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Saturday, April 8, 2023

Assuming a Loan Can Save You Thousands

 

Assuming a loan is a great option for buyers looking to save money.


Over the past few years, we have seen record-breaking interest rates in the housing market. As a result,

assuming a loan has not been a popular option for most buyers. However, with the interest rates on the

rise, buyers are beginning to consider this option again. Here are four advantages of assuming a loan:


1. Lower interest rates. One of the primary advantages of assuming a loan is that you might be able

to take advantage of a lower interest rate. For example, if you assume a loan from someone who purchased

a home two years ago and was able to get a 3% interest rate, you can take over that interest rate as well.

This means you can save thousands of dollars in closing costs because you're not generating a new loan.

By working through the costs associated with transferring that loan over to you, you can enjoy a lower

interest rate.


2. Fewer closing costs. When you assume a loan, many of the costs associated with buying a home will

not exist. You're only working through the costs associated with transferring that loan over to you.

This means that you can save a significant amount of money on closing costs.


"Loan assumptions are becoming more popular 

again due to lower rates."


3. Shorter long term. Another advantage of assuming a loan is that you will inherit the long term from the seller, which can be significantly shorter than a new long term. This means that you can pay off 
your loan faster and be debt-free sooner.


4. Lower monthly payments. Finally, assuming a loan can lead to significantly lower monthly payments. 
A lower interest rate and a lower loan amount can help reduce your monthly payments. This can be a great
option for those who want to reduce their 
monthly expenses and save money.


If you're interested in assuming a loan, it's important to work with a professional who can guide you
through the process. If you have any questions or are ready to get started, call or email us right away.

Thursday, March 16, 2023

Buying a Home with Solar Panels? Here are 5 Key Considerations

 

Five things to consider before you buy a home with solar already installed.


If you're in the market for a new home, you may come across a property that already has solar panels installed. This can be an attractive feature as it can potentially save you money on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint. However, before you jump in, there are some important things to consider. Here are five key factors to keep in mind when purchasing a home with solar panels:

1. Existing loan or lease on the solar panel system. The first thing to consider is whether there is a loan or lease on the solar panel system. This is important because these agreements can have a significant impact on your finances. In some cases, the loan or lease amount can be as high as $40,000, and if it's not paid off at the time of closing, you'll need to assume that loan. This means that you'll not only have to qualify for the financing for the house, but you'll also need to qualify for the cost and the assumption of the lease on the solar panel system. Be sure to carefully review the terms of any existing agreements before making an offer on the property.

2. Manufacturer and installer of the solar panels. It's also important to find out who manufactured and installed the solar panels. You want to ensure that the company is still in business and can provide service and repairs if needed. You'll also want to check if parts are still available for the system. Knowing the manufacturer and installer of the solar panels can help you determine the level of support you can expect from them in the future.


"Purchasing a home with solar panels can be a great investment."



3. Warranty on the solar panels. When it comes to solar panels, warranties are essential. You'll want to find out if there is a warranty on the panels and, if so, whether it's still valid. This goes back to the second question about the manufacturer and installer still being in business. You want to make sure that if you need service on the solar panels, you have a company that stands behind the product and can come and fix it. Additionally, make sure that the warranty is transferred to you at the time of closing; otherwise, it's essentially worthless.

4. Average monthly electric bill with the solar panels. Another important consideration is the average monthly electric bill with the panels installed compared to what it was before the panels were installed. This will give you an idea of how efficiently the panels are working and whether they're providing a good return on investment. If you're investing $30,000 in solar panels, you want to make sure that you'll be able to recoup that investment over time.

5. Insurance coverage for the solar panel system. Finally, you'll want to check with your insurance company to see if they cover the solar panel system. You're taking on a significant obligation when purchasing a home with solar panels, so you want to ensure that you're protected in case of damage caused by natural causes, such as hailstorms.

Purchasing a home with solar panels can be a great investment, but it's important to do your research and ask the right questions. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of solar power for years to come. If you need guidance through this process, don't hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email. We’d love to help you.


Monday, February 20, 2023

5 Reasons Why Now Is a Great Time To Buy

 

The market may have been volatile, but it’s now a phenomenal time to buy.


Despite what you might be hearing on the news today, it is a great time to buy a house. Today, I’m here to tell you five reasons why today is a better time to buy a house than it was two or three years ago: 

1. Inventory is up. There are more homes on the market today for you to choose from, which is a great position to be in. 

2. Homes are staying on the market longer. That means you’ll be able to see the homes that are available and make an offer without being in as much of a rush. 


"Despite what you might be hearing on the news today, it is a great time to buy a house."



3. There's less competition from other buyers. Two years ago, we were seeing 10 to 15 multiple offers on a single house. That’s not the same today, which gives you a better chance of winning the home that you want. 

4. Interest rates are still remarkably low. When working with our preferred local lender, we’ve seen clients get down to 5.5% for their interest rate, which is phenomenal. Historically, this is extremely low. 

5. Buyers have more negotiating power. You may be the only offer on a house that's been on the market for some time, which gives you more leverage in negotiations, and that's always a good thing. 

Don't wait—take advantage of these conditions today and go out and find the house of your dreams. If you have any questions about this topic or real estate in general, please reach out to me by phone call or email. I would be happy to help with all of your real estate needs.