Linda Matthews Real Estate Sales Consultant

Homeowners with equity have access to two unique financial options: home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). But what’s the difference? ⁣
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HELOC ⁣
💰 Credit line that you can draw upon as needed ⁣
💰 Only pay interest on the amount you borrow ⁣
💰 Variable interest, depending on your credit score and the prime rate ⁣
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Home Equity Loan ⁣
💰 Lump sum loan (meaning you receive the full amount at once) ⁣
💰 Set monthly payments ⁣
💰 Fixed interest rate that’s typically lower than a HELOC ⁣
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The best option for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Reach out for a referral to a loan officer who can help you make an informed decision. ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

Did you know the size of your down payment can have a big impact on your mortgage? ⁣
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Here are a few of the ways: ⁣
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📉 Interest RateA larger down payment often means a lower interest rate on the money you borrow. ⁣
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🗓️ Monthly Payment ⁣
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A bigger down payment means smaller monthly payments, making it easier to budget. ⁣
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💰 Total Cost ⁣
The more you put down initially, the less you'll pay in total over the life of the loan. ⁣
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🏠 Mortgage Type ⁣
Certain mortgages might require a specific minimum down payment. ⁣
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🔒 Mortgage Insurance ⁣
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With a smaller down payment, you may need mortgage insurance, adding to your monthly costs. ⁣
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Want to learn more about how your down payment can affect the cost of owning a home? Check out our latest blog post for a detailed breakdown. ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/top-4-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-your-mortgage/

Did you know that a high total debt service (TDS) ratio can exclude you from getting a mortgage? 🤯 ⁣
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Your TDS ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including your mortgage. ⁣
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Lenders use TDS to assess your ability to afford a home. So, how can you avoid rejection and qualify for better rates? ⁣
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✅ Aim for a TDS ratio of 44% or lower if borrowing from a federally regulated entity. ⁣
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✅ Pay down credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and other debt. ⁣
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✅ Increase your income to offset your debts and lower your ratio. ⁣
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Ready to learn more? Check out our latest blog post to get more tips for taking out a mortgage. ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/top-4-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-your-mortgage/

The walk-through is one of the last steps in the homebuying process, but you shouldn’t rush it! Here are a few things to check during your final walk-through: ⁣
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💡 Are all items included in the sale (e.g. light fixtures and appliances) in place and operational? ⁣
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🚿 Are all major systems working properly? ⁣
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⚒️ Have all requested repairs been completed? ⁣
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🗑️ Has the seller removed all personal items and debris? ⁣
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🚪 Was any significant damage done during the seller’s move out? ⁣
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Want more expert guidance on the homebuying process? Reach out for a free consultation. ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

Ready to buy a home but feeling overwhelmed by financing options? ⁣
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Here are four factors to consider when choosing a mortgage: ⁣
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📈 Credit Score: ⁣
This three-digit number can significantly impact your interest rate and the types of loans you qualify for. ⁣
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📊 Income & Expenses: ⁣
Lenders want to ensure your income will comfortably cover your mortgage payments and other debt obligations. ⁣
💰 Down Payment: ⁣
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The amount you put down will affect your loan options, monthly payments, and need for mortgage insurance. ⁣
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📆 Lifestyle & Risk Tolerance: ⁣
Your term length and interest rate type (fixed or variable) should align with your financial goals and comfort level. ⁣
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For more on choosing the right mortgage for your specific situation, check out our latest blog post! ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/top-4-factors-to-consider-when-choosing-your-mortgage/

Want to make your home more sustainable? ⁣
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According to a recent survey by the U.S.-based National Association of Realtors, buyers have these 5 green features at the tops of their lists. ⁣
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🪟 High-quality windows, doors, and siding ⁣
🛣️ Proximity to stores, schools, and transit ⁣
🛋️ Comfortable living space ⁣
💡 Low utility costs ⁣
🚆 Low commuting costs ⁣
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But before you invest in a green upgrade, find out how it could impact your home’s value at resale. Reach out for a free assessment. ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

Gone are the days when residential property sellers/buyers were expected to provide a current property survey. We now rely on Title Insurance. What is it ?
Check out Amanda Bible - Rock Capital Mortgage. #10556 post on the topic for some good info.

