Echo Home Loans #1896470

🏡✨ Buying a home is like training for the Summer Olympics! 🏅

Just like athletes, you start with a dream and a whole lot of determination. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ You research, save, and prepare for the big day. 🏋️‍♂️💪

There are hurdles to jump (hello, paperwork! 📝) and sometimes it feels like a marathon 🏃‍♂️, but crossing that finish line and getting those keys? 🗝️ Pure gold! 🥇

Whether you're just starting your journey or nearing the finish line, remember: every step gets you closer to your dream home! 🏠❤️

It’s no secret that navigating the real estate market this year has posed some challenges. One common question we’ve seen from homeowners is whether a home equity line of credit (HELOC) might be a smart alternative to cash-out refinancing, especially in today’s economy.

Swipe through for some information about HELOCs and how to qualify ↩️

HELOCs have their pros and cons, just like any mortgage option. If you're wondering if a HELOC might be a good option for you, or have mortgage questions in general, feel free to reach out. We are here to assist! 🏡🔑

Happy Independence Day! However you're celebrating, we hope you have a wonderful 4th of July

Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the holiday. Should you need us urgently, we will be back to assist you when normal hours resume on July 8th.

We often see aspiring homebuyers mix up home appraisal and inspection during the mortgage process. They’re easy terms to mix up, but it’s important to understand the difference between the two, as home appraisals are key to securing a mortgage.

To clear up any confusion, we're here with a Q&A session. Swipe through for an overview of home appraisals and the role they play in your home-buying journey ↩️

Have questions? Drop them in the comments, and reach out to our team of experts if we can be of further help.

Today, we're tackling a question we often get from prospective homeowners: "What is the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, and why does it matter?"

LTV is a crucial factor in the mortgage process — and something everyone shopping for a home should understand. With that in mind, swipe for an overview of LTV ↩️

Have additional questions? Give us a call. We’d love to chat! 🏡

🇺🇸 In honor of Memorial Day, our office will be closed. We will be back to our regular hours starting Tuesday, May 28.

We invite you to join us in remembering that Memorial Day is more than just a long weekend. It's a time for us to come together and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

May 1st marks a special day for all those embarking on the exciting journey of owning their first home 🏠 Congratulations to all of the new homeowners in our network!

And if you are an aspiring first-time homeowner, know that we are dedicated to helping you celebrate this day next year. In service of that, we thought we would share a few tips for first-time homebuyers.

Swipe for more info, and reach out to us anytime for personalized guidance. We’re here to make your homeownership dreams a reality!

As lenders, we often get asked about the difference between a mortgage rate and an APR. The truth is, while they may be easily confused, they're two very different things. Here’s a quick primer:

💰 Your mortgage rate is the interest rate you pay on your home loan.
💰 Your APR (annual percentage rate) is a broader measure of the cost of borrowing that takes into account both the interest rate and other associated fees, such as escrow fees.
💰 In some cases, a loan with a higher interest rate but a lower APR could be cheaper. The reverse can be true as well.

Share this post to spread the mortgage knowledge, and of course, reach out if we can be of help 🤝

Ever wondered why advertised mortgage rates differ from the actual rates you receive?

Here's why:

📣 Advertised rates are general reference points, not guarantees. Rate adjustments often occur based on your individual circumstances.
📝 These adjustments are made based on factors such as your loan amount, credit, down payment, and property type.
⚠️ Homebuyers can pay discount points, or mortgage points, that can end up lowering the mortgage rate from what was advertised.

One of the benefits of utilizing a local lender is that they often offer personalized rates and multiple loan options.

Have questions about mortgage rates? Drop them in the comments - that’s what we’re here for!

Happy Easter, everyone! Wishing each of you a fantastic celebration with your loved ones, full of egg-citement, chocolate bunnies, and maybe a Peep or two 🥚🍫

On the note of celebrations, are you doing anything special for the holiday? Let us know in the comments — we’re all “ears!”

Ever feel confused by real estate jargon? 😵‍💫

In the world of homebuying, the terms "prequalification" and "preapproval" are known to confuse folks. Let's dive deeper to understand their significance and how they impact your journey to homeownership! 🧭

Swipe through for the definitions of each! ↩️

Have questions? Drop them in the comments🏡

As we celebrate the greenest day of the year, we're reminded of how incredibly lucky we are to have this wonderful community of clients, colleagues, and supporters.

Thank you for being a part of our network, and remember, we’re only a phone call or email away if you need us. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from this truly lucky team 🍀

We are thrilled to announce that Echo Home Loans #1896470 has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics! This incredible recognition honors our unwavering commitment to doing business the right way!
👏🏠😁❤

During our years in the real estate industry, we’ve learned that the appeal of buying a home is much more than a monetary investment for our clients. It offers a sense of security and stability that is hard to find elsewhere 🏡

With rent prices increasing more than 13% in the past two years, owning a home also means having stable payments, avoiding rent hikes, and setting up future generations for success.

