11
Dec
By Todd Grey
Holidays, ,

5 Financial Tasks to Tackle Before the New Year

As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to take stock of your financial health and set yourself up for success in the coming year. You can create a solid foundation to achieve your goals by focusing on key areas. Here are five important financial tasks to consider before the new year begins. 1. Review Your Spending Take a close look at your spending habits over the past year. Were there months or categories where expenses went overboard? Identifying patterns—like higher spending during the holidays or summer travel—can help you adjust your budget. If you don't already…
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03
Dec
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Steps to Prepare for Future Home Financing and Year-End Financial Checklist

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and review your financial health, especially if you plan to purchase a home next year. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, proper preparation can make all the difference when securing a mortgage with favorable terms. Here's a comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re financially ready for home financing in the year ahead. 1. Review Your Credit Score Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders will consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application and what interest rate…
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17
Sep
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Managing Your Mortgage During Major Life Changes

Life is full of significant transitions, and major life events such as divorce, inheritance, or starting a business can deeply affect your financial landscape, including your mortgage. Understanding how these changes impact your mortgage options and financial planning can help you make informed decisions and manage your home loan effectively. Divorce: Reassessing and Refinancing Divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, especially when it comes to managing joint mortgages. Here are some steps to consider: Review Your Mortgage Agreement: Determine whether you and your ex-spouse are both legally responsible for the mortgage. This review will guide your next steps, whether…
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10
Sep
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

The Difference Between Mortgage Prepayment and Payoff

As a homeowner or prospective buyer, understanding the intricacies of mortgage management can save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of dollars. Two key concepts that often confuse borrowers are mortgage prepayment and mortgage payoff. While both strategies can reduce the overall interest paid and shorten the loan term, they function differently. Let’s break down what each term means and how they can affect your mortgage journey. What Is Mortgage Prepayment? Mortgage prepayment occurs when you make payments toward your mortgage above and beyond the required monthly installment. This extra payment goes directly toward reducing the principal balance of your…
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01
Aug
By Todd Grey
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Managing Your Debt During the Homebuying Process: A Guide for Homebuyers

Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone, but it also requires careful financial planning. One crucial aspect is managing your debt effectively. I want to ensure you have the tools and knowledge to navigate this process smoothly. Let's discuss some essential strategies for managing your debt while purchasing a home. Understand Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Firstly, it's essential to understand your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income and is a critical factor lenders consider when approving a mortgage. A lower DTI ratio indicates you have a healthy balance between…
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