Blog - Leagan Realty

Should You Help Your Kids Pay for Their Mortgage?

May 25, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Should You Help Your Kids Pay for Their Mortgage? Whether or not to help your kids pay for their mortgage is a personal decision that depends on your financial situation, your relationship with your children, and your beliefs about financial independence.

It’s important to evaluate your own financial situation before deciding whether to help your kids pay for their mortgage. Make sure that you can afford to provide financial assistance without jeopardizing your own financial security. Your relationship with your children can also be a factor in your decision. If you have a close relationship with your children and want to help them achieve their financial goals, then providing financial assistance may be a good option.

Some parents believe that their children should be financially independent and not rely on them for financial support. If you hold this belief, you may not want to provide financial assistance to your children. If you do decide to help your kids pay for their mortgage, it’s important to set clear terms and boundaries. Will you provide a loan that needs to be repaid or a gift? How much will you provide? Will you be a co-signer on the mortgage?

When Parents Might Want to Help with a Child’s Mortgage

Below are a few situations where parents might want to consider helping their child with their mortgage:

First-time homebuyers: If your child is a first-time homebuyer, they may not have enough savings or credit history to qualify for a mortgage on their own. In this case, you might want to consider providing a loan or gift to help them with their down payment or closing costs.
Financial difficulties: If your child is experiencing financial difficulties, such as a job loss or unexpected expenses, they may struggle to make their mortgage payments. Providing financial assistance in these situations can help them avoid foreclosure and maintain their financial stability.
Inheritance: Some parents choose to leave an inheritance to their children that can be used towards a down payment on a home. This can be a way to help their children achieve financial independence and build wealth.
Family home: If your child wants to buy the family home, you may want to consider providing financial assistance to help them keep the property in the family.

Tax Repercussions

There may be tax repercussions when parents help their children with their mortgage. Here are some things to consider:

Gift tax: If you give your child more than the annual gift tax exclusion amount, you may be subject to gift tax.

Income tax: If you lend money to your child to help with their mortgage and charge them interest, you will need to report the interest income on your tax return. Your child may also be able to deduct the mortgage interest on their tax return.

Capital gains tax: If you gift your child a property that will appreciate in value, they may be subject to capital gains tax when they sell the property. However, if they inherit the property from you, they will receive a step-up in basis, which means they will only pay capital gains tax on the appreciation that occurs after they inherit the property.

The decision of whether to help your kids pay for their mortgage is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.

In any of these situations, it’s important to consider your own financial situation and to fully understand the tax implications of helping your child with their mortgage and set clear terms and boundaries for the financial assistance you provide.

What is a Bridge Loan and How Does it Work?

May 24, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What is a Bridge Loan and How Does it Work? A bridge loan, also known as interim financing, is a short-term loan used to provide temporary financing until a borrower secures long-term financing or sells an asset. Bridge loans are commonly used in real estate transactions, such as when a buyer needs to close on a new home before selling their current home.

Bridge loans are typically secured by the borrower’s current property, which serves as collateral. The amount of the loan is determined by the equity in the borrower’s property and the value of the property they are purchasing. The loan is intended to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of the existing property.

Bridge loans often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans, due to their short-term nature and the increased risk associated with them. They may also require a lower loan-to-value ratio, which means that the borrower may need to put down a larger down payment to secure the loan.

Once the borrower secures long-term financing or sells their existing property, they can use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan. In some cases, the borrower may choose to refinance the bridge loan into a traditional mortgage if they are unable to sell their existing property within the loan term.

Requirements for A Bridge Loan

The specific requirements for a bridge loan can vary depending on the lender and the purpose of the loan, but there are a few general requirements that borrowers should be aware of:

Collateral: A bridge loan is typically secured by collateral, which is often the property being purchased or the borrower’s current property. The lender will require a valuation of the collateral to determine the loan amount.

