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7 Simple Ways to Promote Healthy Eating at Home

We are all faced with many health tips to help lose weight or live a healthy lifestyle. From new challenging exercise programs to the new HOT diets that everyone seems to try out, we have no shortage of information. But have you ever stopped to think about the way you have your house set up? While diet can help drop pounds and exercise helps promote better health, having your home improperly setup could be stunting your progress. So let’s have a look at some ways in which you can avoid some dietary disasters and take your house to a new level.


Paint and Decorate Your Kitchen in the Right Colors


It may come as a shock that the colors you choose for the paint and decorations in your kitchen can affect your eating habits. To make it simple, let’s look at how certain colors affect people.


Red: Can be an Appetite Stimulator


This color stimulates hunger, which means that it may not be the best if it proves a weakness for you. But if you have kids who are picky eaters, or tend to find it to be a warm inviting color, it can still work for you. Just be mindful of how it affects you and those in the household if going with this color. An entirely red kitchen is likely not the way to go, but simple red highlights can add an inviting and hunger-inducing touch. 


Other colors that can increase appetite are white and green. But green can have an interesting effect in terms of the type of appetite.

Green: Promotes a Healthy Appetite

The color green tends to have a calming effect on people and helps curb their appetite. Some great ways to incorporate green into your kitchen are to paint the walls a nice natural leafy green color or to place various green plants (real or artificial) around the kitchen counters and on window ledges.

Blue: Suppresses Appetite

Now that we’ve covered the color red, which is good for people looking to up their food intake, and green, which helps promote a healthy appetite, let’s look at a color that can help suppress it. The color blue tends to help the human brain release chemicals that soothe our systems. Because our diet does not contain much that has the color blue, this color tends not to make us think of eating. You can either paint your kitchen and dining areas in a calming blue or simply choose dishes, furniture, and decorations that add blue accents.


Great colors that can also suppress appetite are brown, grey, and black.

Hide Junk Food to Avoid Cravings and Snacking


While changing the colors in your kitchen and dining area are great ways to help control your appetite, it can still be easy to fall into bad snacking habits if you tend to leave junk food in plain sight.


A simple fix for this is to hide the junk food in hard to reach and tucked away places. Have chips, candy, crackers, and other not so great options sitting out? Put them on the top of your cabinet behind closed doors. When you keep snacks out where you can see them, the mere sight of them can make you pick them up and start chowing down. This goes for candy out on the coffee table in a jar, candy in your office, and other areas of the house too. Keep it tucked away and hidden, you’ll forget about it and you’ll find that the number of times you grab it to eat can drastically decrease.


If you find you tend to buy a lot of junk food and that it’s more than you should, consider also cutting back on how much you buy.



Make Healthy Foods More Visible and Accessible


Now that you’ve gotten your not so healthy options out of sight, it’s time to start making some healthy ones readily available. Rather than leaving chips, crackers, candy, and other processed snacks out, put out fresh produce, nuts, tea, coffee, and other healthy options where they are readily available. You’ll find yourself grabbing a banana or an apple over candy in no time. 


What’s great about this is that you may find yourself buying more produce than you used to as your consumption goes up. If you do this alongside reducing the amount of junk food you buy, you are on a great path to success.



Make Healthy Supplements and Vitamins Accessible


If you are at a point where you are taking multivitamins or other supplements to support good overall health, there’s no sense placing them up in the cupboard if it makes you forget to take them. Does this happen to you? Try taking your supplements and placing them on the kitchen counter next to your coffee maker or somewhere else that you tend to be at every day. Seeing them there will remind you to take them. Whereas keeping them hidden can have the same effect as hiding junk food, which you do not want to happen in this case. 


There are also containers you can get to divide your supplements up for each day of the week if that helps you as well. These can be found at stores like Target, Walmart, CVS, to name a few.



