4 Reasons You Should Consider Buying Instead Of Renewing Your Lease This Year

4 Reasons You Should Consider Buying Instead of Renewing Your Lease This Year‍

Are you considering renewing your lease this year? While it may seem like the easier choice, buying a home could be more beneficial in the long run. There are plenty of reasons why it might be a good idea to purchase a home instead of renewing your lease. In this article, we will discuss four of the top reasons why you should consider buying instead of renewing your lease this year. From the potential for financial gain to the freedom of owning your own home, buying instead of renewing offers a number of advantages. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why it might be the right choice for you. So, let’s get started and explore the advantages of buying instead of renewing your lease this year.

Reasons to Consider Buying Instead of Renewing Your Lease

There are plenty of reasons why it might be a good idea to buy a home instead of renewing your lease. To start, if you are in a situation where you would be unable to renew your lease, then buying a home might be a good idea. There are many reasons why someone might not be able to renew their lease. For example, if you are a government employee, you might be required to move every few years. If you are in a situation like this, buying a home might be a better choice. Buying may also be a good idea if you are renting a home that is not well-maintained. If you have concerns about the condition of your home, buying a home might be a better choice. Another good reason to buy a home instead of renewing a lease is if you are in a location with a high turnover rate. If a lot of people are moving in and out of your neighborhood every year, it might be a good idea to buy a home instead of renewing your lease. This will allow you to stay in the same neighborhood for a long time instead of having to move every few years.

a. Potential for Financial Gain

One of the biggest advantages of buying a home instead of renewing a lease is the potential for financial gain. If you can buy a home at a lower price than the cost of renewing your lease, you will be able to benefit financially. This financial gain can help you with the down payment on a home. Therefore, if you are looking to buy a home, you will have more money to put towards the purchase price of a home. Buying a home can also help you to gain equity over time. If you are able to buy a home at a lower price than the cost of renewing your lease, you will be able to benefit financially over time. This could allow you to build up enough equity to use towards a down payment on a home of your own.

b. Freedom of Owning Your Own Home

Another advantage of buying a home instead of renewing a lease is the freedom it can provide. For example, if you are renting a home, you do not have control over some of the things included in the lease. For example, the owner could decide to make renovations that would affect your living situation and schedule. When you buy a home, you are able to control these renovations. This can help you to avoid unexpected inconveniences and interruptions in your day-to-day life. When you own your home, you also have a lot more freedom to make changes to the home. For example, you can change the colour of the walls, add new pieces of furniture, or provide your home with other improvements.

c. More Control of Your Living Situation

Another advantage to buying a home instead of renewing a lease is that it can help you to gain more control over your living situation. For example, if you are renting a home, you do not have any control over who your neighbors are. If you are renting a home, you might be subject to living next to people that you do not get along with. When you own a home, you can control who your neighbors are. This can help you to avoid living next to people that you do not get along with. Another example where buying a home instead of renewing a lease can help you to gain more control over your living situation is with noise complaints. If you are renting, you do not have control over noise complaints. If your neighbors are making noise late at night, in the early morning, or any other time, you cannot have them kicked out. When you own a home, you have more control over noise complaints. This can help you to avoid being bothered by your neighbors.

d. Build Equity Over Time

Another advantage of buying a home instead of renewing a lease is that you will be able to build equity over time. For example, if you are able to buy a home at a lower price than the cost of renewing your lease, you will be able to benefit financially over time. This financial gain will allow you to save up for a down payment on a home of your own. Buying a home instead of renewing your lease can also help you to avoid renting for a long period of time. When you own a home, you are able to avoid renting for several years. This could allow you to save up for a down payment on a home more quickly. Another example where buying a home instead of renewing a lease can help you to build equity over time is through repairs. If you rent a home, the owner will be responsible for making repairs. If something in the home breaks down, you will not be able to control the repairs.

Conclusion

There are plenty of reasons why it might be a good idea to buy a home instead of renewing your lease. For example, buying a home can help you to gain financial gain, build equity over time, gain control over your living situation, and provide more freedom. Buying a home instead of renewing your lease is a big decision, but it could be a great choice for many people. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of why it might be the right choice for you.

What to avoid with loan applications

Following a loan application, avoid these things.

There are several important considerations to make when you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home. Even though it’s thrilling to begin considering moving in and decorating, use caution when making any significant purchases. Following your loan application, there are a few things you should probably avoid.

Avoid making large cash deposits.

Cash is hard to track down, and lenders need to know where you got your money. Talk with your loan officer about how to properly record your transactions before you deposit any money into your accounts.

Avoid Making Any Major Purchases

You could lose your loan if you make purchases that are not strictly related to your home. Lenders may raise concerns about any sizable purchases. Debt-to-income ratios are higher for those with new debt (how much debt you have compared to your monthly income). Because riskier loans have higher ratios, borrowers might no longer be eligible for their mortgages. Avoid the urge to make any significant purchases, including those for appliances or furnishings.

