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Mortgage News Matters

Seasonal Home Maintenance Guide: Keeping Your Investment Property in Top Shape

Just like our personal routines change with the seasons, so does the need for maintaining our homes. Given that it’s often our most significant life investment, maintaining our homes is paramount. Regular attention to the exterior, appliances, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, and electrical components is crucial for smooth operation and to minimize repair costs. Consistent maintenance not only ensures functionality but also enhances your home’s overall appeal.

Each season presents different weather challenges and tasks to address. Below, we’ve provided valuable year-round tips to ensure your investment property operates like a well-oiled machine.

Spring

Exterior

With the weather warming up, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. Begin with the exterior, especially if you’re in a region where the yard is thawing out. Clear leaves and apply fresh mulch to flowerbeds and hedges to prevent drought. Inspect outside faucets for damage, and consider professional tree checks for safety. Clear gutters and examine the chimney for issues.

Interior

For homes with central air and heat, schedule biannual HVAC servicing. This includes ductwork inspection and furnace and A/C compressor cleaning. Inspect plumbing for leaks, especially under sinks.

Summer

Exterior

During summer, maintenance shifts to upkeep. Focus on enjoying your outdoor space. Keep grass at a higher cut to avoid weed growth and drought stress. Regularly water your garden and plants, ensuring functional sprinkler heads. Proper pool care is essential, involving weekly filter basket cleaning and chemical level checks, along with monthly algae prevention.

Interior

Adjust ceiling fans counterclockwise to cool, not heat. Prepare for heatwaves by checking door linings. Combat pests by keeping surfaces clean. Address bug issues with repellents before considering professional help. In hurricane-prone areas, have an emergency plan and disaster kit.

Fall

Exterior

Prepare for winter by providing ample water to plants before dormancy. Keep gutters clear to prevent blockages from falling leaves. Turn off outdoor faucets to prevent freezing. Close and clean the pool for winter.

Interior

Service furnace and HVAC systems for energy efficiency and preemptive repairs. Regularly inspect and clear dryer vents of lint. Fall is ideal for indoor projects like painting or bathroom updates.

Winter

Exterior

For colder regions, equip yourself for winter storms. Maintain snowblowers and stock up on ice melt. Check labels for pet-friendly options.

Interior

Change heating system filters and ensure a functioning generator for blackouts. Keep firewood, water, and canned food on hand for emergencies.

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Mortgage News Matters

Cash-Out Refinance vs. HELOC

Understanding the Differences and Exploring Their Benefits

If you’re a homeowner in need of funds, you may have come across two popular options: cash-out refinance and Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Both of these financial tools allow you to access the equity in your home, but they have distinct differences. In this blog post, we will compare cash-out refinance and HELOC, explaining their unique features and benefits. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which option suits your financial needs and goals. 

Cash-Out Refinance 

A cash-out refinance is a mortgage option that allows you to refinance your existing mortgage for an amount greater than what you owe. This enables you to receive the difference in cash. Essentially, you replace your current mortgage with a new one, and the equity you have built in your home becomes accessible to you. The funds from a cash-out refinance can be used for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses, or investments. 

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) 

A HELOC, on the other hand, is a line of credit that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. It functions similarly to a credit card, where you have a maximum borrowing limit and can withdraw funds as needed. With a HELOC, you have a draw period during which you can access funds, and you only pay interest on the amount you borrow. After the draw period, you enter the repayment period, during which you can no longer withdraw funds and must start repaying both principal and interest. 

Key Differences 

Now let’s explore the key differences between cash-out refinance and HELOC: 

  1. Loan Structure: A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one, resulting in a single loan with a new interest rate and term. A HELOC, on the other hand, provides a line of credit separate from your mortgage, allowing you to access funds as needed during the draw period. 
  2. Interest Rates: The cash-out refinance often offers fixed interest rates, providing stability and predictability in your monthly payments. A HELOC typically has variable interest rates, which can fluctuate over time based on market conditions. This means your monthly payments can vary during the draw period. 
  3. Repayment Terms: A cash-out refinance comes with a new loan term, which means you’ll have a new timeline to repay the borrowed amount. The HELOC has a draw period (usually 5-10 years) during which you can borrow funds, followed by a repayment period (usually 10-20 years) where you repay the principal and interest. 
  4. Accessing Funds: With your cash-out refinance, you receive the funds as a lump sum at the time of closing. Your HELOC allows you to access funds as needed during the draw period, similar to how you use a credit card. 
  5. Tax Deductibility: The interest paid on both a cash-out refinance, and a HELOC may be tax-deductible, but it’s essential to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific rules and regulations in your jurisdiction. 

