Homestar

The IRS has announced that the federal income tax filing date for individuals for the 2020 tax year has been extended from April 15, 2021 to May 17, 2021. #taxseason #taxdeadline

Tip for Maintaining Credit: Don’t close unused or old credit cards. Closing a credit card stops updates sent to the credit bureaus by credit card issuers. Closing a credit card also reduces available credit, especially since your goal is to keep your balances less than 30 percent of your available credit. Keeping old credit cards open gives your credit report a longer record, which accounts for 10 percent of your credit score. Keep your old credit cards active by using them often enough to where they will not be made inactive by your credit card issuer(s)use it for small purchases or recurring charges. Check with your credit card issuer(s) to find out how often the card must be used to avoid them being closed due to inactivity. #maintainingcredit #credittips

Lock-In Agreement = A written agreement from your lender guaranteeing a specific mortgage interest rate for a certain amount of time. #mortgageterms #homeownership

Do you have equity in your home? Refinancing can be a great financial move. With a cash-out refinance, you can use those funds to pay for college tuition. #refinancing #chooseHOMESTAR #refinanceyourhome

Getting ready to close on a refinance? Check out these basics to know before closing: - Your payoff amount is always higher than your remaining principal balance. Your payoff amount is the balance plus prorated interest from the last payment received until the loan is paid off. - The funding date is typically different from the closing date. The government mandates a three-day rescission period for refinances of primary residences. - Can you skip a payment? While you do get... a break on paying principal for the closing month, you are still paying a full month’s interest. - Don’t rely on existing escrow funds for closing. If you have an escrow account for taxes and/or insurance, funds will be held in that account until the current loan is paid off. For more detailed information about refinancing, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you with your refinance and answer any questions. #refinancing #refinanceyourhome #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

HOMESTAR recognizes those who proudly served our country. Thank you! HOMESTAR is proud to offer the VA loan program, which includes the following benefits: - No monthly mortgage insurance premium - Limited closing costs... - No money down is available Reach out today to get the mortgage process started. #homeownership #valoans #chooseHOMESTAR

Most, if not all, mortgage lenders require borrowers to obtain and provide proof of insurance coverage for the full or fair value of a home. Even if you are not required to obtain homeowners insurance, it’s still a smart idea to have this protection to cover one of the largest purchases in your lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about homeowners insurance: https://bit.ly/StepsToFindingTheRightHomeownersInsurance #HOMESTARblog #homeownersinsurance #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR

Now is the time to refinance your home! Refinancing can be a great financial move allowing you to shorten the life of your mortgage. Contact us today to learn more. #chooseHOMESTAR #refinancing

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage = Offers a lower initial rate than a fixed-rate loan, but your payment can go up at set times and by set amounts. #mortgageterms #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

With rates still near all-time low levels, it may still be very advantageous to consider refinancing in order to save money each month. Additionally, this could be a great opportunity to consolidate your debts and reduce your mortgage term because of the widespread increases we have seen in real estate values. #refinancing #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

Buying a home can remain in your future by avoiding going into default on your student loans. Default occurs when you are at least nine months past due on your student loans. When you default, this can negatively affect your credit rating and future borrowing ability. You may contact your student loan servicer for more information about repayment options to fit your current needs. #studentloans #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR

HOMESTAR is grateful and appreciative of the men and women who have served our country. Veterans can receive several benefits through HOMESTAR’s VA loan program. Reach out to us today to learn more.... #homeownership #valoans #chooseHOMESTAR

With a new year, cyber crooks are sending urgent COVID alerts, instructions about stimulus payments, tax audits, and refunds. Fake messages like these are designed to steal your money and personal information, so always be careful! #securitytips #becybersmart

Thank you to all of the brave men and women who have served our country. HOMESTAR specializes in VA loans to help Veterans become proud homeowners at an affordable cost. Reach out to us today to learn more.... #homeownership #valoans #chooseHOMESTAR

