Suzanne's Blog

6 money-saving tips homebuyers should know

By Suzanne Volkman | Nov 6, 2023

Buying a house is always expensive, but recently it has been even tougher for many Americans to afford to buy a home. As of August 2023, the median home price sits at $407,100, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. That’s an increase of nearly 4% year-over-year To make matters worse, mortgage rates are high right […]

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Is a Home Equity Line of Credit Right for You?

By Suzanne Volkman | Nov 2, 2023

You know that you can borrow against the equity that you’ve built in your home, using the funds from home equity loans to pay for whatever you want, whether you’re ready to remodel your aging kitchen or pay off high-interest-rate credit card debt. What you don’t know, though, is whether it makes more sense to […]

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5 Home Improvement Projects That Will Pay Off in 2024

By Suzanne Volkman | Oct 30, 2023

With 2024 on the horizon, many homeowners are seeking ways to enhance their property and increase its value. Whether you plan to sell your home in the new year or simply want to update its style and livability for yourself, strategic home improvement projects can make a significant impact. Spruce Up the Exterior First impressions […]

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The Big Benefits of Downsizing Your Home

By Suzanne Volkman | Oct 27, 2023

If you’re considering downsizing, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are embracing the advantages of living in smaller spaces. Living more compactly can offer a range of benefits, from cost savings to a better quality of life. Explore the advantages of living smaller and learn why it’s becoming an increasingly popular option. Financial Considerations One of […]

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Do you need a perfect credit score of 850 to buy a home… (nope)

By Suzanne Volkman | Oct 25, 2023

If a low credit score is keeping you from buying a home, you’re not alone. Nearly a quarter of Americans under 35 say that bad credit is preventing them from owning a home, according to CNBC’s Your Money survey conducted by Survey Monkey. What does it take to buy a home? The minimum score needed can be as low […]

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How Much Home Can You Afford … Realistically?

By Suzanne Volkman | Oct 5, 2023

If you’re like many Americans, your home will be the most expensive thing you own. It will be a key part of your estate as you plan for the long term. So you need to think strategically from the outset. To start with, if you want to know how much of a mortgage lenders think […]

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Is it 2007 again in the housing market?

By Suzanne Volkman | Sep 27, 2023

Ryan Lundquist has some great things to consider in his blog post (linked below). Here are the meat and potatoes of what he had to say: “Is it 2007 again? There’s so much talk online about today’s housing market being like 2007, but what are the stats showing? Today I want to walk through three […]

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Should You Make a Large Home Downpayment?

By Suzanne Volkman | Sep 22, 2023

Depending on the loan type, you can qualify for a mortgage with a downpayment that is as low as 3% of your home’s final purchase price. And for some loans — such as a VA loan or USDA mortgage — you don’t need any downpayment at all. But what if you can afford a larger […]

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5 Outdoor Projects That Pay Off the Most

By Suzanne Volkman | Sep 22, 2023

What pays off the most when it comes to curb appeal? Ninety-two percent of REALTORS® recommend that sellers improve their curb appeal before listing their home for sale, according to a survey from the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of Landscape Professionals. What pays off the most when it comes to curb […]

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