Financial Fundamentals Blog

Weighting Your Options: Renting vs Buying Your First Home

  • 7 17 Staff
Owning a home isn’t merely a dream that you achieve once you reach a certain age. For many prospective homebuyers, the decision to switch from renting to buying requires a lot of planning, saving and carefully waiting for the right time to invest in a place of your own.

How to Recognize and Guard Against Wire Transfer Fraud in Real Estate Transactions

  • 7 17 Staff
While the internet has become a staple in most people’s daily functions, it has provided another outlet for fraudsters. Over the last several years, wire transfer fraud has been on the rise, with billions of dollars lost. The internet makes wire transfer fraud easier to commit and harder to track.

Learn what you can do to protect yourself from money transfer schemes in the digital age.
 

Comparing HELOC and Home Equity Loan: Which is Right for You?

  • 7 17 Staff
On top of having a large space with a backyard for your family, undoubtedly one of the greatest benefits of owning your own home is using the equity you’ve built up to fund other goals. The equity of your home is the amount of your house’s market value minus the amount owed.

Am I Ready To Buy A House?

  • 7 17 Staff
Ever heard someone say that you’re throwing your money away if you’re renting? Or that you’re not building equity in your own home?

When is the Best Time to Buy a Home?

  • Francesca Sacco
No one wants to overpay for a home. But even with a great deal, purchasing a home is most likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll make. Utilizing tips to help you save is always a good idea, but there’s more to consider. Here are some helpful hints for trying to secure an advantage when purchasing your dream home.

Easy Tips for How to Save on Your Energy Bill

  • Francesca Sacco
Are you looking to save money? Why not start at home? The average Ohio family will spend an average of $1,300 on residential energy costs each year with a portion of the cost being wasted.

With some inexpensive changes, you may be able to save on your energy expenses. 
 

How to Apply for a Mortgage Loan in 6 Steps

  • 7 17 Staff
Deciding to buy your first home is an exciting prospect. You’ve dreamt about the number of bedrooms your family will need, the size of yard you want, and the other must-have features you can’t live without.

Types of Mortgages for First-Time Homebuyers

  • 7 17 Staff
Planning for the purchase of your own home is an exciting step. You’re likely thinking about how many rooms you want, the perfect-sized yard for your family, and the must-haves you need in your home.

First-Time Homeowners: This Is How to Prepare to Buy a House

  • 7 17 Staff
Are you considering purchasing your own home? Owning your own home is an exciting prospect. You’ve probably started thinking about how many rooms you want, the size of your kitchen, and if a garage is an important must-have or not. Before getting started on planning what features you want your home to have and what you want it...

Tax benefits of owning a home

  • Francesca Sacco
Are you a new homeowner or considering buying your first home? As the 2022 tax deadline – April 18 – approaches, it’s important to know what tax benefits you can take advantage of on your returns so you can maximize your savings.

Home Financing: 5 Tips to Remember When Buying In a Competitive Market

  • Francesca Sacco
The housing market is on a hot stretch that has spanned the past several years, resulting in soaring home prices, increased market competition and more frustration for would-be homebuyers. When you’re constantly getting outbid on homes you want to purchase, it’s easy to get frustrated and feel like there’s nothing you can do to...

Mortgage Options: What to Consider Before Applying

  • Francesca Sacco
Ready to hit the housing market and find your new home? The formal process starts with applying for a mortgage, getting prequalified, locking in a rate and hitting the market in search of a home that fits within your budget. Before you fill out that application, though, you’ll want to take care of some important housekeeping to...