We can provide a checklist of everything you need for closing day. Items generally needed are: - Photo ID - Outstanding documents or paperwork - Certified or cashier's check for closing costs... #homeownership #closing #closingprocess

Co-Borrower = Any additional borrower(s) whose name(s) appear on loan documents and whose income and credit history are used to qualify for the loan. Under this arrangement, all parties involved have an obligation to repay the loan. #mortgageterms #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

HOMESTAR is here to assist you with all of your mortgage needs! Loan programs include: - HUD $100 Down Payment Program: HUD foreclosed properties - FHA/203B: Down payment of 3.5% - Conventional: Up to 97% maximum financing - USDA 100% Financing: No money down for those in designated rural areas... - VA 100% Financing: Refinance or purchase - Down Payment Assistance Programs: Georgia Dream - And more! Contact us to learn more and apply today! #chooseHOMESTAR #loanprograms #mortgageloans #HOMESTARloanprograms #homeownership

Memories, milestones, and love are all shared within the home. HOMESTAR can help you find the perfect place to call home. Get started on your journey to the easiest way home! #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership #homebuying

Fur babies hold a special place in our hearts as they are important members of the family. We can help you find a home where you and your fur baby or fur babies can be comfortable and happy! #petsareimportant #furbabies #homebuying #homeownership

Credit Score = A computer-generated number that summarizes your credit profile and predicts the likelihood that you'll repay future debts. #mortgageterms #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership #credit #creditscore

With interest rates low, it's worth taking time to speak with me to see if now is the perfect time for you to refinance your home. You may be able to lower your interest rate and save money! #refinancing #chooseHOMESTAR

Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone. The mortgage process involves multiple steps, but with the right preparation and a powerful team of mortgage professionals by your side, you will be well equipped for each step of the homebuying journey. Check out our "Homebuyer's Guide to the Mortgage Process:" http://bit.ly/HomebuyersGuideToTheMortgageProcess #HOMESTARblog #mortgageprocess #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR

Q: What is the difference between an appraisal and an inspection? Which do I need? A: An appraisal by a professional appraiser is required for most loans. It is an opinion of the value of your home compared to others like yours in the same area. A home inspection is not always required. It is a wise investment for a home you intend to live in for many years; the inspect will look at the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roof, etc., the systems of the house, and see what needs repai...r or replacement. Well and septic system inspections may be required if they apply to your home. A Structural Engineer Report on a manufactured home is required to ensure the property meets safety requirements. #homebuyerFAQ #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

Home prices are appreciating, and they will continue to do so. So, does that mean they’re less affordable? With a lack of inventory for lower-priced homes, there are simply more transactions occurring for higher-priced homes, which pushes the median home price higher. Actual home price appreciation across the US is currently in the range of 5.5 percent to 6 percent versus last year. And it is forecasted to increase by a similar margin next year. Meanwhile, weekly earnings are... up more than 5 percent versus a year ago. Additionally, only a portion of your income goes toward paying your mortgage. A 5 percent rise in income can offset a much greater percentage rise in housing expense. This tells us that homes are actually more affordable, even though they have appreciated. #homeprices #mortgages #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR

Thinking about moving soon? With loan limits up, there are more options available! Tip: If you decide to move and rent a truck yourself, choose one with a loading ramp. If the cost is slightly higher for a truck with a loading ramp, it will be well worth it. Truck with a loading ramp = less time wasted, good weather, and minimal sore muscles. #movingtip #moving #homeownership

If you are in the process of obtaining a mortgage loan to purchase a home, you may have already heard the term PMI. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required when you put less than 20 percent down on a home. Here are 3 ways you can avoid or stop paying PMI: https://bit.ly/3WaysToAvoidOrStopPayingPMI #HOMESTARBlog #privatemortgageinsurance #mortgage #homeownership

Closing Costs = The costs to complete the real estate transaction. These costs are in addition to the price of the home and are paid at closing. They include points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs, items that must be prepared or escrowed, and other costs. #mortgageterms #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