Fill and Organize Your Fridge with Nutrition in Mind


Just as you have done with your counters and cabinets, it’s time to make sure you are prioritizing nutrition and limiting the unhealthy options. If you find that your fridge requires a nutrition makeover, try these simple steps:



Empty and Clean Your Fridge


Take everything out of the fridge and give it a nice deep cleaning. This will help get rid of expired foods, junk food you’d rather not keep, and to eliminate stains and bacteria left behind from old food. 


Map Out Your Fridge Space


Once the fridge is all empty and cleaned out, take a step back and map out how you can store your food and drinks. If you find that a shelf could stand to be raised to make more room for certain items, move it. Set your fridge up to have the appropriate space to store your foods.


Separate and Organize Your Foods


When putting items into the fridge, organize them in such a way that the healthy ones are easy to distinguish and access, while the not so healthy options are more tucked away. 


Healthy items to organize in the fridge include, healthy lean meats, produce, low-fat dairy, water, and eggs. Whether they are foods you eat or snacks you kids eat such as string cheese and yogurt, you will want to place these items more at eye level and upfront. Condiments and other not so healthy options can go stored in the fridge door and other areas that are more out of sight such as lower shelves.


To even more thoroughly store your produce, you can wash & chop your fruit; storing it in glass Tupperware. You can also scrub and bag up veggies as easy to grab snacks.



Plan Snacks and Meals in Advance with Nutrition in Mind


A great way to balance out what you keep in your kitchen cabinets, on the counter, in your fridge, and around the house is to plan out your meals and snacks in advance. One way to help support this option is to keep a calendar on your fridge where you can write out meals and snacks for the week. 


By writing down what you plan to have for the week, you clear out the clutter in your mind and make it clear what you need to buy. Writing it down also helps you to realize where you could stand to swap out unhealthy options for healthier ones, fit in more fruits and vegetables, and can serve as a valuable tool. 



Create Shopping Lists Based on Your Meal Plan


Once you’ve written up a meal plan, write up a shopping list that contains all of the foods needed. A great way to make this easy is to keep a magnetic note pad on the fridge next to the meal calendar. Before you go shopping, look through your fridge and cabinets, noting down general items you need to stock up on as well as foods needed for meals and snacks.


By carrying around a shopping list with healthy options and foods needed for specific meals, you avoid forgetting things, having extra food that goes bad, and buying unnecessary junk food. You’ve walked into the store with a written out plan, which will help keep you on track!




Hopefully, these seven tips serve you well!


References:


https://www.kuali.com/kitchen-inspirations/colours-affect-appetite/


https://www.rallyhealth.com/food/a-nutritionists-tips-to-organize-your-fridge-for-healthy-eating

*The views, articles, postings, and information listed at this website are personal and do not necessarily represent the opinion or the position of Big Valley Mortgage.*

