner this year? Before you start your search, take the time to understand the mortgage landscape. Getting the right loan can be as important as the home itself. The last thing you want to do is pay unnecessary fees or take on loan terms that might hurt your finances.
The good news for homebuyers is that California’s hot market is showing signs of cooling. In fact, median home prices saw a 2.3% decrease from August to September 2021.
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, SchoolsFirst FCU provides affordable solutions to help you achieve the dream of homeownership. Because we return profits after expenses to Members in the form of lower interest rates and low or no fees whenever possible, we offer highly competitive mortgage solutions, along with expert guidance to help you make the most of your money. Continue reading
The coronavirus pandemic has many people wondering whether they should delay their home purchase or if they’re selling, pull their listing from the market. COVID-19 has required many industries to make adjustments, and real estate is no exception. Whether you’re in a situation where you need to buy or sell a home, or you simply want to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates, it’s essential to understand how the real estate landscape has changed.
Insurance Conundrums: Are You Covered or Not? 
When it comes to auto, homeowners and renters insurance, you may wonder what it covers and why. Here are answers to some common questions and ways to help make sure you have the protection you need, when you need it.
Home improvements can rejuvenate a stale dwelling. But remodeling and renovations could set you back thousands of dollars for each room.
A “midrange minor kitchen remodel” — including hardware, countertops, flooring and a refrigerator — is about $21,000, on average, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report. But with the right approach, you can give your abode some TLC without busting your budget.
Remodeling is both exciting and scary. You’re ready for change, but you don’t want to hurt your home’s value. If you ever choose to sell, you don’t want to get hung up on a bad remodel.
There’s nothing like holiday travel season for spending time with friends and family. But while you’re on the road, make sure your home and hearth is kept safe and secure so you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises upon your return.