APM BLOG

As we transition into the spring season, we're excited to share valuable insights and updates from the world of home finance.

In this edition, we'll delve into important industry trends, provide helpful resources to empower you on your homeownership journey - and even share a few tips about your IRA and changes to credit card late fees that are on the horizon.

When you own your own home, you want to make sure you take every deduction possible to maximize your tax refund. Many people view these refunds as “found money,” but they’re really not. It’s money that you’re entitled to receive back…as long as you claim the proper deductions.

Owning a home is often considered a cornerstone of the American dream. Beyond the pride and security of homeownership, there are also financial perks that come with it, particularly when it comes to tax benefits. Understanding these tax advantages can mean significant savings and a more efficient financial strategy for many homeowners.

Last month saw the start of the Lunar New Year, which is the Year of the Dragon. It's an auspicious year, as it's believed that children born this year are destined for success. Some famous Dragon babies: Keanu Reeves, Rihanna, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, John Lennon and Peyton Manning.

We know the story: Part of you is thinking about homeownership, but another part is unsure whether you’ll qualify as a first-time homebuyer. The mortgage process can seem intimidating the first time around, which is completely understandable. You haven’t owned a home before! 

We know you know that buying a house is a major investment—one that can pay off in more ways than one, but still a major investment. This can weigh on a first-time homebuyer who has never made such a large financial commitment.

One of the biggest hurdles for many first-time homebuyers is getting that down payment together. We understand, especially if you’re trying to scrape together 20% of a home’s purchase price [insert large gulp here]. 

Many would-be homebuyers are feeling the pinch from rising interest rates, but you don’t have to! APM has buydown options to help you reduce your mortgage interest rate and get you the lowest monthly payments possible. 

Interest rate buydowns are the key to lower interest rates, a smaller monthly mortgage payment, and saving you money.

It's the month of love and we wanted to share some financial love with you in celebration! Below are some articles about smart money moves, buying investment properties (hint: down payment requirements have changed!), and ways to save in filing your taxes this year. We even included a delicious salmon recipe if you're feeling like a spring meal!

Are you having a rough time finding the exact home that meets your vision? Then building your dream home may be the right strategy for you. A custom home can take a few forms.

This label encompasses everything from buying a newly built home that allows for a few customized home plans to hiring a custom home builder who can tailor every plank, light switch, and master bedroom angle to your exact specifications.

Building your dream home is the most amazing thing ever (next to your kids), but like your kids, it requires careful planning and consideration. There are upfront tasks and considerations that may not come to mind, especially if you’ve purchased an existing home before and feel like this isn’t your first rodeo.

As we step into the month of love, let's show some affection to our finances! It's a good time to take a look at where your money is and whether it's working for you.

At APM, we feel that the best way we can honor the heritage of our APM family members during Black History Month, is by listening and learning from the stories they share. 

Searching for a home can be an exciting process, but this journey can quickly get frustrating if you can’t find what you’re looking for. As we all know, buying a home involves more than just the actual real estate. You have to consider the neighborhood, surrounding amenities, outdoor space, and of course the actual home and its features. 

As we move through January, we've been reflecting on the enduring values championed by Martin Luther King Jr.

Protecting your credit score is important all the time, but even more so when you’re thinking about buying a home and need a mortgage loan. That’s because there aren’t many other times in our lives when we need a loan amount of this size.

Before you go too far down the house-hunting rabbit hole, you’ll want to ensure that you meet the credit score requirements to secure a mortgage loan. After all, this mortgage loan will allow you to purchase your dream home. And while many factors go into qualifying, a good credit score is definitely one of them. 

The real estate waiting game is no fun. But with today’s high interest rate, some would-be buyers think it’s prudent to play if they want to secure the best homeownership deal. The problem with that is you miss out on homeownership opportunities today, including less competition and falling prices in many markets.

As we dive into the celebrations this month, we hope your time with loved ones is filled with laughter, and that all your dreams of peace and harmony light up your days. Cheers to a season of joy and happy moments!