Refinancing? Assess Before You Say Yes

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There’s been a recent re-financing boom like we haven’t seen in a few years, when rates dipped to their lowest in decades. Now the fed has dropped rates below 4% and homeowners are considering refinancing now because rates may never be this low again.

Currently the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is at 3.94%, which is the lowest it’s been since November of 2016. For perspective, the rate was 4.71% a year ago and 4.20% just four weeks ago.

Seeing this sharp decline makes refinancing very attractive to homeowners, but let’s look at three questions you may want to ask yourself before pulling the trigger on a refinance.

Can you say yes to the following?

  1. With the new proposed rate, will I consistently save $80 or more per month off my current mortgage payment?
  2. Am I in a position to eliminate my mortgage insurance based on the remaining balance of my current mortgage and increased property values?
  3. Will I be able to recoup the cost of this refinance in under two years?

If you said yes to all three, then you’re probably in a strong position to refinance your mortgage. If you answered yes to at least one, get in touch and let’s determine if a refi is right for you.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Happy Independence Day!

This year is flying by and I hope you’re all squeezing in a little vacation time, even if you’re just taking a few days off to relax and not think about work for a while.

Many families will be away over the next few weeks. Whether you’ve planned a fun getaway or you’re simply barbecuing in the backyard with friends and family, time away from the daily grind is essential for recharging your body and brain.

If you are afforded vacation time by your employer and don’t take it, you’re doing yourself (and your company) a disservice.

Research consistently shows the health benefits of taking vacation time, like improved productivity, lower stress and better mental health.

So take that vacation (or staycation) and enjoy yourself this summer. You’ve earned it!

June’s Home Improver: Keep Bugs Out of Your Home This Summer

You may have noticed the spring has been particularly rainy and damp this year. You may not have loved it, but the many species of insects thrive on it. That means a summer filled with mosquitoes, ticks, ants, beetles, houseflies, spiders, centipedes and stink bugs.

Those creepy crawlies are bad enough outdoors, but they’re far more annoying when they invade your home. So what can you do to keep those invasive bugs out of your house? Here are a few tips:

  1. Pest control. If you live in a heavily wooded area and you regularly find insects crawling or flying around the house, you may want to call a professional to spray the rooms of your home.
  2. Declutter, clean, vacuum and sweep. Critters love a mess and thrive under boxes, in dark corners and in your carpet. The more you clean, the less chance of infestation.
  3. Seal your doors. The tiniest space in your door is a giant welcome sign to an insect. Head on over to your home improvement center and buy an inexpensive but effective door sweep.
  4. Repair or replace screens. See that tiny hole in your window screen? So do hundreds of creatures flying by and they will make themselves right at home if you don’t take care of it.

Honorable mention: Get some bats! Bats eat insects like people eat potato chips. You can’t have just one. In fact, the average American bat eats up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects every hour, and each bat usually eats 6,000 to 8,000 insects each night.

When the Best Rate Isn’t the Best Deal

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It can be frustrating when anxious homebuyers call to see if I can match a rate from a big bank because they think they are getting the best deal–and in a way they are, at least on paper. But there’s so much more to consider.

When a client calls me and says they heard about a super-low rate on a 15-year fixed loan, they are thinking in the short-term and it’s my job to talk to them about the ramifications of diving into a loan that could potentially cripple their financial future.

This is what separates me from the competition. I’m not afraid to talk people out of a deal that could leave them with mortgage-buyer’s remorse just weeks after they sign the contract.

I don’t believe in assembly line mortgages that get rubber-stamped just because the buyer qualifies for it. Those companies pay little attention to how your long-term financial well-being is addressed.

I believe strongly in the analysis of each homebuyer’s unique situation and then acting as a sounding board for them to find the right programs and consultants to help them make the smartest decision possible. For example, they may need to meet with a CPA or Financial Advisor first.

Walk into a big bank and the starting point is typically, “What can you afford?” They’re starting with their endgame in mind, telling you about the great rate but not necessarily caring if the payment is too high or if they’ve chosen the right program for you.