Benefits of Cash-Out Refinances and HELOCs 

Both cash-out refinances, and HELOCs offer unique benefits. Here are some advantages of each: 

Benefits of a Cash-Out Refinance: 

  • Access a large sum of cash: A cash-out refinance allows you to access a significant amount of money in one transaction, making it suitable for substantial expenses like home renovations or debt consolidation. 
  • Fixed interest rates: With a cash-out refinance, you can secure a fixed interest rate, providing stability and predictability in your monthly payments. 
  • Simplified repayment: You have a single loan to manage, simplifying your finances.

Benefits of a HELOC: 

  • Flexibility in borrowing: A HELOC provides flexibility in borrowing, allowing you to access funds as needed during the draw period. This is beneficial when you have ongoing expenses or unpredictable funding needs. 
  • Pay interest only on what you borrow: During the draw period, you only pay interest on the amount you borrow, potentially reducing your monthly payments. 
  • Revolving line of credit: Once you repay a portion of the borrowed amount, you can borrow it again, giving you ongoing access to funds. 

Choosing the Right Option for You 

When deciding between a cash-out refinance and a HELOC, consider the following factors: 

  1. Financial Goals: Determine your specific financial goals and how the funds will be used. If you have a one-time large expense, the cash-out refinance may be the better choice. If you have ongoing or unpredictable funding needs, a HELOC could provide greater flexibility. 
  2. Interest Rates: Assess your comfort level with interest rate fluctuations. If you prefer a fixed interest rate, cash-out refinance may be the more suitable option. If you’re comfortable with variable rates and potentially lower initial payments, the HELOC could be advantageous. 
  3. Repayment Terms: Consider how quickly you can repay the borrowed amount. If you prefer a new loan term with fixed monthly payments, a cash-out refinance may align with your financial strategy. If you want more flexibility in repayment and ongoing access to funds, a HELOC may be a better fit. 
  4. Closing Costs and Fees: Evaluate the closing costs and fees associated with each option. A cash-out refinance typically involves closing costs similar to those of a traditional mortgage. A HELOC may have lower upfront costs but could include fees like annual maintenance fees. 

Conclusion 

Cash-out refinance loans and HELOCs are both effective ways to tap into your home’s equity. Understanding the differences between the two can help you choose the option that best aligns with your financial needs and goals. Whether you prefer a lump sum payment with a fixed interest rate (cash-out refinance) or ongoing access to funds with flexible repayment (HELOC), consult with a mortgage professional to evaluate your options and make an informed decision. 

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Mortgage News Matters

Types of Homes and Styles

Each of us has our unique style, so it’s a good thing that our homes also come in different shapes and sizes. You probably have some idea of what types of homes you’re attracted to, but the two main elements that make up a home are its structure type and style. Understanding these differences will help you to find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle.

Structure Types:

Before you begin your home search, you’ll want to have a good understanding of what kind of space you are going to need. Below are the most common home structures as well as some pros and cons of each.

Apartment

With an apartment, you are surrounded by a collection of other units while all sharing the same structure. In an apartment, however, you don’t have the option to purchase, leaving you unable to build equity in your home. Apartments can be great options for people planning on living in them for short periods, or if you prefer the resort-style amenities offered by many communities.  

Condo

Condos offer a lot of the same convenience as an apartment, except the difference is that you can own one if you want to. Condominiums are a great option if you enjoy living in the city, or if you are elderly and no longer want to maintain and upkeep a home.

Co-Op

Instead of outright owning a property, what if like the stock market, you could own a share of a residence and still be able to live there? When you buy into a housing cooperative, you are purchasing a fixed number of shares within the co-op, turning you into a shareholder tenant. Living in a co-op will bring a great sense of community and they are less expensive than owning a home, however, they offer less freedom.