Creditworthiness: Although bridge loans are often easier to qualify for than traditional loans, lenders will still look at the borrower’s credit history and credit score to determine their ability to repay the loan.

Exit strategy: Lenders will want to see a clear plan for how the borrower intends to repay the loan. This could include selling the existing property, securing long-term financing, or other means.

Loan-to-value ratio: Bridge loans typically require a lower loan-to-value ratio than traditional loans, which means the borrower may need to provide a larger down payment to secure the loan.

Fees and interest rates: Bridge loans often come with higher fees and interest rates than traditional loans due to the increased risk and short-term nature of the loan. Borrowers should be aware of these costs when considering a bridge loan.

It’s important for borrowers to carefully consider their financial situation and their ability to repay the loan before taking out a bridge loan. Consulting with a financial advisor or a reputable lender can also help borrowers determine if a bridge loan is the right option for them.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 22, 2023 Last week’s economic reporting included readings on U.S. housing markets, sales of previously-owned homes, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

NAHB: U.S. Home Builder Confidence Rises in May

The National Association of Home Builders reported a five-point gain in home builder confidence in current housing market conditions in May. The index reading for May rose to 50 in May as compared to April’s reading of 45. Analysts expected a reading of 45 for May. Readings above 50 indicate a majority of home builders are positive about current housing market conditions. Component readings of the home builder index also rose as the gauge for current market conditions rose by five points to 50; the reading for market conditions over the next six months rose by seven points and the index reading for buyer traffic increased by two points.

Builders surveyed indicated that homeowners aren’t motivated to sell as many of them bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were very low. Aspiring homeowners are turning to new homes for more options as demand for homes continues to outpace the number of previously-owned homes available.

Higher demand for homes caused developers to reduce incentives to homebuyers. Homebuilders offering price reductions on new homes fell from 30 percent in April to 27 percent in May. NAHB said home price reductions averaged six percent of original home prices.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.39 percent and were four basis points higher than for the previous week. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.75 percent, which was unchanged from the prior week.

242,000 initial jobless claims were filed last week as compared to 255,000 expected claims and 264,000 first-time jobless claims filed in the prior week.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on new and pending home sales, minutes from the recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting, and the final consumer sentiment reading for May. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

What is Cash to Close?

May 19, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

“Cash to Close” refers to the total amount of money that a homebuyer needs to bring to the closing table to complete the purchase of a property. It includes the down payment, closing costs, and other fees associated with the home purchase.

How is it Calculated?

The cash to close amount is calculated by subtracting any applicable credits, such as earnest money or seller contributions, from the total amount of funds needed to complete the transaction. The resulting figure represents the final amount of cash that the buyer needs to bring to the closing.

It’s important for homebuyers to carefully review their “Cash to Close” statement before closing to ensure that they have enough funds available to cover the required amount. The statement will typically be provided by the lender or title company several days before the closing date.

The Difference Between Cash to Close and Closing Costs

Cash to close and closing costs are both important concepts in the home buying process, but they refer to different things.

Cash to close refers to the total amount of cash that a homebuyer needs to bring to the closing table to complete the purchase of a property. This includes the down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses (such as property taxes and homeowners insurance), and any other fees associated with the home purchase.

Closing costs are the fees and expenses associated with obtaining a mortgage loan and closing the real estate transaction. They can include loan origination fees, appraisal fees, title search and insurance fees, attorney fees, and other charges. Closing costs are typically paid at the closing table, but they can sometimes be included in the mortgage loan amount.

Do I Need Actual Cash to Close?

While the term “Cash to Close” may suggest that you need to bring actual physical cash to the closing table, in reality, you typically do not need to bring cash. Most real estate transactions are settled using wire transfers, certified or cashier’s checks, or electronic transfers, rather than physical cash.

When you receive the “Cash to Close” statement, it will provide you with the total amount of funds needed to complete the transaction. You will then typically work with your lender and/or closing agent to arrange for the transfer of these funds to the appropriate parties.

