Ask Tilly: Building Home Equity

Dear Tilly,

We keep hearing about the benefits of building equity in your home. As first time homeowners, we are wondering some simple ways to do this. What types of things do you suggest?

Sincerely,

The Newlyweds

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Ask Tilly: How to Buy A House that will Sell

Dear Tilly, FirsTrust Mortgage Puts Home Ownership Within Your Reach

My wife and I are moving across the state and planning to buy a new home. Selling our current home has not been a piece of cake, so our first priority is to invest in a home that can sell later. What types of things should we look for in our new home to make sure we are able to sell it in the future?

Sincerely,

House Hunters

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Ask Tilly: What’s the strategy for Open Houses?

Dear Tilly, Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

I am just starting the hunt for a new house. While I’m so excited to find the right place for me, I’m nervous that I will miss something important.  Do you have any tips for spotting potential problems early on when I first find a house I like?

Thank you!
Not-So-Observant

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Ask Tilly: Should I Rent or Buy?

Dear Tilly,

Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.
After graduating from college two years ago, I moved home with my parents to get on my feet financially. I have a stable job and have saved quite a bit, and now is the time to pack up and move out. I try to follow the housing market, but still need help with this decision- should I rent or buy?

Thanks,
Moving Out

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Ask Tilly: How Can I Save Money on Home Improvement?

Dear Tilly,Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.
My family has been in our home for 5 years and we are suddenly having more problems around the house. Our dishwasher broke last month and a leak in our roof caused damage. We also see smaller problems popping up. I’m pretty handy and not afraid to get my hands dirty, but I’d love to know how to save money on home improvement projects and repair.

Thanks for your help,
Mr. Fix-It on a Budget

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Ask Tilly- How much money should I save for home repairs?

Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

Dear Tilly,

I am looking for a home this year and hope to buy before my wedding in November. Many of the homes will need some kind of repair or work. I’m excited to invest in a home, but I’m worried about the cost of repair projects. How much money should I save for repair now and general home improvement projects down the road?

Thank you,
Budgeting Fiancé
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Dear Tilly- Why is Pre-Approval Important?

Dear Tilly,

Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

I am hoping to buy a home next year. I feel confident in my financial situation and am looking at homes online and around the neighborhood. I told my co-worker about the search, and she suggested that I stop looking at homes until I am “pre-approved”. What is “pre-approval” and why should I start that before looking at homes?

Thanks for your help,

Seeking Approval

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Ask Tilly- How Do I Find a Real Estate Agent?

Dear Tilly,Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

I have been renting an apartment for a few years and I have decided to buy a house. I’m excited to start looking, but I really want an experienced real estate agent to help me. Can you help me learn how to find an agent?

Sincerely,

Agent-less

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Dear Tilly- How Can We Save Money This Year?

Dear Tilly,

Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

My wife and I sat down to discuss our finances last month to close off the year and prepare for 2013. As we talked, we decided to create a New Year’s Resolution to save more money. We want to save for both the future and more immediate potential expenses. Our children are elementary school and we want to be ready for their college expenses when the time comes. We know we want to save money but are unsure how to keep up with this resolution all year. Can you give some advice to help us meet our goal?

Thanks in advance,
Ready for Resolutions

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Ask Tilly: What is a conventional loan?

Dear Tilly,Tilly recommends the certified mortgage planners at FirsTrust Mortgage.

My fiancee and I are getting married next year. We are getting ready to purchase a home and we are clueless about loan options. We hear about conventional, jumbo, FHA, and VA loans, but we have no idea which type we need. Can you tell us what a conventional loan is?

Please help us!
Clueless Fiancees

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