by Patricia Roos | Aug 26, 2025 | Uncategorized
One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity�the portion of your home you truly own. Equity grows naturally over time in two ways: first, as you pay down your mortgage through regular payments (amortization), and second, as your home...
by Patricia Roos | Aug 19, 2025 | Uncategorized
There was a memorable Fram Oil Filter commercial years ago where a mechanic asked a customer during an oil change if he wanted to replace the filter. When the customer declined, the mechanic calmly replied, "That’s okay with me. You can pay me now, or you...
by Patricia Roos | Aug 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make, yet it’s a process fraught with potential pitfalls. The good news? By learning from the common mistakes others have made, you can sidestep unnecessary stress, save...
by Patricia Roos | Aug 5, 2025 | Uncategorized
With high home prices, more buyers may turn to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans in the coming year. These government-backed mortgages are known for their flexible borrower requirements, such as lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3-5%. However,...
by Patricia Roos | Jul 29, 2025 | Uncategorized
Each year, homeowners receive a notification of their property tax assessment, which, when combined with the local tax rate, determines how much they owe in property taxes. While this process is meant to fairly reflect a home’s value, assessments are not always...
by Patricia Roos | Jul 22, 2025 | Uncategorized
Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that you give up when making a decision. In real estate, this concept plays a crucial role for buyers who are delaying to purchase a home due to high interest rates and rising home prices. The question is:...
by Patricia Roos | Jul 15, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you’re holding off on buying a home because you think prices are too high or mortgage rates will drop, you might want to consider the opportunity cost of waiting. While it may seem like a safer choice to keep your down payment in the bank or invest it...
by Patricia Roos | Jul 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
When selling a home, full transparency is key. Seller disclosures provide potential buyers with crucial information about the condition of the property, ensuring a fair and informed transaction. Understanding what must be disclosed and why it matters can help protect...
by Patricia Roos | Jul 1, 2025 | Uncategorized
When working with a real estate agent, it’s important to understand the level of responsibility they have toward you as their client. In almost all cases, when a seller lists their home with an agent, an agency relationship is formed, meaning the agent owes the...
by Patricia Roos | Jun 24, 2025 | Uncategorized
In today’s digital world, protecting your online information is more important than ever. You likely have multiple accounts…email, banking, investments, and social media…all of which need strong, unique passwords. Trying to create and remember...