By Brent Ross 20 Jul, 2023
Hi nurses! We at Big Valley Mortgage know that as a nurse, you have chosen a rewarding and important career path. We also understand that you may be considering taking the next step in your personal life and purchasing your first home. First-time home buying can be a daunting task, with many questions and unknowns. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! As a mortgage lender, it’s our job to assist you in finding the home financing solution that fits your needs. Let’s Dive Into Available Types Of Home Loans For Nurses Once you have a good idea of what you can afford, it’s time to start looking at loan options. There are many different types of loans available, and it’s important to choose the one that is right for you. Some common options for first-time home buyers include: FHA Loans These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and are often a good choice for first-time buyers because they have lower down payment requirements (as low as 3.5%) and more lenient credit score requirements. Conventional Loans These loans are not backed by the government and may have stricter credit score and down payment requirements, but they often come with lower mortgage insurance premiums. VA Loans If you are a veteran or active military member, you may be eligible for a VA loan. These loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and offer several benefits, including no down payment requirement and no private mortgage insurance. USDA Loans If you are looking to buy a home in a rural area, you may be eligible for a USDA loan. These loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offer a no down payment option. In addition to these options, there are a few loan programs specifically designed for medical professionals, including: Doctor Loan Programs These programs, also known as physician loans, are specifically designed for doctors and other medical professionals. They often have more flexible credit and down payment requirements and may even offer a higher loan-to-value ratio. Jumbo Loans If you are a high-earning medical professional, you may be able to qualify for a jumbo loan. These loans allow you to borrow a larger amount of money and may be a good option if you are looking to buy a more expensive home. State and Local Down Payment Assistance Programs Many states and localities offer down payment assistance programs specifically for medical professionals. These programs can provide financial assistance to help you with the down payment and closing costs of your home. It’s important to note that each of these loan options has its own set of requirements and guidelines, and it’s best to speak with a mortgage lender to determine which one is right for you. At Big Valley Mortgage, we have a team of experienced loan officers who can help you navigate the home financing process and find the loan that fits your needs. Once you have chosen a loan option, the next step is to get pre-approved . This is an important step because it tells sellers that you are a serious buyer and gives you a better idea of what you can afford. To get pre-approved, you will need to provide some financial information, such as your income, assets, and debts. Your mortgage lender will then review this information and give you a pre-approval letter, which you can use when making an offer on a home.
By Brent Ross 26 Apr, 2023
Buying your first home can be an exciting and daunting experience. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when purchasing a home is choosing the right mortgage. The mortgage you choose will impact your finances for years to come, so it’s crucial to secure the best deal possible. In this article, we’ll provide you with five tips for first-time homebuyers to secure the best mortgage deal, with the help of Big Valley Mortgage. 1. Improve Your Credit Score Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application and determining your interest rate. A higher credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. To improve your credit score : Pay your bills on time: Payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, so paying your bills on time is essential to improving your score. Reduce your debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your income that goes towards paying off debt. Lenders prefer borrowers with a lower debt-to-income ratio because it shows they have a lower risk of defaulting on their mortgage. Keep your credit utilization low: Your credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’re using. Keeping your credit utilization below 30% can help improve your credit score. 2. Work with a Mortgage Lender/Broker As a mortgage broker and lender, Big Valley Mortgage can help you navigate the mortgage application process and find the best deal for your situation. We work with multiple lenders and can help you compare different mortgage options. We can also help you understand the different types of mortgages available and their terms and conditions. With our extensive experience, we can guide you through the process of choosing the right mortgage for your unique situation. It all starts with submitting a simple and quick quote request . 3. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home. When you’re pre-approved, Big Valley Mortgage will provide you with a letter stating the amount you’re qualified to borrow based on your income, credit score, and other factors. Having a pre-approval letter can make you a more attractive buyer to sellers because it shows that you’re serious about buying a home and that you have the financial means to do so. 4. Consider a Fixed-Rate Mortgage At Big Valley Mortgage, we offer fixed-rate mortgages that have an interest rate that remains the same throughout the term of your mortgage, typically 15 or 30 years. Fixed-rate mortgages provide stability and predictability, making them an excellent option for first-time homebuyers who want to budget for their mortgage payments. 