Title insurance in Canada is a type of insurance that protects property owners and lenders against losses related to the title or ownership of a property. It's an essential step in the home-buying process to ensure your property rights are safeguarded. Don't overlook this important aspect for a secure and worry-free homeownership experience. Reach out today to learn more.

You may not be looking to buy or sell a home right now, but did you know we can still be a great resource? Here are 3 reasons to reach out to us:< ⁣
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👷 You need a referral. ⁣
Whether you’re searching for a housekeeper or a roofer, we’re happy to share our list of trusted local professionals. ⁣
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>🛠️ You’re thinking about renovating. ⁣
We can help you consider how changes you make might affect your home’s resale potential down the road. ⁣
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📈 You want to know your property’s value. ⁣
From taxes to net worth, there are lots of reasons you may need to know your home’s current value — and we offer free assessments. ⁣
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Save this post to refer back to, and reach out if there’s anything we can do for you today! ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

According to the US-based National Association of Realtors, refinishing your wood floors is the #1 project that pays off in terms of resale value—with an average ROI of 147%! ⁣
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If your floors are looking worn or dated, a refresh can make a huge difference. Here are some tips if you plan to tackle this project yourself: ⁣
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🛠 Rent professional-grade equipment to make the job easier ⁣
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📅 Block off enough time (at least a few days) to get the job done right ⁣
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🪵 Consider a lighter wood stain if you want to modernize your space ⁣
Looking for more budget-friendly upgrades with a big impact? Check out our latest blog post! ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/7-weekend-projects-to-boost-your-property-value/

These days, it’s easy to order everything you need online. But there’s a lot to be said for shopping locally instead. ⁣
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Here’s why we love to support local businesses: ⁣
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✅ Invest in your community. ⁣
More of the money you spend with small businesses stays in the local economy. ⁣
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✅ Support local jobs. ⁣
Small businesses are often great places to work and offer unique opportunities for employees. ⁣
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✅ Preserve local character. ⁣
Independent shops make your area unique and can be a draw for visitors and new residents. ⁣
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✅ Get better customer service. ⁣
Small businesses often form long-term relationships with their customers. ⁣
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✅ Protect the environment. ⁣
Buying what you need in person cuts back on carbon emissions from shipping. ⁣
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Which local businesses do you love to support? Let us know in the comments!

Did you know your front door paint choice could impact your home's value? 🚪🎨 ⁣
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A recent study found that certain shades can boost or lower a property’s sales price by thousands of dollars. 😱 ⁣
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Curious about which hues are the most appealing to buyers? Head to our blog post to find out the best (and worst!) paint options for your front door. ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/7-weekend-projects-to-boost-your-property-value/

Looking for simple projects to boost your home's value? To get you started, here are 7 improvements that you can complete in a weekend: ⁣
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🚪 Paint your front door a classic shade of black or mid-tone brown. ⁣
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🛠️ Upgrade dated hardware and lighting for a modern look. ⁣
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🛁 Refresh your bathroom with new fixtures and a clean, modern aesthetic. ⁣
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🎨 Give your kitchen cabinets a makeover with a fresh coat of paint. ⁣
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🏡 Enhance your curb appeal with simple landscaping updates. ⁣
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✨ Refinish worn wood floors for a like-new look. ⁣
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🧼 Clean or replace grimy grout in your bathroom and kitchen. ⁣
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Ready to get started? Check out our latest blog post for tips and tricks for each of these projects! ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/7-weekend-projects-to-boost-your-property-value/