Buying a home takes time, care and analysis on my part to help you find the best path to secure and pay off your mortgage. Call me at 617-965-1236 to discuss how I can help.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Happy 4/20!

That’s the numerical code for marijuana’s high holiday, and millions will be lighting up this afternoon to pay tribute to their favorite weed — for medicinal purposes, of course!

So where did 4/20 (or 4:20) come from? Back in 1971, five high school seniors from San Francisco took a break to take a toke and the code 4:20 soon caught on and “went viral” in the days before things went viral.

My husband, Dr. Kevin Hill, published a book on marijuana and is an expert in his field on the subject. Find out more about it here.

April’s Home Improver: Caulk vs. Grout: What’s the Difference?

There are several choices you must make in life: Democrat or Republican? Cat or Dog? Red Sox or Yankees? But no question confounds the average homeowner more than grout vs. caulk.

You didn’t think they were the same, did you? No worries. It’s a common mistake. While they may look similar, each has a specific function for your tile.

Grout is a kind of cement, and because of its porous properties, water can filter through it. It’s perfect for holding your tiles in place. Unfortunately, it’s less effective at the “joints” where the walls come together and where the walls meet the floor.

Movement happens in all houses. They settle or shift on the foundation. This is what causes those cracks in the grout. Using caulk in these areas is the better solution.

You may have noticed mold and mildew between the tiles and joints. It’s best to scrape it out and start fresh, eliminating grout and using only caulk.

Caulk is flexible and can help absorb movement so it’s the better choice for wall or floor joints. It won’t crack and will keep your tiles work looking newer for a longer period. Remember to apply it smoothly and accurately to avoid uneven lines and drips.

Finding the Money for Your Downpayment

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In an ideal world you’ll have saved enough money for the downpayment on your home and you’ll be easily approved for your new mortgage. Unfortunately we don’t live in an ideal world and certain circumstances can make you feel like you’ve got no choice but to find a way to raise the funds necessary for your downpayment. Some of these scenarios include:

  • Divorce, especially when children are involved
  • Moving out of parents’ home in an uncomfortable situation
  • Skyrocketing rents that are higher than mortgage payments

Reasons like these and others may inspire you to get creative in finding the money you need to buy your home. The one thing you should never do is take out a big loan. Even if your intentions are honorable, your debt-to-income ratio can be skewed to the point where you’ll be instantly turned down. Here are some other ideas:

  1. Borrow from a family member. Yes, this can be dangerous if you’re concerned about paying it back quickly, but if you have the ability to repay the loan, you’ll probably get it at a very low rate of interest or possibly without interest at all. Some families who have money saved may even gift it to you so you won’t have to pay it back unless you want to.
  2. Cash in your 401(k). Be careful here. Severe penalties and taxes could diminish the total. You may have $30,000 saved, but with penalties and tax payments, it could drop that amount to somewhere around $14,000. Still, dire circumstances call for big sacrifices. This is a personal decision that only you can make.
  3. Take a second job. If you can handle it, the extra money should go straight to your downpayment fund. It’s not easy, but millions of Americans hold down multiple jobs and deposit their paychecks directly into a bank account for their downpayment.
  4. Government programs. Veterans can apply for assistance through VA loans. In some cases you won’t need a downpayment for your mortgage and the rate is usually lower than what is offered by commercial lenders.

Making these hard decisions can require some help. I provide my clients the most sensible options for their unique situations and act like a sounding board to help them make the best decisions.

Buying a home takes time, care and analysis on my part to help you find the best path to secure and pay off your mortgage. Call me at 617-965-1236 to discuss how I can help.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Om

Today is National Meditation Day, so let’s take a moment to focus on the benefits of this ancient practice.
Did you know that more than 380 peer-reviewed research studies on transcendental meditation have been published in over 160 scientific journals?
The research shows that meditating regularly has some very specific health benefits.
  1. Reduced cortisol. This is a stress hormone. Meditating can reduce the release of it. The studies found a noticeable reduction of stroke and heart attack in those with coronary diseases compared with people who did not meditate.
  2. Reduced anxiety and depression.
  3. Improved memory and brain function.
  4. Reduced insomnia.
  5. Greater inner calm.
  6. Normalized blood pressure.
To learn more about different types and techniques of meditation, check out this article from the Mayo clinic.

