Talking Real Estate with Hope Leitner
This month's eNewsletter is full of good advice. Please enjoy it!
If you're thinking of buying or selling, please call! There's a lot to consider in today's market!
July - Ponder this - “A moment of gratitude makes a difference in attitude.” - Unknown - Whoever said this little rhyme is a genius! July is a great time to practice Gratitude. Starting with, I am grateful to live in San Diego! … This list can go on - build your own!
As always, I am here for you, your family, and friends.
Hope Opens Doors
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HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE
Grants for First-time and Low-income Homebuyers
Wouldn’t it be nice to receive some free money so you can buy a home? Federal, state, and local governments, plus housing foundations and charitable organizations are all great resources that provide grants to homebuyers in need of help.
Why help first-timers? As they tend to be young and still building credit and savings, first-time homebuyers may take years to save enough for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage. The sooner they can buy a home, the sooner they can begin gaining equity and accumulating wealth through real estate. New homeowners are good for their neighborhoods—they provide more tax revenue, and they support local shops and services.
Why help low-income households? Housing prices have shot up so high that many families, whose incomes have not kept up with inflation, also have trouble saving for a down payment on a home.
The National Homebuyers’ Fund awards housing grants up to 5% of a home’s purchase price, either in the form of down payment or closing costs assistance. You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify, and credit scores and debt-to-income ratios are flexible whether you’re applying for a conventional loan or a government guaranteed loan through FHA, VA or USDA. Another great source is Governmentgrants.us, which offers a step-by-step application for homebuying assistance.
The biggest benefit is that grants don’t have to be repaid. Housing grants are typically obtained through your mortgage lender. You can also search the Internet for homebuying grants in your city or state.
HOME IMPROVEMENT, HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME MAINTENANCE
Protect Your Plumbing
If you haven’t had to hire a plumber lately, you may not know how much it costs to have one come out and fix a problem that was preventable. First-time homebuyers and new homeowners will really benefit from knowing what to do to prevent household water troubles.
The first thing you need to learn is where your outside water shutoff valve is. That way, if you have an indoor leak from a broken water line or a drip that won’t turn off, you can prevent possible water damage before you call the plumber.
There are also items you should never flush down the toilet. Don’t feel fooled by products like baby wipes, feminine products, facial tissues and makeup removal sheets, and clumpable cat litter that are advertised as flushable. They contain plastic fibers that could clog plumbing, so stick to toilet paper that doesn’t clog pipes. Don’t pour anything down the sink that isn’t water soluble, and that includes oils and damaging chemicals. Older plumbing has narrower pipes, and/or you may not have enough water pressure to send some items along their way.
Waste disposals can pulverize a lot more foods than in the past, but you’re much safer avoiding feeding them anything fibrous such as banana peels, breads or fruits with seeds, starchy foods like potato skins, or foods with nuts. Run water as you put items in the disposal and give them enough time to grind thoroughly. Stuff a sliced lemon down the neck for freshness.
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