This time of the year, especially, we are extra grateful for being able to facilitate the gift of homeownership for our clients. If you own your home, what do you love most about it? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

With mortgage rates up, more homeowners are tapping into their equity for renovations. 🛠️ Thinking of joining them? Here are five top projects from the NAR’s latest Remodeling Impact Report:

1. Refinish hardwood floors → Enjoy 147% return, and upgrade your space.
2. Install hardwood floors → Get 118% ROI and love being home even more.
3. Insulation upgrade → Boost energy efficiency and get 100% back when you sell.
4. Basement to living area → See an 86% ROI and make use of the space under your nose.
5. Closet renovation → Receive 83% ROI, custom storage for you — and your future buyers.

It doesn’t get better than renovations that pay off and make your home your haven. 🏡

Got questions about buying or selling? Reach out anytime. We’d love to connect!

Happy Valentine’s Day! 🌟 To our wonderful network: We're glowing with appreciation for your trust and support.

Whether you're celebrating big or keeping it low-key, have a wonderful Valentine's Day! 💖

Are you aiming to strategically utilize your mortgage while maintaining low interest rates? A blended mortgage rate might be the solution you’re looking for. Swipe to learn more👉

To find your rate, you can use an online calculator for an estimate, but for accurate specifics, it's best to consult with a mortgage lender.

If you're curious about how a blended mortgage can fit into your plans, we’re here to guide you through the details and explore other suitable options.

Call our office or send us a message — we are here to help! 🤝

Take a look at our most recent YELP review received, compliments of Junior Partner, Myra San Agustin- Ruperto!
My Husband and I purchased our first home with Myra Ruperto with Echo Home Loans. Our experience with her was amazing. She was very knowledgeable, efficient, hardworking, and great to work with. Myra provided the best advice and solutions when we faced a few challenges but she walked us through every step of the process. I am happy I chose to work with Echo Homes Loans. Your team is outstanding.
We're 5 STARS through GOOGLE!
We're 5 STARS through Better Business Bureau!
We're 5 STARS through YELP!
Contact our team today for any mortgage questions or needs!
☎️480-773-1870🏠

One way to ensure satisfaction with your new home is to custom-build it yourself. But to get the job done right, you need to find a qualified builder. These tips can help you make the right choice.

Tips for Choosing a Home Builder - Realty Times If you’ve decided you’re going to build a custom home rather than buying an existing one, the process of getting started can be intimidating. When you buy an existing home, you know what you’re getting. When you’re going to do a custom build, there is a lot of uncertainty. One of the first t...

Mandatory membership in a homeowners association (HOA) can significantly impact your satisfaction with a new home. Learn how you can thoroughly vet HOAs while searching for a house.

Homeowners associations can be a boon, or bust, for buyers. Here's how to vet HOAs when house hunting While shopping for new homes is already competitive, prospective buyers should be aware of homeowners associations and investigate if they are the right fit.

Locking your mortgage rate could help you save money in the long run if the time is right. But it's not a must-do for every occasion -- here's what you need to know.

mariotorres.myhomehq.biz

Design trends like Tuscan-style kitchens were all the rage last year, but they may not enjoy the same popularity in 2024.

3 Home Trends on Their Way Out for 2024, According to Zillow You might want to rethink turning your closet into an office.

As temperatures drop, homeowners increasingly rely on heaters and fireplaces to stay comfy. This also increases the risk of fire and carbon monoxide, which means working detectors are essential.

Understanding Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about these fire safety devices.

Due diligence isn't specific to real estate. But understanding what due diligence means in this context and how to put it into action can make your journey to homeownership that much easier.

What to Know About Due Diligence in Real Estate - Realty Times There are a lot of terms you have to be aware of in real estate, and it can be a bit of a complex process to navigate buying a home. One term you may hear is due diligence and due diligence money. Due diligence isn’t a term exclusive to real estate, however. In the general sense, it means that you...

Who says string light decorations are only for the holiday season? You can appreciate the beauty of string lights around your home all year with any of these 13 ideas.

String Lights Aren’t Just for Christmas: 13 Ideas to Decorate With Them Year-Round Don’t pack those string lights away after the holidays. Instead, use them to bring light and a bit of character throughout your home. Whether you have small, colored strands of lights, white LEDs, bulb lights or fairy lights, there are plenty of ways to decorate with string lights. You can go big ...

With winter comes reduced inventory, fewer buyers and a lot of untapped potential. Learn why buying or selling a home during the winter season can be an advantage.

Benefits of Buying and Selling a Home in Winter Is winter secretly the best season to buy or sell your home?

To all my clients, colleagues, family, and friends -- Wishing you the happiest and most prosperous year going in to 2024!
I am here to help you achieve your financial goals!
Whether it is buying your first home, refinancing your current loan and using the equity to eliminate high interest debt, or purchasing another home or investment property, reach out to me!
I promise you that getting qualified and buying a home is easier than you think, there are programs available to accommodate so many different situations!
I am currently licensed in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
NMLS1469523
Cheers!

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Saving up to buy a home can take time -- but how much time it takes can also vary by region. Here's a look at states where saving for a house may take more time than most.

Where Does It Take the Longest to Save for a Home? A new study by SelfStorage.com has found that in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it takes the lon...