Loans shouldn’t be co-signed for anyone.

You take on responsibility for the loan’s success and repayment when you co-sign for it. Higher debt-to-income ratios result from that obligation. Your lender will have to count the payments against you even if you pledge that you won’t be the one making them.

Avoid changing bank accounts.

Lenders must locate and keep track of your assets. When all of your accounts are consistent, that work is significantly simpler. Speak with your loan officer prior to making any financial transfers.

Maintain All Accounts

Many purchasers think that being authorized means they are less risky and have less accessible credit. This can’t be. Your credit history’s length and depth (as opposed to just your payment history) and the proportion of credit you’ve used overall to total credit available make up a significant portion of your credit score. Both of those parts of your score are negatively impacted by closing accounts.

In conclusion, be honest with your lender when discussing any changes. Any changes to your income, assets, or credit should be carefully considered and handled so that your home loan can still be approved. Inform your lender as well if your employment situation has changed recently. In the end, it’s always preferable to be completely honest and open with your loan officer before making any financial decisions.

5 Tips you’ll need when moving during COVID-19

5 tips you’ll need when moving during COVID-19

In these times, health is the number one priority, and we always want to ensure that we follow extra safety precautions and minimize social contact. Moving requires tons of work and people involved during your move out.

With the recent surge of COVID-19, everyone needs the extra step to be careful. If you plan to move, you can still put it off and make a little extra planning and a few precautionary steps.

But if you will be moving, here are some tips to help you progress as safe, seamless, and stress-free as possible.

Make it DIY if possible

Even though most states have their own moving services considered “essential when moving,” with the impending COVID-19, you can try to manage the move yourself. Most companies have reduced their staff, and some closed businesses entirely, so you can try to cut down the number of people you come in contact with/

If you really need your help, know the companies operating in your area. Ask them about sanitation procedures, know if suppliers have the essential supplies (like masks, gloves, and booties), and for their reasonable cancellation policy in the case of an event and need to cancel your plans.

Minimize your Contact

Moving day involves plenty of people. If you’re working with a moving company, ask for a virtual quote and ask if the company offers fully contactless services.

You can give a smile and generous tips that you can send through a contactless digital platform like PayPal and Venmo.

Take extra caution when moving

Taking extra sanitary precautions is essential for you and the moving company. Always wear your mask, gloves, and booties. And disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like doorknobs and handles.

You can also place soap and paper towels near your sinks and a hand sanitizer or disinfect alcohol by the doors. And buy new boxes. The coronavirus has been found to live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, so this might not be the time to pick up used moving supplies from recycling stores. You can also use boxes that you already have in your home.

Be transparent and flexible

Before your moving day, reach out to your neighbors – especially if you live in an apartment building. This is to let them know your date when you’ll be moving to give them a head-up and avoid unnecessary contact and let you know if the timing will be a problem.

If you or any family members are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, postpone your moving plans. Though rescheduling is a pain, the health and safety of your community come first.

Help those who are in need and lighten your load.

There are millions of people who are struggling with this COVID-19 pandemic. You can donate your shelf-stable items to a local food bank or a national organization that works with professional moving companies and their customers to feed those in need.

Moving is hard, but with the current situation, it’s extremely tough. Take extra precautions when you move and you’ll be able to get past this struggle.

Is Moving This Year a Good Call? Questions to Ask Yourself!

Are you thinking of making a move this year? If you’re wondering about it, but not sure where to start or if it’s the right time, you are not alone. We all experience times when we’re not sure which option will be the best for us and our loved ones. But here’s a simple checklist to get started. These are questions to ask yourself to help you narrow down why you want to move and if you’re ready.

Question 1: What are you hoping to gain?

Start with this question: what is it I am hoping to gain with this move? Another way to word it is: what is missing from my current home situation? This will help you navigate what exactly your goal is with a move. Sometimes we have an urge for a change of scenery. There’s nothing wrong with that being the reason. However, moves can be huge stressors as well, so make sure that what you are going to gain is worth the work and stress of moving. Are you hoping to gain more space to spread out? Perhaps your job situation has shifted, and you want a designated home office. Or maybe you and your partner are wanting to grow your family. Or are you hoping to gain more outdoor space and quiet? Maybe then you are considering moving out of a city or suburb to a country location. Maybe you are hoping to gain greater sense of community by moving closer to friends or family. Knowing your “why” will help you stay on track.

Question 2: What are your priorities?

