18
Dec
By Adrian Willanger
Home Buying Tips, ,

The Real Cost of Homeownership, What Buyers Must Know Before They Commit

Buying a home is an exciting step and a powerful wealth building move, but the purchase price is only part of the financial picture. Many buyers focus on the down payment and monthly loan amount, then feel surprised by the ongoing costs that come with owning a home. Understanding these expenses ahead of time helps you buy with confidence and avoid unnecessary financial stress. Your Monthly Mortgage PaymentFor most homeowners, the mortgage payment is the largest recurring expense. This payment includes the principal balance and the interest charged for borrowing the funds. The amount depends on your loan size, interest…
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12
Dec
By Adrian Willanger
Homeowner Tips, ,

Should You Upsize or Stay Put and Renovate

As life changes, your home needs can change as well. Growing families, new hobbies, remote work, or lifestyle shifts often create the question many homeowners eventually face. Should you move into a larger home, or should you stay where you are and renovate? The answer is not always simple, and the right choice depends on your finances, your long-term goals, and how well your current home can adapt. As real estate professionals, we help homeowners evaluate these choices so they can move forward confidently. Consider How Much Space You Truly NeedBefore deciding to upsize, take a close look at what…
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04
Dec
By Adrian Willanger
Homeowner Tips, ,

How to Appeal Property Taxes on Your Home

Many homeowners are surprised when they receive their annual property tax bill and notice an increase that feels higher than expected. The good news is that you have the right to appeal your property tax assessment if you believe it does not reflect the true value of your home. Understanding the process can help you protect your budget and ensure that you are being taxed fairly. Know What Your Assessment MeansYour property tax bill is based on the value assigned to your home by your local tax authority. This value may not match the current market value. It is an…
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11
Nov
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

Honoring Veterans Day, and the Gift of Home

Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, strength, and selflessness. Your service allows us to enjoy the freedoms that make home and community possible. As a real estate professional, I am especially grateful for the role homeownership plays in the lives of veterans and their families. Owning a home is more than just having a place to live, it represents stability, pride, and belonging. The VA home loan program makes this dream more attainable, offering incredible benefits that honor those who have given so much. To every veteran, and to every family…
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26
Aug
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate, ,

Why Some Homeowners Move Often While Others Stay Forever

A forever home is often imagined as the place you will live for decades. It is where families grow, memories are created, and life milestones are celebrated. For some people, this vision becomes reality. For others, the thought of staying in one place for life feels restrictive. Instead, they move every five to seven years, searching for new opportunities and experiences. So why do some homeowners stay forever while others are constantly on the move? Personality Shapes Housing ChoicesPersonality plays a major role in how we view our homes. Some people value stability, routine, and deep community connections. For them,…
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11
Mar
By Adrian Willanger
Homeowner Tips, ,

Millennials and the Pursuit of Homeownership

With rapid technological advancements and shifting societal norms, millennials find themselves facing a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to securing a mortgage. The journey toward homeownership for this generation is a multifaceted one, influenced by factors ranging from soaring student loan debt to evolving housing preferences. The Student Loan Conundrum: One of the primary obstacles that millennials face when considering homeownership is the burden of student loan debt. With the rising cost of education, many find themselves struggling with substantial loan balances, which can impact their ability to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders typically assess debt-to-income…
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