Marilyn Brown Ross

Those who go from renters to buyers will encounter a new kind of tax as a homeowner: property taxes. Location determines if, and how much a homeowner can potentially save through a homestead tax exemption, and while your mind is focused on taxes (albeit a different type of taxes), it’s time to do your research and possibly file an exemption of your own. [ 323 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//first-time-homeow/

As homeowners grow older and retire, they look forward to a new chapter in their lives. They plan to travel more, spend time with grandkids, and read all the bestsellers, with plenty of time to putter around their home gardens. But all home gardens are not created equally; homeowners that don’t want to pay for help can keep costs low by creating a garden that stays easy to maintain throughout their golden years, providing a rewarding experience for years to come. [ 397 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//building-a-garden/

It’s a time of the year many Americans dread: tax season. While preparing taxes can be painful work, almost 80% of those in the U.S. will get a refund, with an average of about $2800 over the past few years. But if you find yourself with a nice chunk of change after filing taxes, what should you do with it? [ 481 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//should-you-use-a-/

Buying a home is a major milestone in most people’s lives. Everyone has different reasons for taking the plunge, and the reason behind the purchase can help guide you toward the type of home you want to buy. First time homeowners may want to move from leasing an apartment to owning a townhouse, while growing families might consider building their next home to accommodate new needs. [ 583 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//whats-your-home-t/

With the days getting longer and warmer weather settling in, moving downtime from the living room to the backyard is a familiar ambition. However, if your outdoor space lacks the functionality and comfort of your couch, it could be time to make a change. Find The Funds While there are lots of affordable ways to spruce up your yard or patio, a significant overhaul can quickly become a budget buster. [ 383 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//getting-the-most-/

Senior homeowners face many decisions as they near retirement and begin planning for the future. While a secure income stream may be awaiting some, the reality for many will be crucial conversations about meeting financial goals and maintaining a lifestyle they can enjoy. These discussions will likely begin with a fundamental question: Where will you live when you retire? For those whose home is among their biggest assets, it may come down to a choice between downsizing to a smaller, more affordable home or keeping your existing home and obtaining a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). [ 499 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//downsizing-vs-hec/

A house is likely the largest and most important purchase most of us will ever make. Considering how much time effort and money is invested into buying the perfect home, deciding how to protect it is a critical decision. The Basics All mortgage lenders require buyers to maintain a standard home insurance policy. It protects against many of the most likely scenarios that can damage a home, such as fires, lightning strikes, or vandalism. [ 304 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//choosing-home-ins/

Shopping for a home often begins with a budget. Working with a mortgage lender, buyers can explore their borrowing power and calculate their future mortgage payment before settling on a house. However, a down payment, insurance costs, and monthly payment are not the only considerations when budgeting for your new home. The transition to homeowner also includes some less obvious, but equally important expenses. [ 330 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//the-hidden-costs-/

Good health and financial security are essential to enjoying retirement. Planning ahead will go a long way to ensure both are waiting for you when the time comes. However, a reverse mortgage, or HECM, may also be a useful tool to help you achieve those goals. In addition to providing a flexible revenue stream without having to sell your home, a reverse mortgage may provide the financial freedom to stay active and healthy as you age. [ 420 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//move-your-health-/

So you’ve made the decision: you’re ready to buy a home. Like most homebuyers, you know you’ll need to finance the purchase. But how do you get the best mortgage rate possible to maximize that financing? You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the loan just by lowering your mortgage rate by a percentage point. Read on for some tips that can help you improve the mortgage rate you’re offered before you begin the homebuying process. [ 523 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//4-tips-to-a-bette/

You’ve found the house. The location is perfect and the curb appeal ideal. Even the price is well within your range. But those cabinets! The cabinets are yellow! How could you ever start a life in a new home with the absolutely irreparable, wholly permanent and eternally intractable problem that is cabinet color? If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of walking away because of lemon-colored cupboards, you should be. [ 423 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//3-questions-to-ma/

When we think about the future, we often imagine the benefits of retiring to spend time doing the things we like, enjoying hard-earned rewards and no longer having to worry about Monday morning meetings. What’s less fun to think about is the aspect of planning for what happens as we continue to age, and how we will invest in our future as the decades go by. [ 332 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//estate-planning-a/

Teachers and first responders have an enormous impact on our communities. What they consider routine can have life-changing implications for those around them. And although the financial rewards for these professionals may match their efforts, the contributions don’t go unnoticed. One way their dedication gets recognized is through unique home buying and mortgage programs. These initiatives can make the path to homeownership a little shorter for deserving public servants. [ 277 more words ] https://marilynbrownross.wordpress.com//home-buying-can-c/