HOMESTAR is now closing Manufactured Home Loans through our Conventional, FHA, and VA Loan Programs. Contact me today for more information. #chooseHOMESTAR #manufacturedhomeloans #homeownership #conventionalloans #valoans #fhaloans

Due to a lack of inventory in the housing market, it may take you longer to find the right home. However, your efforts will likely be rewarded. The housing market is hot and forecasted to show strong gains into the future. While it may take a little more persistence to find your next home, stay with it and don't get discouraged because the financial opportunity is significant. Be sure to get pre-qualified first so that you are ready to go! Reach out to me today to get the pr...ocess started! #homeshopping #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR #housingmarket

If you could buy your dream home, where would it be located? #HOMESTARpoll #dreamhome

Have you found your dream home, but the price isn’t quite right? Don’t be afraid to negotiate! Negotiation is key to scoring the right home at the right price. ...Here are ten things you need to do when negotiating the price on your dream home: http://bit.ly/NegotiatePriceOnDreamHome #chooseHOMESTAR #HOMESTARblog #negotiatehomeprice #homenegotiation #homeownership

Q: My spouse’s credit is not the best, what can we do? We need both incomes to buy a house; my spouse makes more money than I do. A: Your loan is based on the middle of the three credit scores and on the lower of the two co-borrowers. Is there a possibility of another co-borrower who will sign with you? #homebuyerFAQ #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

Do your young children keep coming to you telling you how bored they are? Keep them busy and their mind working with sensory bins! Sensory bins are cheap and easy to make! Sensory play is an activity that stimulates the senses and helps children at many of their developmental stages. These bins can have rice, beans, birdseed, and more. Most of the items can be found right in your home! Check out this list of sensory bin basics from Busy Toddler: https://busytoddler.com/2016/0...4/sensory-bin-basics/ #activitiesforkids #sensorybins #funathome #busytoddler

Co-Signer = A term used to describe an individual who signs a loan or credit application with another person and promises to pay if the primary borrower doesn't pay. A co-signer is different from a co-borrower in that a co-signer takes responsibility for the debt only when the borrower defaults. #mortgageterms #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership

Many economists believe that more members of Gen Z will become homeowners than Millennials. #genZ #generationZ #genZhomebuyers #homeownership #chooseHOMESTAR

Now that fall is here, it's time to make the most of the season. Here are some fun fall activities to enjoy safely: - Go for a drive and enjoy the changing leaves - Carve or decorate pumpkins - Go for a hike and get some fresh air... - Keep a gratitude journal and write down one thing you are grateful for every day - DIY a Halloween costume - Shop online or safely in store for fall clothes - Make some soup and/or sweet treats - Craft a fall wreath to decorate the door - Snuggle by a fire with a warm blanket and good book - Decorate the yard for Halloween - Get a head start on holiday shopping - Watch your favorite fall movies - Schedule an outdoor family photo session - Plant fall flowers - Watch birds - Roast marshmallows - Enjoy a bonfire - Make cards and send them to loved ones #fallseason #fallactivities #funathome #timeathome

Thinking about purchasing rental property or listing your current home for rent? Becoming a landlord takes time, is an investment, requires organization, and involves a thorough understanding of landlord-tenant laws. Here is what you need to know when it comes to how to be a landlord managing tenants and rental property: https://bit.ly/HowToBeASuccessfulLandlord #HOMESTARblog #investmentproperty #landlordtips #becomealandlord

Credit Improvement Tip: Don't close your current credit card accounts because then you will be using a higher percentage of your overall credit limit. #improveyourcredit #creditimprovement #creditimprovementtip

Q: Will my payment ever change? A: If you have a fixed-rate loan, then the loan payment (principal and interest portion of your loan) would not change. However, if you escrow for property taxes and homeowners insurance, it may change as the cost for these items change. If you have private mortgage insurance (PMI), your payment normally decreases over time depending on which type of loan you have. The mortgage insurance (MI) on some FHA loans does not disappear. Homeowners association (HOA) dues are generally not escrowed into the payment and change over time. #homebuyerFAQ #chooseHOMESTAR #homeownership