Once you know this why of moving and what large scale aspect(s) you are hoping to gain, begin to work on narrowing down your priorities. This can include a “non-negotiables” list as well as a secondary “wish” list. If you are moving to gain more space, “home office” or “yard” might go in your non-negotiables. But aspects like fireplace, chef’s kitchen, or jacuzzi tub in the master bath might fall on your wish list. And even with the larger aspects, you want to know before you start looking what your top priorities are. Because you might have to compromise even on these larger aspects. For example, you might have to choose between being super close to family or having a large yard if the area is more populated. Knowing the top aspects will help you navigate those decisions and compromises.

Question 3: What is your overall budget?

Thinking about budget may not be the most fun task but it is certainly one of the most vital. And staying within budget will directly affect your long-term financial goals and your stress levels moving forward. Take the time to sit and plan out your budget for a mortgage but also for the extra expenses associated with moving, such as closing costs, moving fees, and initial maintenance tasks. It’s also good practice to factor in long term financial goals when planning a move. This will prevent you from biting off more than you can feasibly chew. For example, maybe a long-term goal is retiring at a certain age or travelling more in the coming years. Factor in those extra retirement savings or that travel account so you don’t overspend on a mortgage, limiting those other goals.

Start with these questions to evaluate if now is a good time for a move. And when you’re ready to find your next home, I am here to help you find the perfect one!

4 TIPS FOR MOVING INTO A NEW HOME

Moving into a new home can be an exciting and overwhelming process. You’ll be eager to unpack, decorate, and invite loved ones over for a housewarming party. While you’re getting settled, keep these tips in mind.

1. Change The Locks

Even if you’re not worried about the previous owner, there’s no way to know who may have a copy of your house keys. As a safety precaution, I recommend changing our your locks and making new keys. Nothing beats the feeling of being safe at home and knowing no one out there has your keys except for you.

2. Make A Plan For What Goes Where

Moving is already a stressful process, so a good way to avoid further frustration is to determine where your belongings will go in your new home. Measure your furniture and use painters tape to map out items in your new space. This will help you know exactly where everything goes and save time once the movers have pulled away.

3. Make Repairs A Priority

Your home inspection should give you a general idea of what needs to be repaired in your home, but it’s a good idea to do your own walk-through and take photos. You probably won’t get to all the repairs right away, but you can prioritize the more important projects and keep a running list of items to complete over time.

4. Get To Know Your Neighbors

Meeting your neighbors is a lot less awkward when done soon after moving in. While you don’t need to knock on every door with a dozen cookies, be sure to say hello when you see your neighbors in passing. Who knows, you may make some great new friends!

While there’s so much to do when moving into a new home, prioritizing these items can help to make the process a little easier.

Why NOT to Skip the Home Appraisal and Inspection When Buying in NJ

It’s tempting to cut corners in order to stand out in a crowded housing market. As a buyer in New Jersey, you want your offer to win out. You may think offering to waive the home appraisal or home inspection is a good way to propel you to the top of the list. However, this could cost you more later on. While it may be annoying to keep these steps, here are a few reasons to stick with them.

Skipping the appraisal could cause an appraisal gap.

The appraisal is a tool lenders use to fairly evaluate the value of the home before they lend you the money to purchase it. Appraisals are done by third parties and are unbiased. They let the bank know what is fair. However, because of bidding wars, which can drive up the sale price of a home, the home could end up selling for more than it was appraised for. This is called the appraisal gap.

This could cause you to pay more out of pocket.

When this gap happens, often sellers will require you to pay the extra that the bank won’t spring for out of your pocket. This could be hard for you to come up with last minute on top of a down payment. If you do the appraisal and find out ahead of time, it’ll save you from that situation.

Skipping the home inspection could lead you to miss defects and problems.

The home inspection is an evaluation of the home for problems and defects that you might not have been aware of at a showing. An independent, unbiased, third party also does this inspection. This is an important step because oftentimes the sellers’ themselves may not be aware of glaring issues. So it’s not necessarily that sellers are keeping information from you. But rather perhaps they didn’t realize how old the roof is or that the HVAC system is faulty. These are big and expensive problems to fix. Without the inspection, you might not know that these issues or others are going to fall into your hands sooner rather than later.

This could take away some of your negotiating power.

When you do take the time to do the home inspection, it can give you negotiating power with the sellers. Perhaps there is a red flag and the roof or foundation is not in the best shape. This knowledge allows you to push the price down in negotiations so you can save the extra to go towards repairs.

This could also lead to you paying more out of pocket down the road.

It makes sense, then, that if you forgo the inspection and don’t know about any problems, you might pay more later. Not knowing doesn’t mean there aren’t any issues. It just means if you pay full price and then the roof starts leaking three months in, you might be strapped for the cash to repair it.

These are just a few reasons NOT to skip the appraisal and inspection. And as always, I’m only a phone call away for any questions you may have while buying. Let’s make your real estate dreams a reality.