May’s Home Improver: Know Your Ants!

There are many types of ants crawling in yards, trees and homes around the world. Some are harmless and others, like the notorious bulldog ant of Australia, will bite and sting you until you’re dead.

In Massachusetts, we mostly have kindler, gentler ants, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be aggressive and hazardous to your health.

Let’s start with the common little black ant. What’s he doing in your house and why is he traveling with so many friends? He’s probably foraging for food. If you’ve ever seen a long trail of ants heading for your trash bin or trudging towards an errant fruit loop, it’s because they’re hungry. They won’t bite you but they have a sweet tooth, so be careful what you leave around the house.

Next, we have the flying ant, also called the swarmer. Mostly harmless, but menacing. I hate these things! Who thought it was a cool idea to give ants wings? I suppose its better than a flying rat, but aren’t those just bats?

OK, time for some next-level ant toughness. The carpenter ant. Now don’t expect them to make you a bookshelf. Their name implies that they’re workers, but they can be quite destructive. Carpenter ants
enjoy infesting wood that’s been weakened by moisture. Some people mistake their them for termites when they gather during mating season. But carpenter ants don’t actually eat wood like termites. Instead, they destroy wood by burrowing down into it and building nests. Fun!

Finally we have the fire ant. Stay away from these freaks! The good news is they’ll probably avoid coming into your home. But if their nest is upset in the yard, they get mean. They have no problem racing after you and stinging you (yes, they both bite and sting). The stings are very painful and can be dangerous for people and pets with certain allergies. Lucky for us, these fire ants aren’t the same as the venomous South American fire ant, which has made its way to Australia and causes millions of dollars in damage every year.

Is Zillow the Uber of Real Estate?

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There’s no question that Zillow.com has evolved from a real estate curiosity to a major player in the industry. While some may think of it as a starting point for future homebuyers or simply an entertaining way for house-hunters to kill some time online, Zillow is emerging as a force that could disrupt the entire real estate process. In fact, it already has.

If you’re wondering if Zillow will eventually displace real estate agents, I suppose it’s possible, though highly unlikely — and it would be years away if Zillow were to consider such a pivot.

The more likely lasting scenario is their current model, which uses real estate agents the way Uber uses vetted drivers to close business for them.

Here’s how it works: Zillow sells leads to agents backed by large real estate brokers like Keller Williams, Re/Max and Coldwell Banker. Users sign up and explore locales where they want to buy. Zillow provides their “Zestimate,” which is sometimes less of an estimate and more of a guesstimate. Eventually, Zillow will suggest one of their recommended agents to work with the homebuyer, gather as much accurate data as they can and seal the deal. So the agent gets paid, but so does the broker and now Zillow gets their cut.

Now, whether these agents are any good at selling is no guarantee. The agents Zillow recommends are the ones paying thousands of dollars a year for leads. They are not necessarily the cream of the crop, though some are. Bottom line: it’s a crapshoot.

And that’s the risk you take when starting with software rather than a human. Real estate is almost always an emotional purchase and you need a sentient human to make it all work. Zillow knows that and that’s why they invest in human capital to power their sales engine. At least for now.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Pre-Approval Letter vs. Loan Commitment

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From time to time we use this space to clear up industry
terminology. Recently I was asked about the difference between a pre-approval letter and loan commitment. Both are similar, yet there are subtle differences between these two mortgage terms and they should not be used interchangeably.

Let’s start with pre-approval letters. These are nearly mandatory in today’s real estate market and have been in existence for more than two decades.

A pre-approval letter is submitted by the buyer along with their purchase agreement. Its primary purpose is to assure the seller that the potential buyer has met the basic criteria to be granted the mortgage. The buyer’s income, credit score, debt levels and down payment source are verified at this time.

On the other hand, a loan commitment letter is created when the buyer’s information has been fully reviewed and he or she has been given the clearance to close on the sale. Occasionally, a loan commitment letter is issued along with additional conditions which must be met before they are cleared to close.

