Your Local Mortgage Consultant!
At Home Loans with Gary, your loan process is made easy and comfortable! As loan officers, we always suggest you seek a local lender when obtaining a mortgage loan as they are accessible, responsive, and understand the local economy you are living in. They also have close tie-ups with the Real Estate Agent to make your loan process is fluid and seamless.
Once you’re pre-approved… and have found your dream home…
Here’s the checklist of items we need from YOU to secure your loan!
Tips on Owning a Home in Texas
Owning a home is the American Dream and one of the best investments you’ll ever make. If you’re transitioning from renting to owning, beware that everything your landlord used to take care of is now your responsibility. With that in mind, here are ten essential things every prospective homeowner should know.
Utilize Your New Network – Your Real Estate Agent, Local Mortgage Lender, and new neighbors will become essential sources of local knowledge. These individuals can assist you in locating local services and products that are require in your new community. Your neighbors might even know information about your home from the previous owner, saving you time and money in the long run! In most cases, your local network can be instrumental in learning the ins and outs of your new surroundings and find the best companies to help maintain your new home.
Acclimate to your new expenses – When you buy a house, there’s a dire need to modify your space instantly. Defy the impulse because you have spent a large portion of your life savings on the new home. Before you pay someone to start swinging that hammer, give yourself some time to acclimate to the monthly expenses of becoming a homeowner, then have fun renovating!
Insurance – To finance your new home, the State of Texas requires you to obtain homeowner’s insurance. If you live with someone who relies on your earnings to pay the mortgage, such as a spouse or family member, something you should also consider is to place life insurance with that person as the beneficiary. Disability-income insurance is a wise investment if your potential to make a living is affected.
Maintaining your home – There is one area where you should never cut corners: maintenance. Learn about your appliances and mechanicals, particularly your HVAC and water heater. Make a binder and include all appliances, service repair dates and warranties so that over the years you know which is up for renewal. If any of them require maintenance or replacement, do it straight away and look for contractors and handymen who can assist you in looking after your investment. *hint* your network can really help you here!
Warranties & Manuals – Keep your warranties and manuals organized because they contain important troubleshooting and repair instructions for high-ticket items.
New Keys – As you step into your new house, consider having your locks changed.
Maintain your cool from our Texas heat! Your new HVAC system might need annual maintenance. Find out what type of filter your HVAC system requires and where it should be installed. Purchase a couple of years’ worth of filters from your local hardware store to ensure you have enough.
Updating your home with renovations – You’ll probably decide to invest in some renovations once you’ve moved in and grown accustomed to the monthly budget. Keep track of your receipts while you undertake home modifications and consult a tax professional to see whether you qualify for any tax breaks.
Property taxes – Finally, when it comes to tax times, owning a property has numerous advantages, but you’ll almost certainly need the assistance of a professional to maximize them all. They’ll be able to save you money on taxes and notify you of any concerns with your return that you might be able to fix with new habits.