Saving for making improvements to your home is often the least expensive route, but it’s not always possible. Thankfully, you have other options for financing! Our business is in home loans, so you might already guess, that’s the option we recommend, but you don’t have to take our word for it.

Read about all your home improvement financing options --from traditional home improvement loans to peer-to-peer loans to cash out refinancing --and decide which is best for you!

Traditional Home Improvement Loans

These loans are financed by banks, credit unions, and a few online lenders. You’ll get a lump sum to pay for all the labor and materials for your home improvements, such as replacing your HVAC system or putting in a new pool.

Though the name

Summer is almost here!  The weather isn’t the only thing that is heating up -- so is the competition for buying a home! Warmer months are a favorite time for home buying so don’t be surprised if you find yourself in a bidding war with other home buying hopefuls.

Afraid you’ll be outbid unless you offer more?

You don’t have to go over your budget to win in a home buying bidding war! There are other (lesser known) tricks for competing with other buyers.

But remember that it all starts with the right financing! Making an offer that’s backed-up by an approval letter is the number one way to compete with other home buyers. Get started with your home loan by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

BEST TIPS FOR COMPETING WITH OTHER HOME BUYERS

Looking buy your first home? We're excited for you! We're sure that you have a lot of questions too, beginning with, "should my first home be a traditional house or a condo?"

That's an excellent question and one that our office has heard many times from other first-time home buyers just like you.

This article will help you understand the pros and cons of purchasing a house or condo as your first home. It'll help you weigh the difference so that you can feel good about your decision.

Remember, shopping for a home begins with applying for a mortgage! Get the process started now, and when you see your home or condo of your dreams, you'll be ready to purchase.

DECIDING BETWEEN A HOUSE OR CONDO FOR YOUR FIRST HOME

Pros of a Condo

Some condo

It's been 30 days now since I have left Keller Williams Realty in Novi, Michigan. There isn't a day that goes by now that I don't get multiple calls and emails from Realtors asking why I left Keller Williams after 12 years and a lot of success. Why did me and my team of 30+ Realtors and staff just pick up and leave? I have sold over 5,000 homes in my career and the last two years were the best years of my entire career selling over $200 MILLION DOLLARS consisting of over 900 transactions. Why in the world would I walk away from this right? I loved Keller Williams and always told myself if I left I would never do another franchise again. So why didn't I just do my own brokerage and keep 100% of the income instead of working for another brokerage? Both are

It's not uncommon for new homebuyers to forget that there additional costs on top of the listing price when it comes to home sales. Closing costs is a term that buyers will frequently hear as they tour each potential prospect and compare amenities, but they may not realize that closing costs can vary significantly from home to home. They may not even realize that they have a certain degree of power when it comes to who pays for them. For a better chance at being able to afford it all, see how closing costs breakdown.

Total Costs

Closing costs are usually between 2 – 5% of the original purchase price of the home, and include everything from real estate agent fees to property taxes. That's a big spread to work with—especially if the buyer

If you have a large 401 (k) plan but aren't quite near retiring age, you may be considering using part of it to pay off your mortgage.

Seems like a good idea, but is it?

There is no "right" answer. Factors like how much you owe on your mortgage and your ability to pay back the amount you "borrowed" can affect your outcome. Just like any other financial decision, your best option is to find out the facts and weigh your options.

Read on to learn the facts about paying off your mortgage with your retirement fund.

Looking for ways to pay off your mortgage before retiring? Skip ahead to the "Refinancing" section below to find out how!

What is a 401 (k)?

401 (k) retirement plans offered by your employer. They're meant to help you save for

Understanding what documents are needed to sell a property can make the process run smoother. Those working with an agent may benefit from the escrow company assisting in retrieval. However, any home seller should be aware of the types of documents that are typically necessary in order to facilitate the expedient sale of a home. There may be some slight differences depending upon the state in which one owns a home and other applicable factors.

What Documents Are Useful?

Sellers who list their home for sale with an agent need to gather important information on the home. There may be variations depending upon the type of community, type of property and whether the buyer is choosing to reside in a property or use it as an investment property.

Unpermitted work can be a serious issue for homeowners, potential buyers and sellers. Uncovering that work performed proceeded without necessary permits may make it likely that the work was not done according to current codes, such as with electrical work. In addition, once it is known, it will be necessary to disclose any unpermitted work to potential buyers. However, what happens when this was not done and a new homeowner stumbles upon work which has not been properly permitted?

Review the Blueprints

A homeowner may get a better idea of unpermitted repairs by reviewing the blueprints. In this way it can be easy to notice whether or not a closet or sunroom was part of the original plan of the home. This may not provide information on the

It is finally time to stop renting and own a home. There are a number options available to prospective buyers, including single-family homes and condominiums. Buyers need to think about their specific needs and lifestyle prior to purchasing a home. Explore some differences between single-family homes and condos when looking to purchase a home.

Less Time on Maintenance

When it comes to living in a condo, many maintenance jobs are taken care of by the association. Owners can count on the association to hire workers to attend to tasks including yard maintenance, snow removal, landscaping and more. However, this cost is covered by the dues paid by condominium owners. At times, it may be necessary to pay in excess of those fees when the budget

Homeownership isn't for everyone. Oftentimes, renting a home, as opposed to purchasing a home, fits in better for some people. While rental housing works for millions of people, there comes a time when many are ready for something more. With these four items under control, people will know that they are equipped to dive into homeownership.

Clear on Personal Housing Requirements

Deciding on the perfect home takes many potential home buyers months to determine. They spend a great deal of time looking at different kinds of home styles and floor plans to get a sense for their needs. Since owning a home is a longer commitment, people should have at least a few ideas in mind for the kind of housing they would want in a property they own. These