Posted in Buying Homes

Why Being a Homeowner Is Beneficial in Today’s Market from a Local Real Estate Expert

Today, many people have been wondering if it is beneficial to become a homeowner in today’s market. While the answer to this question may vary depending on an individual’s situation, there are definitely some advantages of becoming a homeowner that make it an attractive option for many. As a local real estate expert based in Saginaw, Michigan, I can provide insight into why being a homeowner is beneficial in the current climate.

One of the most obvious benefits of being a homeowner is the amount of equity you can build over time. When you purchase a home, your house will typically appreciate in value as time passes. This means that when you eventually decide to sell your home and move on to another one, you will likely be able to access equity that you built while owning your property. This can give homeowners financial security and flexibility as they move through life stages and accumulate wealth along the way.

Additionally, homeowners benefit when it comes to their credit scores as well. Making regular mortgage payments is viewed favorably by lenders and creditors which can lead to better credit ratings and higher chances of approval for other loans or lines of credit. Another financial benefit of becoming a homeowner is that mortgage interest is often tax-deductible which could result in lower taxes owed each year.

On top of financial benefits, being a homeowner provides individuals with stability and security that renting simply cannot provide. Owning your own home gives you control over who lives around you and what kinds of changes (if any) are made to the property itself – both inside and outside – without needing permission from someone else or having restrictions imposed upon you by landlords or other entities like an HOA (homeowners association). You will never have to worry about unexpected rent increases either which provides peace of mind when planning ahead financially each month.

Furthermore, there are intangible benefits associated with homeownership such as pride and accomplishment that come with investing in yourself rather than someone else’s asset; something that renters do not enjoy quite as much as homeowners do! Homeowners also tend to care more about their local communities since they are invested in them for the long term and therefore are more likely to get involved in community activities both on and off their property compared those who do not own homes locally.

Finally, now may actually be one of the best times for potential buyers interested in making an investment since housing inventory is currently limited due to Springtime activity combined with low interest rates across many states – including Michigan! These factors could offer potential buyers great opportunities when shopping around as this type of market tends to be competitive yet advantageous nonetheless if managed properly with assistance from an experienced local real estate expert!

In conclusion, there are several different benefits associated with becoming a homeowner that make it attractive especially during periods like these where housing inventory levels are low and interest rates remain relatively stable throughout much of the United States including states like Michigan here in Saginaw where I am based out of as a licensed real estate expert! From building equity over time to gaining control over one’s living environment as well enjoying financial savings via tax deductions on mortgage interest among other things, buying versus renting can prove beneficial if done responsibly so be sure to work closely with someone who understands what it takes for success before taking such steps!

Posted in Home Buyers

HOUSES ARE LIKE SPOUSES! Great Info For Buyers

They cost as much – can be cold and drafty – potential to take away your paycheck! Oh my, this is not what I was thinking when I posted that I would be writing an article with the title Houses Are Like Spouses; but those were some of my followers lines! Lol……

Here’s what I was thinking: Have you heard that line before, “There’s no one perfect spouse”? This is the direction I was headed. Stay with me here. You see, I love working with buyers. For the most part they are super fun and it is so exciting when they find “The one”. But in reality, I don’t think there is any “one” perfect home, as there isn’t necessarily a perfect spouse. No house is perfect, neither is any person. Though, as they say – there might be one perfect for you. Or at least one that you can work on where the end result is indeed the perfect match. 🙂

When I begin working with a buyer, I ask them to get me a Wish List. Write down some major and most important factors you are looking for in a home; just like your mom told you to do when you were looking for that special person in your life. There are a lot of things you can like &/or dislike in a home. Some are deal breakers, others are fixable, changeable, or just not that important. Decide what is the most important aspect in a home for you. It will be different for everyone. Maybe location is most the highest on the list for you. Maybe it needs to be a 1 story, have a main floor master, or you just have to have a pole barn. What is it? Narrow it down. Make sure you are aware of the items that are deal-breakers & those that are “Gee that would be nice”.

The reason is because most likely there won’t be one home that has it all. But, there may be several that have everything except one or two things. I rehab a lot of homes. Buy them, fix em, and re-sell. I have come to look for the possibility in homes. Maybe I found the perfect location but I understand most people want a master suite and this home doesn’t have it. I just closed on one of those last week. Voila, for under $5,000 I am making a master suite and have added another half bath off the kitchen to make a 2 1/2 bath home, that was originally a 2 bath and it will soon have that ever sought after master suite with walk-in closet and bath. Things aren’t always that expensive. Most things can be done. Would it have been economical for me to have purchased a home that I would have had to actually put an addition on? Nope, absolutely not. But this one worked perfectly for me.  At my personal home though, I’m considering an addition; one that will make my home just the way I want, and it is focused on things I know the return on investment is high.

Here are some main things you should consider when buying a home: location, setting, style (ranch, 2 story), # BR’s & BTH, basement, attached garage, pole barn, acreage, and of course price. What is important to you? When we look for that perfect person, we may have to teach them to kiss – our way! Or to put the toilet paper roll front ways. These are trainable and changeable things. Just like there are things in a house that we can do to make it a home, OUR home. Don’t miss out on something that could be just perfect for you!!