The Local Link- Flat Branch Home Loans

💰Property taxes are a significant consideration for homeowners and potential buyers!

📝Understanding how property taxes are determined can help homeowners plan their finances better and avoid surprises. Check out our blog to get the full run down on property taxes and how yours are figured!

https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/blog/home-buyer-guides/property-taxes--how-theyre-determined--what-you-need-to-know

🤔Ever wonder what makes up your credit score?

Here’s the breakdown:

35% Payment History: Pay on time, every time!
30% Credit Utilization: Keep balances low on credit cards.
15% Length of Credit History: The longer, the better!
10% New Credit: Be cautious with new credit inquiries.
10% Credit Mix: Variety in credit types is good!

It's important to know the factors to be able to boost your score take control of your finances! 🌟

💡Curious about buying a home? Let's talk prequalification...It's the first step in determining what you can afford in the housing market!

A Prequalification is an evaluations your financial situation that provides an estimate of how much you can borrow for a mortgage. It helps you establish realistic expectations and expedites the home shopping process.

Here's a list of documents you'll need to provide in order to get an accurate prequalification from your lender:

✔️Income: Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or 1099s
✔️Employment: W-2s from the past two years
✔️Assets: Bank statements, savings, checking, retirement, and investment accounts
✔️Debts: Monthly debts or obligations
✔️Other: Social Security number, planned down payment, and history of bankruptcies

The average American from ages 18-29 owe around $13K per year, that's why we're here as a resource to help you melt down your debt this summer. Check out our quick guide to the Avalanche vs. Sled methods!

🔹Avalanche Method: Focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first. Save on interest and get out of debt faster! 💥

🔹Sled Method: Start slow by paying off the smallest debts first. Build momentum by paying bigger debts and stay motivated by seeing those debts melt away. 🎉

Choose the method that works best for you and get one step closer to financial freedom!

🤔 Wondering how your credit affects loan applications and interest rates?

📉 Lenders look at your credit score, history, and debt-to-income ratio to figure out what a buyer's interest rate will be! A higher score can mean lower interest rates and better terms, while a lower score might cost you more.

💸 Manage your credit wisely...It can save you more in the long run!

🤔Let's talk about insurance! Understanding the difference between mortgage insurance and homeowners’ insurance and what roles they play in the homebuying process.

🏦Mortgage insurance, often required for borrowers who make a down payment of less than 20%, protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. It gives the lender confidence to offer mortgages with lower down payments.

🏡Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, is about protecting YOU and your investment in your home. This will cover damage or loss to your property and belongings due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.

❗While both types of insurance are important, they serve different purposes. Mortgage insurance may be a temporary requirement until you build enough equity in your home, while homeowners’ insurance is a long-term necessity to protect your most valuable asset.

👔Taking business casual to a whole new level… Your office, your rules. Make it productive & comfortable!

😊 Happy National Work from Home Day to those who are manning the fort from their home office.

🏡 Welcome to life after purchasing your dream home! Now that you have your finances in order and know what to look for while maintaining the health of your home, it's now time to talk about best practices for building equity over time.

✔️Regular maintenance and upkeep. Be sure to stay up to date on little repairs, upgrades, and landscaping. You will thank yourself down the road!
✔️Make strategic renovations & improvements…this is a nudge to finish the basement renovations you've been putting off. 😉
✔️Stay consistent with your mortgage payments! This will pay down your principal and contribute to your equity. Consider making an extra payment here and there to accelerate equity growth.

☀️️ Hello, summer!

😎 Today marks the official start of the season of sunshine, adventures, and endless memories. We are already soaking up the warmth and are ready to make this a summer to remember.

🏡 Welcome to life after purchasing your dream home! Once you have a game plan for managing your finances with a new mortgage, the next step is to understand home maintenance and what it may look like for you!

✔️Regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system to ensure its efficiency.
✔️Stay ahead of potential water damage by checking your roof, gutters, and plumbing systems regularly.
✔️Keep your landscaping trimmed and tidy! It's all about curb appeal these days. 😉

🎉Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads and father figures out there!

"Being a dad means being comfortable with the word 'hero'.” - Ryan Reynolds

🦸Here's to the superheroes who make our lives better and our hearts fuller.

Summer’s here, and it's time for family fun! What better way to spend quality time with each other than exploring some of these fun activities, all of which can be done at your home!

🎈Water balloon fight
⛺Campout in your backyard
🎬Outdoor movie night
🍉Outdoor picnic
💧DIY Slip and Slide

Making memories during the summer months doesn't necessarily mean traveling to far away destinations. Home is the perfect place to start 😊

🏡 Welcome to life after purchasing your dream home! Managing finances with a new mortgage requires a strategic approach.

Read these 3 tips for help with finances after acquiring a mortgage:

1. Budget Wisely: Establish a detailed budget that accounts for your mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance costs, and other expenses.