It’s important to note that the exact payment methods and requirements may vary depending on the specific transaction and location. You should work closely with your lender and/or closing agent to ensure that you understand the payment process and have the necessary funds available in the appropriate form.

Running A Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply For A Mortgage

May 18, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Running A Quick Financial Health Check Before You Apply For A Mortgage Getting a mortgage is a significant financial decision, and it is crucial to ensure that you are financially prepared before applying for one. Conducting a quick financial health check before applying for a mortgage can help you determine your financial standing and your ability to afford a mortgage payment.

Here are some reasons why you should consider conducting a quick financial health check before applying for a mortgage:

Check your credit score: Your credit score is an important factor that lenders consider when deciding whether to approve your mortgage application. Check your credit score to see where you stand and take steps to improve it if necessary.
Review your debt-to-income ratio: Lenders will also look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. If your debt-to-income ratio is too high, you may not be able to qualify for a mortgage. Try to pay down debt and increase your income to improve your debt-to-income ratio.
Calculate your down payment: Most lenders require a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price of the home. Calculate how much you’ll need for a down payment and make sure you have enough savings.
Determine your monthly housing costs: Take a look at your monthly income and expenses to determine how much you can afford to spend on your mortgage payment, including property taxes and insurance. Make sure you’re comfortable with the monthly cost before applying for a mortgage.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and the interest rate you’ll receive.

Conducting a quick financial health check before applying for a mortgage is a smart move. It can help you identify any financial issues, improve your mortgage eligibility, and ensure that you are prepared to take on the financial responsibilities of homeownership.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to quickly assess your financial health to increase your chances of being approved for the loan and determine whether you’re ready to apply for a mortgage.

Pet-Friendly Homes: Some Selling Do’s and Dont’s

May 17, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Pet-Friendly Homes: Some Selling Do's and Dont's Nearly 70 million American households include at least one pet, but most prospective buyers won’t want to see evidence of pets in a home on the market.

Here are some tips about how to sell a pet-friendly home.

Prior To Listing

Point out special pet features to your real estate agent — a cat door, feeding station or a pet shower, even a fenced back yard or a dog run can be a bonus to many buyers. It’s important to remember that buyers want to imagine their pets in the home, not yours! Minimize your pet’s presence by decluttering pet supplies as well as your personal items.

While it is best to downplay non-human residents in a home for sale, some pets are more difficult to camoflage or move out of the way. If you have a bird, an aquarium, or large exotic pets, use your best judgment while keeping the “less is more” philosophy in mind.

If there is any pet damage, it should be repaired before you show the home. If necessary, repaint walls, refinish floors, or replace carpeting. Ask a friend or relative (one without a pet) to give your house a sniff test. If there are any odors, do whatever is necessary to eliminate them. It is not likely enough to try to mask the odors with air freshners in order to make the best impression on potential buyers.

Dealing With Showings

Always arrange for animals to be out of the house when a showing is scheduled. If you can’t be there to pick up a pet, trust a neighbor to take the dog for a walk or herd the cat into a carrier and keep it for a few hours. A barking dog in the back yard is annoying, and even the cutest puppy can intimidate a buyer. Cats, too, are notoriously independent, and not all humans are cat-lovers.

Buyers expect even a house with pets to be kept scrupulously clean. Sweep and vacuum up pet hair as often as necessary. Pick up feeding bowls and toys, and remove cat litter boxes prior to a showing. Polish nose prints off glass and put away the scratching pole. Think of pets and pet items the same as you would personal photographs and other memorbillia that clutters your home. Removing those items helps the buyer see themselves in your home and can increase the likelihood of a sale.

It’s also wise to double check with your insurance company to determine your liability in the event that your pet bites or otherwise injures anyone at your property.

Before And During Moving

Remember that moving is stressful, not only for you, but for your best friend as well. Speak to your veterinarian in advance about possible symptoms of anxiety such as increased accidents, changes in appetite, aggressive behavior or other personality changes that may occur. If you notice any significant signs of anxiety, seek treatment.

