06 Sep 2024
By Aadil Nathoo

In A World of Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs)

Home Mortgage, ,
With the current shortage in housing inventory, more buyers are considering condominiums and townhomes as viable options. Most of these properties are part of a homeowners' association (HOA), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the community. Understanding what an HOA entails can help you make an informed decision before purchasing your next home. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Mandatory Membership When you buy a home that's part of an HOA, membership isn't optional—it's mandatory. Along with membership comes the responsibility of paying HOA fees, which may be billed monthly or annually. These fees typically cover the upkeep…
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29 Aug 2024
By Aadil Nathoo

The Difference Between Mortgage and Rent

Home Mortgage, ,
When deciding between renting and buying a home, it's essential to understand the key differences between a mortgage and rent. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and knowing these can help you make a more informed decision about your living situation and financial future. 1. Ownership vs. Tenure The most significant difference between a mortgage and rent is ownership. When you take out a mortgage, you are buying a property and will eventually own it once the loan is paid off. On the other hand, renting means you are paying for the right to live in…
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23 Jul 2024
By Aadil Nathoo

The Importance of Employment History in Mortgage Approval and How Job Changes Impact Your Chances

Home Mortgage, ,
When you're applying for a mortgage, lenders scrutinize several aspects of your financial life to determine your eligibility. One crucial factor that can significantly influence the outcome is your employment history. Consistent and stable employment demonstrates to lenders that you have a reliable income stream, which reduces their risk in lending you money. However, job changes or gaps in employment can complicate the approval process. Let’s explore how your employment history affects mortgage approval and offer some solutions to mitigate potential issues. Understanding the Importance of Employment History Lenders look at your employment history to gauge your income stability. Typically,…
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30 May 2024
By Aadil Nathoo

Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Programs – The Green Loan

Home Mortgage, ,
Are you dreaming of owning a home that not only suits your lifestyle but also helps you save on energy bills? Well, it might sound like a dream, but with Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) programs, it's entirely within reach. We will discuss the world of EEMs, exploring what they are, how they work, and how they can benefit both homeowners and the environment. What is an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)? An Energy Efficient Mortgage is a home loan that allows homebuyers to finance energy-saving improvements as part of the mortgage and is at times referred to as “The Green Loan”.…
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03 Apr 2024
By Aadil Nathoo

Understanding Interest-Only Mortgages

Home Mortgage, ,
What exactly is an interest-only mortgage? Simply put, it's a type of home loan where you pay only the interest for a certain period, typically the first five to ten years. After this initial period, you begin paying both the principal and interest, resulting in higher monthly payments. Weighing Your Options Pros: Lower Initial Payments: One of the primary attractions of interest-only mortgages is that during the initial period, your monthly payments are significantly lower compared to traditional mortgages. This feature can be particularly appealing for buyers looking to ease into homeownership without straining their finances. Flexibility: Interest-only mortgages offer…
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