5. Take Advantage of Our Expertise  At Big Valley Mortgage, we have a team of experts who are ready to help you with your mortgage needs. Our loan officers have extensive experience in the industry and can help you find the best deal for your situation. We also offer a variety of online tools and resources to help you understand the mortgage process and make informed decisions. In conclusion, securing the best mortgage deal for your first home is essential to your financial well-being. Improving your credit score, working with a mortgage broker like Big Valley Mortgage, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, considering a fixed-rate mortgage, and taking advantage of our expertise are all ways to help you secure the best deal possible. With our help, you can achieve your dream of homeownership without the hassle and stress of shopping around for multiple lenders. Contact us today to learn more about our mortgage options and services.
By Brent Ross 20 Apr, 2023
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lives. When you’re ready to take the leap and apply for a mortgage, your credit score will play a critical role in determining your eligibility for a loan and the interest rate you’ll receive. If you’re concerned about your credit score and want to improve it before applying for a mortgage, here are some tips to help. So, without further ado, let’s dive into how to improve your credit score! Understanding Your Credit Score Your credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness. Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher your score, the better your chances of being approved for a mortgage and getting a lower interest rate. Several factors contribute to your credit score, including your payment history, outstanding debt, length of credit history, and types of credit you use. Checking Your Credit Report Before you start working on improving your credit score, it’s essential to check your credit report. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax) once a year. Check your credit report for errors, such as accounts that don’t belong to you, incorrect balances, or late payments that you know you made on time. If you find any errors, dispute them with the credit bureau to have them removed from your credit report. One great place to check your credit report is the Annual Credit Report website. Reducing Your Debt One of the most effective ways to improve your credit score is to reduce your debt. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. If you have a high debt-to-income ratio, it can hurt your chances of being approved for a mortgage. To lower your debt-to-income ratio, try to pay off as much debt as possible before applying for a mortgage. This can include credit card balances, car loans, and other outstanding debts. Paying Bills on Time Another crucial factor in your credit score is your payment history. Late payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years and can significantly impact your credit score. Make sure you pay all your bills on time, including credit card bills, car loans, and student loans. If you’re having trouble making payments, contact your creditors to discuss your options. They may be willing to work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget. Using Credit Responsibly Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, car loans, and student loans, can also help improve your credit score. However, it’s essential to use credit responsibly. Don’t open too many new accounts at once, as this can negatively impact your credit score. Also, avoid maxing out your credit cards or taking out more debt than you can afford to repay. Working with a Credit Counselor If you’re struggling to improve your credit score on your own, consider working with a credit counselor. A credit counselor can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and develop a plan to pay off your debts. They can also help you understand your credit report and provide guidance on how to improve your credit score.  Final Thoughts Improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. A higher credit score can help you get approved for a mortgage and qualify for a lower interest rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. Start by checking your credit report, reducing your debt, paying bills on time, using credit responsibly, and working with a credit counselor if needed. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to improving your credit score and achieving your dream of homeownership.
By Brent Ross 20 Mar, 2023
Buying a home can be an exciting process, but it’s important to be financially prepared before you start house hunting. One of the most critical questions to ask yourself is “how much mortgage can I afford?” Knowing the answer to this question can help you narrow down your price range and ensure that you do not overspend on your new home. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you determine how much mortgage you can afford: Step 1: Calculate Your Monthly Income The first step in determining how much mortgage you can afford is to calculate your monthly income. This includes your salary, bonuses, commissions, and any other sources of income. Step 2: Calculate Your Monthly Expenses Next, calculate your monthly expenses. This includes your rent or current mortgage payment, car payments, student loan payments, credit card payments, and any other recurring bills you have. Step 3: Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Your debt-to-income ratio is a critical factor that lenders use to determine how much mortgage you can qualify for. