A New Homebuyer’s Guide to Understanding Property Taxes

Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with various responsibilities, including understanding property taxes. Property taxes are a crucial aspect of homeownership, as they contribute to local government funding and services. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about property taxes as a new homebuyer. What Are Property Taxes? Property taxes are taxes imposed by local governments on property owners. These taxes are based on the assessed value of real estate properties, including land, buildings, and improvements. The revenue generated from property taxes is used to fund essential services such as…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – February 20th, 2024

Last week's release of CPI and PPI resulted in slightly higher than expected inflation rates which led to speculation that the Federal Reserve's decision to cut rates will likely come much further in the year than anticipated. There was some suspicion that if inflation rates would continue to exceed predictions, it could result in another rate hike. Lending partners have responded in kind with the first significant increase in lending rates since the end of November. However, The Federal Reserve will likely maintain its current stance.  Other reports such as US Retail Sales are showing a drop, but this is…
Read More

The Importance of a Pre-Sale Home Inspection: A Wise Move Before Listing

Preparing to sell your home requires numerous decisions: Should you freshen up the paint? Finally, finish the basement. Renovate the bathroom? These questions often dominate the pre-sale planning. However, before diving into renovations, it is important to understand how your home has held up over time. One fundamental step in this process is investing in a professional home inspection. Here's why. Assessing Your Home's Current Condition Consider your home's age and its maintenance history. When was its last professional inspection? Has it weathered any significant damage? Take a stroll around your property, paying close attention to key structural elements. Are…
Read More