The loan commitment letter protects both the seller and the buyer from financing issues that may crop up prior to the closing. So what issues can occur from the time of the pre-approval letter? The biggest concerns are loss of income and credit problems that may lower your score.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Credit Card Debt is Up Again. Now What?

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When the bottom dropped out of the market in 2009, people became more careful about spending and accumulating debt. But once the economy started improving, consumers felt more comfortable about spending. Now, eight years later, we are seeing a return to our less careful days of money management. In fact, we’re setting new records of debt.

In June, Americans officially logged their highest collective debt in history. Of the $1.021 trillion in outstanding revolving credit, $1 trillion of it is credit card debt. This tops the previous record of $1.020 trillion, back in the carefree spending days of April, 2008.

Yikes! What does it all mean in the world of mortgages?

For one thing, it could effect your ability to secure your mortgage. According to a recent report, credit card delinquency is up to 4.4% and may be trending toward the 8% or more reached during the recession.

This is a wake-up call to consumers and specifically homebuyers. With more access to credit cards, people are spending money they don’t have and paying a major price for it, both literally and figuratively.

When I work with homebuyers, I look for three things: Credit, Cash and Capacity. Let’s start with credit. Lower credit scores, combined with the loan-to-value ratio, can affect the interest rate that you’d be eligible for. If your credit is not stellar, buying a home is not impossible, and this is where working with me can make a big difference in your homebuying experience.

When it comes to cash, I encourage buyers to make sure they have a cushion beyond the purchase to replace and/or upgrade parts of their home, whether it’s the air conditioning, a new bathroom or an unexpected but necessary home improvement project.

Finally, and perhaps most important, is capacity. Have you developed a saving discipline over time that prepares you to take on your largest debt? For new homebuyers, I look at their bill-paying history from the bottom up. Starting with small monthly debts like rent and utilities; followed by credit cards and auto loans. If you’re having trouble making these monthly payments, I may advise you that now may not be the best time to buy. I feel it’s my responsibility to guide you in the right direction. If I see potential problems with making your monthly mortgage payment, I’ll let you know.

So what can you do if you’re concerned about taking on the debt of a mortgage? Pre-planning is the key. People don’t always jump right into parenthood. They start to learn to nurture at a young age. First a goldfish, then a cat, then a dog, then a baby. The same is true with homebuying. Take the time to pay down your debt and bring up your credit score. Make all your payments early or on time every month. These actions will put you in a more responsibly deserving place to take on debt you can comfortably control and pay off in a timely manner.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

Buying a Home? Ask About Murderers and Ghosts

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Remember “The Amityville Horror”? It was a huge late-1970s bestseller and movie about a family that was terrorized by a house of evil spirits. It turned out to be a hoax, but there was one part of the story that was just as terrifying, yet absolutely true.

In 1974, 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo, Jr., used a rifle to kill his parents and four younger siblings as they slept in their large Dutch Colonial home at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, N.Y. The house remained empty until it was purchased by the Lutz family 13 months later at a bargain price of $80,000.

When notorious murders make headlines for weeks or even months, homebuyers typically know what they’re getting themselves into. But what happens when someone dies in a house by way of murder or natural causes? Does the real estate agent have to disclose this potential deal-breaker to the buyer?

Yes and no.

According to an article on boston.com, real estate agents are “not required to affirmatively disclose that there might have been a homicide or suicide on the property.” This means that they are not required to offer the information, but they are expected to confirm the information if asked. So, ask.

The article goes on to talk about paranormal activity, which is another little detail that may be left out by an agent looking to unload a property that may or may not have a few ghosts rattling chains in the master bedroom at midnight.

If you’re a buyer, do your homework before you embark on a tour of available properties. If you’d like help creating a list of questions, please get in touch.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

When is an ARM Better Than a Fixed?

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The world of mortgages has a short menu. Will it be an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) or a Fixed Rate Mortgage? You’ll often hear people say that a fixed-rate mortgage is always the best move
— that’s not necessarily the truth. Homebuyers sometimes have unique circumstances that allow them to take advantage of the initial lower rate of an ARM.