💸 Wondering where home prices are headed? 💸 ⁣
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The good news for homebuyers: Today's prices are down significantly from where they were toward the tail end of the pandemic. ⁣
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The bad news: That's probably not going to last. In fact, the CMHC thinks home values could return to peak levels as early as next year before hitting an all-time record high in 2026. ⁣
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Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? Visit our blog to learn more about the current market. ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/mid-year-market-update-for-2024-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know/

Considering a reverse mortgage? This type of loan enables owners of a certain age to borrow against their home equity without repayment until they move out or pass away. ⁣
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But before you sign on the dotted line, here are some benefits and risks to consider: ⁣
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➕ You can tap into your equity now, when you really need it ⁣
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➕ You’ll eliminate any existing mortgage payments, so you can lower your monthly expenses ⁣
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➕ Funds aren’t taxed since they are considered a loan rather than income ⁣
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➖ Your heirs may need to sell the home after you pass to repay the lender ⁣
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➖ Interest rates and fees are often higher than those for other types of loans ⁣
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➖ Associated costs can eat away at the value of your estate ⁣
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The reality is, reverse mortgages aren’t right for everyone, and downsizing can be a better choice for some homeowners. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options. ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

After years of record-low housing inventory, active listings are on the rise—which is great news if you’re hoping to buy a home. Here’s what you should know: ⁣
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🏘️ The spring market showed a noticeable jump in listings. ⁣
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🏘️ More sellers are predicted to list once interest rates decline. ⁣
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🏘️ Even with more inventory, demand is still expected to exceed supply. ⁣
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What does it mean for you? Read our mid-year market update to find out! ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/mid-year-market-update-for-2024-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know/

When will mortgage borrowers get some rate relief? ⁣
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Many experts think mortgage rates will trend down over the coming months. ⁣
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But with inflation still elevated in the U.S. and the job market showing strength here at home, it's impossible to predict how far they'll fall. ⁣
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Wondering how current rate trends could affect your plans to buy or sell a home? Check out our latest blog post to learn more. ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/mid-year-market-update-for-2024-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know/

Are you up-to-date on the real estate market? Nearly halfway through 2024, here’s what buyers and sellers need to know: ⁣
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📉 Mortgage rate cuts are expected soon ⁣
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🧑 Demand is forecast to rise as rates fall ⁣
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💰 Home prices will continue to increase ⁣
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🏘️ Inventory is predicted to remain tight nationwide ⁣
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Check out our latest blog post to learn what these trends could mean for you! ⁣
🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/mid-year-market-update-for-2024-what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know/

Moving can be expensive—and we aren’t just talking about the home purchase! Here are a few of our top tips to cut costs. ⁣
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🚚 Declutter before you pack. Don’t spend money moving items that you no longer need. Instead, hold a yard sale to help fund your move. ⁣
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🚚 Get multiple quotes. The cost of movers can vary widely, so explore a few options to ensure you aren’t being overcharged. ⁣
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🚚 Avoid paying for packing supplies. Post on your community Facebook group or check with local stores for leftover boxes. ⁣
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🚚 Pack strategically. If you nest items inside one another, you may be able to get away with a smaller, less expensive moving truck. ⁣
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Want more advice? Send us a message or an email and ask for a free copy of our report, “10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move.” ⁣
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📲 (519) 801-9988 ⁣
📧 [email protected]

Are you relocating to a new area? A few simple steps to prepare can make all the difference on move-in day. ⁣
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For example, it’s much easier to clean or remodel your home before all your belongings have been moved in. Schedule contractors to paint or install new flooring ahead of time so you can enjoy a truly fresh start. ⁣
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Other steps, such as changing your address, need time to implement. Submit your request to the postal service and other relevant parties well in advance so all your important bills, notices, and deliveries make it to your new doorstep. ⁣
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Save this “Relocation Pre-Arrival Checklist” for later. And for even more tips for a stress-less move, check out our Ultimate Relocation Guide! ⁣
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🔗 https://lindamatthews.myagent.site/the-ultimate-relocation-guide-from-finding-a-house-to-feeling-at-home/