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 upfront. Healthy Financial Goals for Couples While making plans for engagement parties, showers, the wedding venue, cake, flowers, dresses, music, […]
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 […]
VA Loans in Texas
/0 Comments/in Home Loans, Mortgage Tips /by Joel RichardsonIs a VA Loan Right for You? As 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 downpayment, no mortgage insurance, and more […]
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 upfront. Healthy Financial Goals for Couples While making plans for engagement parties, showers, the wedding venue, cake, flowers, dresses, music, […]
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 […]
Homestead Exemption
/0 Comments/in Homeowner Tips /by Joel RichardsonHomestead Exemption Frequently Asked Questions It’s Homestead Exemption time. For those of you who made primary home purchase in 2014 or moved your homestead in 2014? Don’t wait! It’s time to reap the tax benefits for your new home. What is a general homestead exemption? According to the Travis County Appraisal District: The general homestead […]
Are You Planning a Spring Spruce Up?
/2 Comments/in Homeowner Tips /by Joel RichardsonHome Renovation Financing In the spring, homeowners get the urge to clean things up and change things around the house. Maybe you find yourself with the itch to remodel or do a home renovation for your house or investment property. Can I Borrow Money to Renovate My House? I field calls and emails daily from […]
Austin Investment Properties
/in Austin Life /by Joel RichardsonInvestment Properties in Austin Investment property loans are a great way to start investing in real estate. As you may be aware, now is a great time to invest in the Austin area! In a recent post in Forbes, Austin was ranked as the number one city to invest in 2015: See Best Buy Cities: […]
FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium Reduction
/0 Comments/in Austin Mortgage Updates /by Joel RichardsonFHA Reduces Mortgage Insurance Premium Due to the improving housing market, U.S. Housing and Urban Development announced that the Federal Housing Administration FHA will reduce FHA mortgage insurance, a common annual insurance premiums from 1.35 to .85 percent. “So what.” you say? Let’s just take a quick look at the numbers: FHA mortgage insurance doesn’t […]