If at all possible, take your pet to see your new home prior to your move. If not, continue to look for signs that your pet is feeling disoriented or anxious. Finding a reliable and trustworthy veternarian near your new home beforehand is a good idea in case your pet is struggling. Take extra care that your pet doesn’t try to “escape” back to the familiar and get lost.

Selling your home and moving into a new home can be exciting, complicated and stressful events. The same can be true for your pets. With a little bit of extra planning, things can go a lot smoother for your entire family. Contact your real estate professional for even more tips for a successful home selling, home buying and relocating experience.

Critical Tips To Consider When Hiring A Home Contractor

May 16, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Hiring a home contractor can be a daunting task, as the success of your home renovation or construction project depends largely on the competence of the contractor you choose. Here are some critical tips to consider when hiring a home contractor:

Research: Do thorough research on potential contractors before hiring them. Check their credentials, licenses, certifications, and experience. Also, look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their work quality.

Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare them. This will give you an idea of the average cost of the project and help you choose the contractor that offers the best value for your money.

Check for insurance: Ensure that the contractor has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This will protect you from liability in case of accidents or injuries on the job site.

Define the scope of work: Clearly define the scope of work and project specifications in writing. This will help avoid misunderstandings or disagreements later on.

Set a timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for the project and make sure the contractor agrees to it. This will ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.

Communication: Effective communication is crucial when working with a contractor. Make sure that the contractor is responsive and easy to communicate with, and that you are comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns.

Contract: Sign a contract that outlines all the terms and conditions of the project, including payment schedules, warranties, and dispute resolution procedures.

By following these critical tips, you can hire a reliable and competent home contractor who can deliver quality work on time and within budget. When contacting previous clients, be sure to ask specific questions about their experience, such as whether they completed the project on time, if they stayed within budget, and if they were responsive to any concerns or issues that arose during the project. This information can help you make an informed decision when choosing a contractor and give you peace of mind knowing that you have hired a competent and reliable professional.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 15, 2023

May 15, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 15, 2023 Last week’s scheduled economic reporting included readings on inflation, consumer sentiment, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Inflation Rate Rises in April, Slower Pace Expected in Coming Months

The U.S. Labor Department reported the month-to-month pace of inflation rose by 0.40 percent in April and matched analysts’ expectations. April’s reading surpassed the March reading of 0.10 percent month-to-month inflationary growth. Inflation rose by 4.90 percent year-over-year in April. Analysts expect inflationary growth to continue, but at a slower pace through 2023.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose at a month-to-month pace of 0.40 percent in April, which matched expectations and the March reading. Year-over-year core inflation rose by 4.90 percent in April as compared to the expected reading of 5.00 percent and the March reading of 5.00 percent.

Mortgage Rates Fall as Jobless Claims Rise

Freddie Mac reported lower average mortgage rates last week as rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 6.35 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged one basis point lower at 5.75 percent. First-time jobless claims rose with 264,000 claims filed as compared to the expected reading of 245,000 claims and the prior week’s reading of 242,000 initial jobless claims filed.

As inflation slows, rapidly rising rental rates and home prices are also expected to increase at a slower pace. As homeownership becomes more affordable, fewer families will rely on rental homes. Less demand for rentals should help with easing very high rental rates seen in many metro areas. In general, more affordable housing choices could help ease housing challenges in areas with few affordable housing options.

The preliminary consumer sentiment survey for May reflects less consumer enthusiasm for current economic conditions. The initial index reading for May is 57.7, which fell short of the expected reading of 63.0 and April’s index reading of 63.5. May’s reading was the lowest since November 2022.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on sales of previously-owned homes, housing market conditions, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

DIY Improvements Do Not Have To Be Expensive: A Few Examples

May 12, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

DIY Improvements Do Not Have To Be Expensive: A Few Examples There are many do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects that can be completed on a budget and still have a significant impact. Enhancing the appearance and functionality of your home doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming.