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, divide your monthly debt payments by your monthly income. Most lenders prefer a debt-to-income ratio of 43% or less. Step 4: Factor in Your Down Payment Your down payment is another essential factor that will determine how much mortgage you can afford. Generally, the larger your down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be. Step 5: Use a Mortgage Calculator Once you have a good understanding of your income, expenses, debt-to-income ratio, and down payment, you can use a mortgage calculator to determine how much mortgage you can afford. NerdWallet offers a decent mortgage payment calculator on their website. Better yet, this is when you should take the next step and get a licensed, experienced Loan Officer involved! Step 6: Request a Quote from Big Valley Mortgage After following the first five steps and having a good understanding of how much mortgage you can afford, it is time to request a quote from Big Valley Mortgage . Our experienced loan officers can help you further refine your budget and determine which loan options are best suited for your needs. By requesting a quote, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our Loan Officers, who can walk you through the entire mortgage process and provide you with a personalized quote based on your unique financial situation. They can also help you understand any fees or costs associated with the loan, as well as discuss the pros and cons of different loan options. Our Loan Officers have years of experience in the mortgage industry and can offer valuable insights and guidance to help you make the best decision for your financial future. They can also help you understand the impact of different interest rates, loan terms, and down payment amounts on your monthly mortgage payments. In conclusion, determining how much mortgage you can afford is a crucial step in the home buying process. By following these steps and requesting a quote from Big Valley Mortgage, you can feel confident that you are making an informed decision about your mortgage and your financial future. Contact us today to learn more about how much mortgage you can qualify for and get pre-approved for your dream home!
By Brent Ross 16 Mar, 2023
When many think of how to buy a house, it can be easy to get lost in where to begin and what the process looks like. Buying a house can be one of the most exciting, yet daunting, experiences of your life. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced one, there are always things to consider when it comes to purchasing a property. At Big Valley Mortgage, we understand the importance of finding the right mortgage lender and product to fit your unique situation. In this article, we’ll cover some essential steps to take when buying a house and how Big Valley Mortgage can help make your dream of homeownership a reality. Determine Your Budget Before you start house hunting, it’s crucial to determine your budget . Look at your income, expenses, and debts to figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a mortgage payment each month. Consider the down payment, closing costs, and other fees associated with buying a house, so you have a clear idea of the total cost. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start looking for homes within your price range. Get Pre-Approved Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is essential before you start looking for homes. It helps you understand how much you can afford, and it shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer. At Big Valley Mortgage, we offer pre-approvals for our customers, which can help speed up the home buying process. Our experienced Loan Officers can also help you find the right mortgage product to fit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage. Looking to Get Pre-Approved?
By Brent Ross 15 Mar, 2023
As people age, their housing needs often change. They may want to downsize, move closer to family, or live in a more accessible home. However, for many seniors, the thought of uprooting their lives and moving to a new home can be overwhelming. That’s where a reverse 4 purchase loan comes in. Reverse 4 purchase loans are a unique type of loan that allows seniors to purchase a new home without making monthly mortgage payments*. *The borrower is responsible to keep the property charges like taxes, insurance and HOA fees current, and they must maintain the home and live in it as their primary residence. The loan is paid off when the borrower sells the home, moves out permanently, or passes away. Let’s explore how reverse 4 purchase loans work and some scenarios where they can be beneficial. How Does a Reverse 4 Purchase Loan Work? A reverse 4 purchase loan is a reverse mortgage, many times the FHA HECM loan, and is used to purchase the new home. The borrower must be at least 62 years old and have enough equity coming from the sale of their current home to cover the down payment and closing costs. The borrower will not be required to make any monthly mortgage payments (principal and interest). Instead, interest and mortgage insurance on the loan will accrue and be added to the balance of the loan each month. When the borrower sells the home, moves out permanently, or passes away, the loan is paid off with the proceeds from the sale of the home, or the heirs can bring in funds to pay off the loan. One of the benefits of a reverse 4 purchase loan is that it allows seniors to purchase a new home without depleting their savings. Instead, they can use the equity from the sale of their current home to fund the down payment and closing costs. Scenario 1: Downsizing for Retirement Mary is 70 years old and has lived in her 4-bedroom home for over 30 years. Her husband passed away five years ago, and she is finding it difficult to maintain the large home on her own. She would like to downsize to a smaller, more manageable home but does not want to deplete her savings to purchase a new home. Mary decides to apply for a reverse 4 purchase loan. She has enough net equity in her current home to cover the down payment and closing costs on a new home. She sells her current home and purchases a smaller, one-story home with a reverse 4 purchase loan, and she no