Shawn Carvin, Mortgage Professional/Branch Manager

Ok, today we are going to talk about what cash reserves are and why you need them to buy a home… When buying a house, most people only think about saving enough to cover a down payment and closing costs. But lenders like to see more than that. Borrowers who have additional “cash reserves” are considered lower risk and are more likely to be approved for financing at the lowest possible rate. So, what are “cash reserves” and how can they benefit you? Take a look… https://1l.ink/JBDV6HN

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to furnish your home on a budget… If you’ve just bought a home, you may feel pressured to furnish the whole thing all at once, which can be expensive. But there are many ways to moderate costs. Here are 6 tips for furnishing your home on a budget… https://1l.ink/K2LVHQZ

Ok, today we are going to talk about three things you need to know before you borrow from your home equity… Accessing your home equity through a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance can be an affordable way to pay for renovations or education. Here are 3 things you need to know before applying for a HELOC… https://1l.ink/2NZT4H8

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to finance a new home build… If you’re looking for a home that offers the latest energy efficiencies, low maintenance costs, and every amenity and convenience your family desires, maybe you should consider building new. Just keep in mind that financing new construction is a little more complicated. Here’s what you need to know… https://1l.ink/JBVKKHT

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to rebuild your finances if you’ve suffered from financial abuse… Being in an unhealthy relationship could be emotionally, physically, or even financially damaging. And according to recent statistics, 99% of domestic violence also includes financial abuse. Here’s what to do if you’re in a financially abusive situation, or if you’re recovering from one… https://1l.ink/HXD8DLZ

Ok, today we are going to talk about the 9 questions to ask your Realtor before you list your home with them… Finding and selecting a Realtor is an important step in the selling process. Recent data suggests that “For Sale by Owner” houses sell for about 25% less than houses sold by Realtors. To find the Realtor who’ll work best for you, interview two or three and ask them important things about their work experience, past sales, qualifications, etc. Here are 9 questions to ask your Realtor before you list… https://1l.ink/5Z87X7L

Ok, today we are going to talk about what a force majeure clause is and where or not it applies to your mortgage… “Force majeure” is French for superior force. It’s a term used in legal documents that can sometimes let a person or business get out of a contract. Here’s what you need to know and when it could apply to you… https://1l.ink/GLLQTRQ

Ok, today we are going to talk about real estate planning and why it’s necessary… You don’t have to be wealthy to have an estate plan. No matter who you are, you probably have possessions you’d like your children to have once you’re gone. And you definitely want to have a say in who will take care of your kids if you die before your time. Here are 4 reasons why you should start thinking about estate planning today… https://1l.ink/7NBSCRD

Ok, today we are going to talk about when it is smart to pay off your mortgage early… Being mortgage-free sounds wonderful. But as with most financial choices, there are pros and cons. Before using an inheritance, a raise or savings to pay off your mortgage early, there are some important things to consider. Here’s 7 things to consider if you want to pay your mortgage off early… https://1l.ink/WDNG4DM

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to prepare your finances for a natural disaster or pandemic… The thing about crisis situations is that you never know when to expect them. The only way to cope is by being prepared. Here are 4 ways to prepare your finances to help you make it through challenging times… https://1l.ink/FWH265X

Ok, today we are going to talk about when the best time to do certain updates on your home is… Timing renovations can be tricky. The sooner you remodel, the longer you have to enjoy your beautiful new home. But if you remodel too far in advance of selling, everything’s going to look outdated by the time you list your home. Here’s a yearly schedule broken down that will help you know when to update what… https://1l.ink/68LV642

Ok, today we are going to talk about how you can save time and money paying your utility bills on your home… Monthly bills are inevitable and predictable. But for some people, bills come as a surprise just when they can least afford them. Here’s 6 tips to save you time and money paying your utility bills… https://1l.ink/Z3BXHBH

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to manage your finances during a recession… Nobody welcomes a recession. But if you’re among the fortunate majority that still has an income and a home, a recession can actually be a time of valuable learning and growth. Here are 5 ways to manage your finances during a recession… https://1l.ink/FZ876X2

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to create or update your home office space… The COVID pandemic introduced many of us to working from home. And regardless of being in a pandemic or not, many of us will continue to and have been working from home already. So now’s the time to make your home office as efficient, comfortable and uplifting as possible. Here are 6 ways to make your home office work better… https://1l.ink/3TK5P27

Ok, today we are going to talk about 6 things you need to examine closely in a home inspection… Buying a home is a huge investment, and unfortunately, we’re not all qualified to judge whether a home is worth the money. That’s why it’s essential to hire a professional home inspector. Here are 6 things to pay extra attention to in any home inspection… https://1l.ink/J5M3SJB

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to pay off your credit card so you can live a stress-free future… If you’re like most people, emergencies, illnesses, job losses or more can put a dent in your credit cards. To make matters worse, most credit cards have high interest rates that make them difficult to pay off. But paying off your cards is exactly what you need to do to achieve a secure and stress-free financial future. Here are 6 tips for paying off your credit cards… https://1l.ink/BKC28P3

Ok, today we are going to talk about how to save money on home insurance… Insurance is absolutely essential to home ownership. You have to be confident that your investment and your family are adequately protected. However, there’s no reason to pay more for home insurance than you have to. Here are 7 ways to save money on home insurance… https://1l.ink/LML7D72

Ok, today we are going to talk about what to be aware of before moving from the city to the suburbs… For the young and single, the inner city has strong appeal. But as soon as there are kids, many couples are drawn to the suburbs. Less crowds and more open spaces become more enticing. If you don’t want to sacrifice quality of life, choose the suburb carefully. Here are 4 pitfalls to avoid when moving from the city to the suburbs… https://1l.ink/VJVSNWQ

Today we are going to talk about how to use budget tracking apps but stay safe doing it… Budget tracking apps like Quicken and mint.com can be a great way to manage household finances. But considering all the personal financial information you enter into these apps, are they safe to use? Most experts agree the apps are generally safe; it’s the people using them who pose the greatest risk. Here are 7 tips for using a budget tracking app (while keeping your info safe)… https://1l.ink/FT2LTBH

Ok, today we are going to talk about 4 ways to improve technology throughout your home… With growing numbers of us working and learning from home, it’s more essential now than ever before that our homes can accommodate modern technologies. Whether you’re looking to update your home, or on the market for a new home, there are a few things to do and look for to update your home. Here are 4 ways to give your home a tech tune up… https://1l.ink/MKWZ3CB

Ok, today we are going to talk about the expense of hiring a real estate agent and if it’s really worth it to you… When you’re selling a home, so much money is at stake, you can’t afford to make a mistake. That’s why over 90% of buyers and sellers work with a Realtor. But let’s face it, Real estate commissions are expensive. Are Realtors really worth it? Here’s what good Realtors do to earn every penny of their commissions… https://1l.ink/KZ5LGTG

What are you going to do this Holiday season to spread the love? Comment below. Maybe you will give someone a good idea! Sharing is caring.

Buyer FAQ

Ok, today we are going to talk about ways to access home equity… If you’re equity rich and cash poor, it might make sense to draw equity from your home. Here are 3 ways to access the equity in your home… https://1l.ink/C6KCGX6

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4 Mistakes to avoid after your mortgage approval & before the closing date...

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Ok, today we are going to talk about 5 simple things you can do to your home to instantly boost the price when it hits the market… You don’t have to hire a professional stager to prepare sell your home. With a little guidance from a Realtor and a few simple touches, your home’s value can increase instantly. Here are 5 things you can do that can help you boost your asking price… https://1l.ink/DJDPLNJ