Single-Family

With this home structure, you are completely detached from any other buildings, and are usually found in suburban areas. Single-family homes often offer much more space than the previous structure types. These structures are the most common home type in the U.S.

Townhome

With a townhome, you are living in an individually owned home that shares a wall with one other unit. These are very popular in big cities where space is limited. These home styles are usually multiple stories and share amenities with surrounding townhomes. They are generally cheaper than a single-family home but offer less privacy.

Home Styles:

Along with each structure type, comes a certain style. The different home styles available date back decades, with many people replicating them into new home structures today.

Mediterranean

These home styles highlight elements from Spanish and Italian villas with a large focus on outdoor space. Florida is no stranger to these types of homes, as they are most popular in a tropical climate. Some key features of these homes are tiled roofs, stucco walls, and warm stone and wood accents.

Ranch

In the early 1930s, ranch-style homes became increasingly popular for their one-story, low-rise ceilings with large windows and backyards. Most ranch-style homes are rectangular, but often can be built as a “U” or “L” shape.

Split Level

Split-level homes developed from the ranch-style home, adding more separation. These homes have multiple floors attached with short flights of stairs and are uniquely separated.

Victorian

Named after Queen Victoria, these homes became popular in the 1900s. These homes are categorized by Gothic influences and thoughtfully crafted woodwork. They feature pitched roofs, wraparound front porches, cylindrical turrets, and roof towers. A Victorian home does not offer lots of horizontal space, since their ceilings are high, but the rooms tend to be long and narrow.

Farmhouse

Think large white homes, with wraparound porches and you’re on the right track. These rustic homes offer tall ceilings, with exposed beams and barn-like roofs. This type of home has been modernized to feature updated finishings and an overall cleaner look.

There is certainly a multitude of different home structures and styles available, but deciding what best suits you, and your lifestyle will help you greatly narrow down your search. Talk to your VanDyk Mortgage Loan Officer about which home might be best for you and get approved for a mortgage before you begin your search.

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Mortgage News Matters

How to Find a Good Investment Property

If you are thinking about purchasing an investment property, you want to make sure that the home you buy is going to make your investment well worthwhile. Trust the experts as those who have gone before you and see what they did before finding the right investment home. Here are some best practices on what to do before you purchase an investment property.

Location

Ask yourself if the properties that you are considering are in a good location. A prime location will certainly bring you a better return as it will be more desirable to renters. Oftentimes, a good location can outweigh the features of a home. To find the right home, you have to be proactive. There are plenty of good deals on the market, but you need to make sure that you are quick and efficient in your search. The common goal of property investors is to make a profit, so you need to be committed to staying patient but remaining prompt and efficient throughout the process.

Avoid homes that need major work done

If a property has been on the market for quite some time, then that is a good indication that something is wrong. That can usually mean that there is extensive renovation work that needs to be done, and that can be costly. Homes with a solid foundation that could use just a few cosmetic upgrades like new flooring or a fresh paint job are minor tasks. Avoid homes that need any work done to the core structure of the home.

Think of your perfect renter

Contemplate the kind of renter that you would like to host in your home and find the type of neighborhood that would interest them. Find a property that suits the character of the neighborhood that you are looking at. You don’t want a run-down condo in a luxury beachside community. Consider the type of home that is needed for your desired renter. Purchasing properties that are appropriate for your area will bring you better success in finding quality tenants.

Find out why the property is on the market

Asking the seller what their reason is for selling their home can give you some insight that can inform your decision. Learning about when the home was initially purchased will also give you insight into assessing the home’s value and knowing when things will need replacing.

Consider its value

A home’s market value is what most property investors should be interested in. Market value is created from the rental revenue generated and its potential for appreciation. A beginner real estate investor should understand that properties don’t typically sell for their assessed value in this market.

Properties with the greatest ROI

To get the most return out of your investment, you will want to zero in on markets where people are willing to pay high prices to either live or vacation. Do some research in booming markets and figure out the average cost of rent per bedroom and square footage. Location drives demand, so a popular city or town is sure to keep your home among the most desirable rentals.

Investing in real estate is one of the best ways to earn a passive income. If you enjoy working with people, then acquiring a rental property might be the right option for you. Before you decide to go all in on purchasing a property, make sure to research and ask the right questions.