longer has to worry about the upkeep and maintenance of a large home. She can live comfortably in her new home without making any monthly mortgage payments*. Scenario 2: Moving Closer to Family John is 75 years old and has lived in his current home for over 40 years. His children and grandchildren live on the other side of the country, and he would like to move closer to them. However, he does not want to sell his current home and lose the memories he has created there. John decides to apply for a reverse 4 purchase loan. He has enough assets to cover the down payment and closing costs on a new home near his family. He purchases a new home with a reverse 4 purchase loan and can live closer to his loved ones without losing his current home, which can be a second home or rental property for him. When he passes away, his family can sell both homes and use the proceeds to divide his estate. Scenario 3: Purchasing a Multi-Family Property David is 65 years old and owns his own home outright. His mother, Susan, is 85 years old and owns her home outright. Susan is finding it difficult to maintain her home on her own and would like to move in with David. However, David’s home is not big enough to accommodate both of them comfortably. David decides to apply for a reverse 4 purchase loan to purchase a fourplex. He uses the equity from the sale of his home to finance the down payment and closing costs on the fourplex. He lives in one unit of the 4-plex and his mother lives in another unit of the fourplex, and the other two units are rented out to generate income. With the rental income from the other units in the 4-plex, and rental income from his mom’s prior home, his mother can live with him in a comfortable home, and they are both able to enjoy the benefits of the rental income. This scenario highlights the flexibility of a reverse 4 purchase loan. Instead of using the loan to purchase a single-family home, it can be used to purchase a multi-family property that can generate income and provide additional benefits to the borrower. Final Thoughts Reverse 4 purchase loans can be a great option for seniors who want to purchase a new home without depleting their savings or making monthly mortgage payments. These loans provide flexibility and allow seniors to live comfortably in a home that meets their needs. If you are considering a reverse 4 purchase loan, it’s important to do your research and work with a reputable lender. At Big Valley Mortgage, we have a team of experienced mortgage professionals who can help guide you through the process and find the best loan option for your unique situation. Whether you want to downsize, move closer to family, or purchase a multi-family property, a reverse 4 purchase loan can be a great option for seniors looking to purchase a new home. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your homeownership goals. *Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. Licensed by the Dept of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CRMLA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
By Brent Ross 10 Feb, 2023
Hey there! Are you looking to give your home a fresh, modern update but not sure where to start? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got the scoop on the current home décor trends.  Incorporate Organic Materials Into Your Décor
By Brent Ross 09 Jan, 2023
Home repairs can be expensive, but there are ways to save money while still keeping your home in good condition. Here are a few tips to help you save money on home repairs: Do It Yourself Many home repairs are simple enough that you can do them yourself with a little bit of knowledge and the right tools. For example, you can save money by replacing a faulty light switch or outlet yourself instead of hiring an electrician. The internet is a great resource for learning how to do home repairs, and you can often find step-by-step guides or video tutorials to help you out. Shop Around Don’t just hire the first contractor you come across. Get quotes from multiple contractors to see who can offer the best price. You can also try negotiating with contractors to see if they can lower their price. Use Coupons And Discounts Many home improvement stores offer coupons and discounts on their products and services. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when you can. Look for cheaper alternatives: Before you make a purchase, shop around to see if there are cheaper alternatives available. For example, you might be able to find a less expensive brand of paint or a cheaper way to replace your windows. Use Your Skills If you have a particular skill or hobby, you may be able to use it to save money on home repairs. For example, if you’re good at woodworking, you might be able to build your own shelves or repair damaged furniture. Don’t Put Off Home Repairs It can be tempting to put off home repairs, especially if they’re not urgent. However, ignoring a problem can often make it worse and more expensive to fix in the long run. If you take care of problems as soon as you notice them, you’ll save money in the long run. Use energy-efficient products: Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Look for products that have the Energy Star label, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. Use Preventive Maintenance Taking care of your home on a regular basis can help prevent more serious and expensive problems from occurring. For example, replacing the filters in your HVAC system on a regular basis can help prevent it from breaking down. Get A Home Warranty A home warranty is a type of insurance that covers the repair or replacement of certain systems and appliances in your home. It can save you money on costly repairs, especially if you have an older home with systems that are prone to breaking down.  Learn To Compromise Sometimes, you may have to compromise on the quality of materials or the extent of the repair in order to save money. For example, you might decide to patch a hole in your wall instead of replacing the entire wall, or you might choose a cheaper brand of paint. By following these tips, you can save money on home repairs and still keep your home in good condition. Remember to shop around, use coupons and discounts, and take care of problems as soon as you notice them to save the most money.
