First Time Home Buyer Tips
Many people know they want to buy a home, but aren’t sure when they should make that move. It’s a future goal, but figuring out when to start can be tricky. One thing is clear: the best time to call a loan officer is right now, even if you’re still in the early stages of…
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If you have a low credit score, you may be wondering if homeownership is possible. The short answer? Yes, you can buy a home with a low credit score. But the real question is… should you? That depends on your financial situation, loan options, and long-term goals. What is the Minimum Credit Score to…
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Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about whether real estate agents are necessary in today’s market. Some believe you can handle the process yourself, skipping representation altogether. While it’s true that buying or selling a home involves plenty of resources at your fingertips, nothing replaces the expertise and guidance of a seasoned professional. If…
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Are you dreaming of owning an investment property? At Liberty Star Mortgage, we have a strategy to help you achieve this goal while securing the benefits of a primary residence loan. It’s all about combining smart planning with creative financing. @collettesmortgagetips Let’s talk about how you can buy investment property along with a primary residence!…
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Congratulations on earning your degree! If you’ve just graduated and are ready to take the next big step—homeownership—you may be closer than you think. @collettesmortgagetips Just graduated college and ready to buy your first home? Did you know that your college transcript can count as your job history!? If you’ve got that shiny new degree…
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Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but understanding the costs involved can feel overwhelming. At Liberty Star Mortgage in Fulshear, Texas, we’re here to break it down and help you plan your budget effectively. Here are answers to some of the most common budget questions when purchasing a home. What Costs Should You Expect…
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At Liberty Star Mortgage, we take your safety seriously and we want to help you protect your hard-earned money during your homebuying journey, and we need to talk about something that could cost you big—wire fraud. What is Wire Fraud? Wire fraud occurs when a scammer tricks you into wiring your money to the wrong…
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As a first-time homebuyer, you’re likely overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of buying a home is understanding what a home warranty is and why you might want one. What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract that covers…
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Congratulations on closing your new home! This is a huge milestone, but the journey doesn’t stop here. To help ensure your transition into homeownership is smooth and stress-free, here are six essential tips to follow after you’ve closed on your new home. 1. Request Both Paper and Electronic Copies of Your Closing Documents When…
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When buying a home, there’s often confusion about what’s included in your escrow account, particularly regarding Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. Many people assume that, like property taxes and homeowners insurance, their HOA fees will be collected monthly as part of their escrow payments. However, this is a common misconception. HOA Payments and Escrow: What’s the…
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Welcome to Mortgage Math, with Mortgage Expert, Collette Horton! Let’s break down how your tax rate significantly impacts your monthly mortgage payment. Sometimes it can mean the difference of HUNDREDS of dollars per month! When you’re planning to buy a home, one of the most crucial factors to consider is how your tax…
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Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled four essential tips that every homebuyer should know. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, these insights will ensure a smoother and more successful experience. 1. Get Pre-approved Before You Start…
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Buying your first home in Houston is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting process filled with new terminology and important decisions. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve put together an essential guide for first-time homebuyers in Houston. Follow these steps to make your home-buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as…
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Buying a home is a major milestone, and the process can be both exciting and stressful. One crucial aspect to keep in mind is the impact of your financial decisions leading up to the closing date. Making big purchases before closing on a home can jeopardize your mortgage approval and delay your move-in date. Here’s…
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A step-by-step game plan for what to expect from initial consultation all the way through to the closing of your home. 1. Initial Appointment The purpose of the initial appointment is to understand your “needs and wants” as a buyer. This may be the most critical meeting of the home buying process. During this appointment,…
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