Homeownership

Buy Now or Wait? What Today’s Housing Market Is Telling Buyers

Should you buy now or wait for lower rates? Explore how rates, home prices, and buyer competition can affect your decision.

Why Retaining Loan Servicing Matters After Closing

A familiar name on your mortgage statement isn't a small thing. Here's what loan servicing retention means for homeowners and the real estate pros who guide them…

What to know about Homestead Exemption

Own your Tallahassee home? The homestead exemption can cut roughly $600 a year off your property taxes.

Thinking About Downsizing in Metro Atlanta? 7 Things to Consider Before You Sell Your Home

Downsizing can be one of the biggest real estate decisions a longtime homeowner makes. Metro Atlanta Realtor Tim Cowan shares seven things homeowners should consider before selling, including home value, repairs, belongings, timing, 55+ and active adult communities, and planning the transition.

Your Chino or Chino Hills Home Is Almost Paid Off and You’re Retiring—Should You Stay or Downsize?

Your Chino or Chino Hills Home Is Almost Paid Off and You’re Retiring—Should You Stay or Downsize?

A Jacksonville Beach Mortgage Perspective from Tyler Tatum, Branch Leader | Movement Mortgage

Jacksonville Beach Mortgage Expert Shares Homebuying Strategies Most Buyers Don't Know

If Baby Boomers Are Rich, Why Are Things So Tight?

Rich on paper and comfortable in real life are two different states of existence. Here are some solutions to help reconcile the two.

From "You Can't" to "I Did": The Strategy Behind the Key

When every lender says no, the answer isn't always a better rate—it's a better strategy.

How Fast Can You Close on a House in Des Moines? A Real 21-Day Closing Example

What Is the VA IRRRL and When Should You Refinance?

Learn how a VA IRRRL works, when refinancing may make sense, and how to compare your rate, monthly savings, closing costs, and break-even point.

Why You Shouldn't Make Major Financial Changes Before Closing

Learn why major financial changes before closing, including opening new credit, buying a car, changing jobs, moving money, or taking on new debt, can affect your mortgage approval and what to avoid until you get the keys.

Purchase Price vs. Seller Concessions: Which Should You Negotiate?

Learn whether negotiating a lower purchase price or seller concessions could provide more value when buying a home, and how each option may affect your monthly payment, cash to close, interest rate, and overall mortgage strategy.

Understanding Closing Costs: Where Does All That Money Go?

Learn what closing costs include, from lender and title fees to property taxes, homeowners insurance, prepaid interest, and escrow funding, plus how seller concessions and lender credits may help reduce your upfront costs.

How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy Your First Home?

Learn how much money you really need to buy your first home, including down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and reserves, plus ways seller concessions, lender credits, and down payment assistance can reduce upfront costs.

Down Payment Assistance: How Does It Actually Work?

Learn how down payment assistance programs work, who may qualify, and how grants, forgivable or deferred loans, and other assistance options can help eligible homebuyers reduce upfront costs while buying a home.

Buying Your First Home: A Step-by-Step Guide from Pre-Approval to Closing

A practical step-by-step guide for first-time homebuyers covering mortgage pre-approval, loan options, down payments, closing costs, inspections, appraisals, underwriting, and closing. Learn how to prepare financially, avoid common mistakes, and make smarter homebuying decisions.

I Have Equity in My Home. Now What?

Home equity gives you options—but not every option is right for your situation. Learn the math behind cash-out refinancing, HELOCs, and home equity loans, plus…

Should You Buy a Wyoming Home Now or Wait for Mortgage Rates to Fall?

Should you buy now or wait for rates to fall? The answer depends on more than just interest rates. By looking at your finances, goals, and local market conditions, you can make a confident decision based on what's right for you.

BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT A REVERSE MORTGAGE, LET'S TALK ABOUT YOU.

A reverse mortgage conversation should start with the homeowner, not the loan. This article takes a kitchen-table approach to understanding retirement goals, homeownership, family concerns, equity, and financial options before deciding whether a reverse mortgage belongs in the conversation.

Real Estate is More Than a Place to Live. It Can Be a Path to Long-Term Wealth.

A home is where you live. With time and smart choices, it can also help you build something for the future.

Should I Buy a House Before I Sell My Current One?

Found your next home but haven't sold your current one yet? Learn the different ways homeowners can buy before selling, how existing equity can potentially help fund the next purchase, what happens when you have two mortgage payments, and why selling first isn't always your only option.

DMV Housing Market 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Must Know

The DMV housing market in 2026 favors buyers, but only those who understand local dynamics.

Is Your Investment Property Working for You? When to Sell and How to Buy Smart

Real Estate, Investment Property, Fairfax VA Mortgage Is Your Investment Property Working for You? When to Sell and How to Buy Smart By Graham Pruitt, Mortgage Expert, Alcova Mortgage – Fairfax, VA In today’s Northern Virginia real estate market, especially in Fairfax and Loudoun County, owning

Kim's HOME Team: BHHS Fox & Roach