By Brent Ross 27 Apr, 2022
Lock in Those Mortgage Interest Rates If you’re shopping for a home in today’s competitive market, you’ve likely realized how quickly interest rates have increased over the last few months! Interest rates will affect your monthly mortgage payment, how much you’ll pay over time to your lender for your residence, as well as possibly affect how much you qualify for on a home loan, so ideally, you want them to be as low as possible. Since no one can predict the future, you may want to protect yourself from increasing rates now through our SecureLock Program. What Is SecureLock? The SecureLock Program was established to help potential home buyers and sellers lock in mortgage interest rates at today’s rates for a period of up to 12 months. Our SecureLock essentially means that you’ll be free to look around for a new home without worrying about future increases in mortgage interest rates. In addition, if mortgage interest rates fall before you close on your new home, you’ll be able to take advantage of the new rate with our Float Down features! Our SecureLock give you an extra tool in today’s seller’s market. We’re seeing home values skyrocket, but available housing inventory hasn’t quite caught up to match demand. Thus, buyers who already have their pre-approved mortgage papers in hand are much more likely to have their offer accepted on the home of their dreams. And what’s better, once you’ve been approved for SecureLock, you won’t need to worry about future increases to mortgage interest rates while you’re shopping around. *To qualify for this program, APM must give full credit approval to all borrowers on the loan. There are specific terms for each lock, based on which variation of the SecureLock program is used. Contact us today for full details.
By Brent Ross 08 Mar, 2022
Let’s Dive into Tax Breaks for Homeowners! Looking for tax breaks for homeowners that you can take advantage of? Let’s take a look at options. Buying a home requires a fair chunk of change these days, and even with a significant down payment, you’ll have to budget for monthly mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance, property tax, and of course, ongoing maintenance to protect your investment. You’ll be happy to hear, then, that there are tax breaks for homeowners specifically designed to help you save a little money following this major purchase. Which payments can you save on? Is homeowner’s insurance tax deductible? What about property tax? How can you benefit from owning a home when it comes to filing your annual income tax returns? These questions and more are answered below. Deduct Your Mortgage Interest Payments You’ll find that the bulk of monthly mortgage payments goes to interest early in the life of the loan, while the percentage that goes toward principal increases over time. The good news is that you can deduct your mortgage interest payments on your Primary Residence from your income taxes. This is a huge boon when you first buy your home and are adjusting to new monthly payments. If you’re looking for a new homeowner tax credit or deduction to add to this, remember that you can also deduct the value of any points you bought to reduce your mortgage interest rate. Deduct Annual Property Tax Bills No matter where you live, you’re going to pay property taxes, so you may naturally be interested to find out whether you have a claim for homeowners’ property tax exemptions. Like mortgage interest, you can deduct property taxes up to a threshold of $10,000 annually (or $5,000 if married and filing separately). There is one caveat here. The $10,000 limit includes your deduction for state and local tax payments. In other words, if you deduct $5,000 in state tax, you can only deduct up to $5,000 in property tax payments. Improving Your Property? There’s a Deduction for That Whether your home is dreadfully outdated, you need a new roof, or it’s simply not your style, you might want to put some money into upgrades and renovations. Is there a homeowners’ tax credit for home improvements? If you take out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) for the specific purpose of improving your property, you can deduct the interest payments on your taxes, so long as the work is considered to be a capital improvement (adding value or extending the usable life of your property). Remote Work Could Save You Money Recent trends have seen many professionals moving into remote work situations. If you’re self-employed or do freelance work, you can deduct the expenses associated with a home office, within limits. Deductions are based on the square footage of your office compared to the square footage of your home. Make the Most of Moving Expenses While there isn’t a specific first-time homeowners’ tax credit aside from the deductions every homeowner enjoys, you might be able to save on the cost of moving to your new home if the move is related to changing jobs. Expenses like transportation, lodgings, and storage fees associated with your move could qualify for a tax deduction if you meet specific requirements, namely that your new workplace is 50 miles further from your home than your previous job was. A primary residence is the biggest asset many adults own, but that doesn’t mean you should spend more than you have to. With tax breaks to help you save, you can make the most of this major investment. As always, it is best to consult a Tax Professional to learn more about these and other possible tax breaks that can help add savings to all the other benefits of owning a home!
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