2. Build an Emergency Fund: Set aside funds for unexpected expenses, such as home repairs or medical emergencies. Aim to have enough savings to cover at least three to six months' worth of living expenses.

3. Prioritize Debt Repayment: If you have other debts, such as credit card balances or student loans, prioritize paying them off while managing your mortgage.

🌟 Here's to a prosperous future in your new home!

🏡In the journey of homeownership, distinguishing between wants and needs is crucial. While “wants” adds flare to our dream home, “needs” lays the foundation for comfort and functionality.

💭Understanding this balance helps you as a buyer make informed decisions with confidence while purchasing a home knowing that you are doing what will set you up for financial success in the future.

We’re not “pick me” lenders, but if we were, this is what we’d say…

“Pick me. Choose me. Love me!” Just kidding… 😜

💪In all seriousness, choosing the right lender is not just about rates and terms—it’s about finding a financial partner who understands your unique journey and goals.

Check out our blog on why choosing a trustworthy lender who has your best financial interest at heart makes all the difference in your homebuying journey.

https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/blog/home-buyer-guides/choosing-the-right-mortgage-lender-your-financial-partner-for-life

🏠 Why make the leap to homeownership? Well, rent is now over 30% higher now than it was prior to the pandemic.

Homeownership offers stability and equity building... No rent upticks or landlord hassles that come with renting a place.

At Flat Branch, we will work with you to get to a place of financial security and find a loan program that fits your lifestyle best. Find a loan officer in your local community to get the prequalification process started: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/team/



Source: Nerd Wallet | https://shorturl.at/CPzhr

🏡 Home is where dreams grow, and memories are made. This month, you can find us celebrating the joy we feel by helping our borrowers find a place to call their own!

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, here is to the pride and fulfillment of turning empty houses into memory-filled homes.

🚗Are you planning on traveling this summer? Before you hit the road, be sure your home is secured by going through this checklist.

- Lock all doors and windows securely.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property.
- Adjust thermostat settings to save energy but be sure your home doesn't get too hot or too cold.
- Turn off non-essential appliances and unplug electronics to prevent energy waste and reduce risk of electrical fires.
- Shut off water supply to prevent any leaks or water damage.
- Arrange for mail to be held at the post office or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.
- Dispose of perishable foods to avoid coming back to a smelly home.

Getting these tasks squared away before traveling will ensure that your home is protected and well prepared for your absence, allowing you to enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

😅Understanding a home loan shouldn't feel like rocket science.

💪It's no secret that the homebuying journey can be challenging if you don't understand what's going on. Our goal is to provide you with knowledge and resources to empower you throughout the mortgage process and alleviate some of the stress that comes with purchasing a home.

Let us help you breakdown the process in latest blog post FAQ where we answer some frequently asked questions about mortgages. From understanding loan types to navigating the application process, we've got you covered.



https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/blog/home-buyer-guides/mortgage-faq

Honoring and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

This Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on their courage, their sacrifice, and their legacy. Let us never forget their service and dedication to our nation.

🏡 Imagine having your mortgage lender as your neighbor!

✨ With us, you're not just another client, you're part of our community. From finding your dream home to settling in, we're here every step of the way, even next door. Let's turn your neighborhood dreams into reality!

🏡 When you finally cave and buy a house... for your pet. Priorities, right?

You can rest assured that no matter your reason for your home purchase, our loan officers are here to walk with you through the steps of the mortgage process.

Find a loan officer in your local community who will help you...and your pet get into the perfect house: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/team/

🐾Happy National Pet Month!

Honoring those who serve our nation with courage, dedication and sacrifice.

On Armed Forces Day, we express our deepest gratitude to those who protect our freedom and defend our values. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

🏡 Celebrating the heart of every home, today and every day!

Established in 1993, International Day of Families was set to encourage our communities to better understand the family’s pivotal role as society’s basic unit and address the challenges families worldwide face. The aim is to celebrate the diversity of families and reinforce the idea that there is no single model for what a family should be.

International Day of Families reminds us of the invaluable support system that families provide, as it's a day to celebrate the love, bond, and support we share within our family units.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing your family, or investing in your dream home, we're here to support your journey to creating cherished memories under one roof.

☀️Ready to make your garden sizzle this summer?

🌿Check out these essential summer gardening tips to keep your plants thriving in the heat! From watering wisdom to shade solutions, we've got you covered. Let's turn up the green this season!



https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/blog/home-owner-guides/tips-for-thriving-gardens-in-the-heat

🏡Closers and post-closers are the anchors and the final leg of the loan process.

💼From finalizing the paperwork to ensuring everything is in order after the deal is sealed, they're the glue that holds it all together. Behind the scenes, they meticulously ensure a smooth transition from application to funding, bringing dreams to fruition.