Gema Smith's Blog

Posted on 08/19/2024
What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?
When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says: "Good credit scores communicate to...
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Posted on 08/19/2024
Home Inspections For Sellers: How To Prepare
Some Highlights If you’re thinking about selling your house, it’s important to know what the home inspection is and what inspectors look for. As supply grows and buyers regain negotiation power, you may find you want to do some select repairs with a good return on investment before listing to get ahead of things a buyer may ask...
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Posted on 08/18/2024
Types of VA Loan Benefits for Veterans With Disabilities
If you're a qualifying U.S. veteran, a VA home loan can be your quickest path to home ownership. However, if you're legally disabled, there are even more financial benefits available. Here is a basic guide to VA loan benefits for veterans with disabilities: Funding fee exemptions VA loans don't require down payments, but come with funding fees instead....
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Posted on 08/12/2024
Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live?
One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year. Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far...
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Posted on 08/12/2024
Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market
If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate. Whether you’re looking to buy or...
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Posted on 08/12/2024
Where Will You Go After You Sell?
If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do...
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Posted on 08/09/2024
Unlock the True Value of Your Home with a Free Valuation
Whether you're considering selling your home, curious about its current worth, or planning a refinance, knowing the value of your property is essential. But you don’t have to pay for this vital information—many services offer free home valuations, providing you with an accurate estimate of your property's market value. Here’s how you can benefit from a free home...
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Posted on 08/05/2024
Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes
Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time. If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one...
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Posted on 08/05/2024
What Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Equity
Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize. Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re...
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Posted on 08/04/2024
All about conventinal mortgages
Conventional mortgages are the most popular form of home...
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Posted on 08/01/2024
Maximizing Financial Resources in Retirement: Budgeting Tips for Seniors
Managing finances during retirement can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can ensure a stable and enjoyable future. By focusing on maximizing income and minimizing expenses, you can navigate your financial journey with confidence. 8 Essential Budgeting Tips for Seniors Creating a solid retirement budget is key to financial stability. Here are eight practical tips to...
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