First, let’s distinguish between the two. The interest rate of a fixed-rate mortgage never changes. An adjustable-rate mortgage, on the other hand, resets its interest rate at pre-specified times. For example, a “7/1 ARM” indicates the interest rate is locked in for the first seven years and adjusts annually after year seven. Because rates have been lower in recent times, homeowners generally opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to lock in that low rate for the life of the loan.

So when might it make more sense to go with an ARM? Here are a few scenarios:
Changing Cities, Changing Jobs. If you think you’ll be moving within a short time frame but prefer not to rent, an ARM is option that could work very well. For example, a student who’s doing a medical residency may wind up practicing in another state after she graduates. Because she’s uncertain where she’ll land after graduation, an ARM may be the better choice for a few years.
Investment Property. If you’re buying an investment property but only plan to hold onto it for a limited period, why not take the lower rate?
Salary Bump. If your budget is stretched now, but you’re confident your salary will increase in the next 5-7 years, you could start with an ARM and then refinance your mortgage before the rate goes up.
First-time Homebuyers. In cases where financing a 30-year fixed is not a viable option, first-time homebuyers may choose an ARM and either sell or refinance later.
While ARMs usually have caps in place for rate increases, there are usually no caps or limits to how much the first adjustment after the reset point will be. If you wind up staying beyond the first interval of your ARM, you could face a larger rate increase than you can afford. This is why we only recommend ARMs for the short term, even though it’s entirely possible the rate could adjust down.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

5 Home Improvement Ideas That Increase Value

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Does your home need a few tweaks before putting it on the market? Let’s take a look at the top ways to increase your property value, even if you’re staying in your home for the next several years.

1. Kitchen Remodel. Here’s an opportunity to improve one of the most important rooms in the home from a buyer’s perspective. New cabinets and countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and beautiful floor covering can instantly increase value. But be careful–don’t go too far with your changes. They should be in line aesthetically with the rest of the home and the neighborhood.

2. Bathroom Addition. Only one bathroom in the home is a big negative for buyers. According to HGTV, adding a new bathroom can net you up to 130% of your investment.

3. New Windows. Here’s one of the most underrated home improvement ideas. Energy Star-rated windows save on heating costs (as much as $500 annually) and yield a green energy tax credit of 10%.

4. Closet Space. Storage is often an issue for families and spacious walk-in closets are big selling point for potential buyers. Even small changes like additional shelving and hooks can make the most of limited closet space. Don’t underestimate the need for proper storage, especially for homebuyers with one or more children.

5. Curb Appeal. When we think of increasing property value, we often focus on the dwelling itself and overlook the all-important first impression people have when seeing your home from the outside. Even before walking through the door, you’ll need to present a well-lit, painted (or sided) home with a manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, and a clean, family-friendly backyard. A landscaper is a good start, but consider a landscape designer first if your home needs a new look from the outside.

Home improvements can be costly but necessary for a solid ROI. Need help figuring out how to finance them? I can help. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.

3 Downpayment Myths Debunked

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When it comes to mortgage downpayments, there seems to be some confusion about how much you really need to put down on a new property. Let’s take a look at three common misconceptions.

1. The 20% Rule. If you were to ask the average person on the street about downpayments, the majority of them would say 20% is required. While 20% is a common guideline, it’s not necessarily the reality. In fact, there are a number of low downpayment programs available.

2. It Has to be ONLY my money. Gift funds are a great option. A gift may be provided by a spouse, child, or anyone related to the borrower. It must specify the dollar amount and an official gift letter is required stating that the funds were a gift and no repayment is expected.

3. First-time Homebuyers Only. While the industry has always encouraged first-time homebuyers, it’s a myth to think current and previous homeowners will be forced to submit 20% and not a penny less. I have worked with numerous clients over the years who have preferred a smaller downpayment so they can keep some money for repairs and additions to their new home.

Don’t be fooled by these misconceptions that have seeped into the general consciousness. There are more options for low downpayments than you may have imagined. If you or someone you know would like to explore the possibility of a low downpayment option, I can help. Call me at 617-965-1236.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance the one you own? Please get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help guide you through the process. I look forward to speaking with you.