How Does Money Affect Marriage? Ah, Spring, a popular time for those who have found true love to tie the knot. Money and marriage can be tricky if couples neglect to talk about financial goals up front. Healthy Financial Goals for Couples While making plans for engagement parties, showers, the wedding venue, cake, flowers, dresses, […]
“Top Mortgage Professional” in Austin Monthly
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonVoted Top Austin Monthly’s Top Mortgage Professional I am a “Top Mortgage Professional” in Austin Monthly’s Peer-to-Peer Survey! Obviously, my team and I appreciate the nomination and the votes of confidence. In a very demanding profession, it’s a pleasure to be able to do what I love to do every day: help make it easy for […]
FHA Loan Limit Increases Some Texas Areas
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Homeowner Tips /by Joel RichardsonSome Texas Counties Benefit from FHA Loan Limit Increases HUD just announced FHA loan limit increases in our area of Texas. FHA home loan programs typically help first-time homebuyers, seniors, or others with limits on what they can afford. FHA home loans offer: A low 3.5% down payment Flexible income and credit requirements Low closing […]
Home Equity: What You Need to Know
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonWhat Is It and How to Use It? What is Home Equity? With the recent spike in real estate values, I often have customers ask about their home equity. First, what is it? It is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. Each owner has […]
Managing Rental Property Overseas
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonManaging International Rental Properties Ever wonder if managing international rental properties for you? It’s Maybe you have wanderlust and have become smitten with a villa in the Provence, or a chalet in the Swiss Alps. Suddenly, you find yourself browsing the real estate listing and fantasizing about a vacation home. Then you scratch your head […]
What Are Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates?
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonInterest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates? Home loan officers, mortgage brokers, lenders, and banks discuss two rates when a borrower does research on the mortgage rates. The two terms are: Interest Rates and Annual Percentage Rates (APR). Often, many people will often use the terms interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Not surprisingly, […]
Texas Jumbo Loans
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonJumbo Loans in Texas Everything is bigger in Texas. That’s right! Not only is Texas known for its big and bold personality, but that extends to the world of real estate too. Specifically, we mean Texas jumbo loans. The Housing Market in Austin If you are looking to buy a high-value property in Texas, especially […]
Is a VA Loan Right for You?
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonAs a trusted provider of VA loans in Texas, we understand the importance of providing a home loan that empowers active-duty members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses as homeowners. What Are the Benefits Some benefits of VA loans in Texas include no down payment, no mortgage insurance, and more lenient credit requirements. No Downpayment One […]
Home Renovation: Know When to Say “When”
/0 Comments/in Home Improvement /by Joel RichardsonHome Renovation: Market Value We work with many clients who want to refinance (or who have already refinanced) their homes. Frequently, clients cite all the updating they have done as proof of their home’s increased value. However, an appraisal will reveal that this isn’t always the case. How to Avoid Too Much Home Renovation Here is […]
Is Financial Bliss a Fairy Tale?
/0 Comments/in Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonHow Does Money Affect Marriage? Ah, Spring, a popular time for those who have found true love to tie the knot. Money and marriage can be tricky if couples neglect to talk about financial goals up front. Healthy Financial Goals for Couples While making plans for engagement parties, showers, the wedding venue, cake, flowers, dresses, […]
Buying Your Home: Do’s and Don’ts
/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonHome Buyers Guide: Do’s and Don’ts Having been in this business for over two decades, I have seen it all. No matter how experienced, even the most seasoned home buyers can use a refresher on the home buying process. Besides, it’s my passion to help you manage what could possibly be one of the largest […]