New Light Fixtures

One simple and affordable way to update your home is by replacing old or outdated light fixtures. New light fixtures can give your home a fresh, modern look and can also help to improve the overall lighting in your living spaces. There is a wide variety of styles and price points to choose from, so you can find a light fixture that suits your tastes and budget. Keep in mind that working with electricity can be dangerous, so be sure to turn off the power before attempting any DIY electrical work.

New Cabinet Handles

Upgrading the hardware on your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can make a surprising difference in the overall appearance of these spaces. Replacing old, worn-out handles with new ones can give your cabinets a fresh, updated look. Cabinet handles come in a range of styles, materials, and prices, so you can easily find options that complement your home’s decor and fit within your budget.

New Faucets for Tubs and Showers

Another affordable DIY home improvement project is updating the faucets on your tubs and showers. Over time, faucets can become corroded or develop leaks, which can lead to wasted water and higher utility bills. Installing new faucets can improve the functionality of your plumbing fixtures and give your bathroom a more polished appearance. Be sure to research the proper installation techniques and gather the necessary tools before attempting this project.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the most cost-effective ways to transform the look of your home is by applying a fresh coat of paint. A new paint color can completely change the atmosphere of a room and can help to cover up any scuffs, scratches, or stains on your walls. Painting a room is a relatively simple DIY project that requires only a few basic tools and supplies, such as paint, brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape.

Wrapping Up Your DIY Home Improvements

As you can see, there are several affordable DIY home improvements that can have a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of your living spaces. By tackling projects like installing new light fixtures, updating cabinet handles, replacing faucets, and applying a fresh coat of paint, you can refresh your home without spending a fortune. With a little creativity and effort, you can transform your home on a budget and enjoy the satisfaction of completing these projects yourself.

How Do I Get Rid of PMI?

May 11, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What is PMI?

PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is a type of insurance that lenders may require borrowers to pay if they have a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. The purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan.

However, once you have paid off enough of your mortgage or your home has appreciated in value, you may be able to get rid of PMI.

Here are some ways to do so:

Pay down your mortgage: If you make extra payments on your mortgage or pay more than the required monthly payment, you can build equity in your home faster and reduce the amount of PMI you have to pay. Once you reach 20% equity in your home, you can request your lender to remove the PMI.

Refinance your mortgage: If you can’t afford to make extra payments, you may consider refinancing your mortgage to a lower interest rate. This could lower your monthly mortgage payment and help you build equity in your home faster. Once you have enough equity in your home, you can request your lender to remove the PMI.

Get your home appraised: If your home has appreciated in value since you bought it, you may be able to get rid of PMI by getting your home appraised. If the appraisal shows that you have 20% or more equity in your home, you can request your lender to remove the PMI.

Wait for automatic termination: If you have a conventional mortgage, your lender is required to automatically terminate your PMI when you reach 22% equity in your home, provided you are current on your mortgage payments.

Why Do Lenders Require PMI?

Lenders require PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) when a borrower has a down payment of less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. This protects the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. If the borrower defaults, the PMI will cover the lender’s losses up to a certain percentage of the loan amount, typically 20% to 30%.

Lenders require PMI because borrowers with less than 20% down payment are considered to be at a higher risk of defaulting on their mortgage. This is because they have less equity in the property, which means they have less of their own money invested in the home. If the borrower defaults, the lender may not be able to recover the full amount of the loan by selling the property.

Without PMI, lenders would likely require larger down payments, which would make it more difficult for many borrowers to qualify for a mortgage.

Note that PMI is not the same as homeowners insurance, which covers damage to the property.

PMI is solely for the benefit of the lender and does not provide any protection for the borrower. The specific requirements and procedures for removing PMI may vary depending on your lender and the type of mortgage you have. It is important to check with your lender to determine what steps you need to take to remove PMI.