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Our Blog Puts YOU in the Driver’s Seat

Helping customers like you achieve their financial goals is all we do, which is why we’re arming you with our expert insight, tips, and advice to help you get there.

American Pacific Mortgage

Recent Posts

The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

When it comes to investments, many people say it’s all about timing. While that’s good advice in theory, there’s simply no way to time the market if you’re purchasing a sizable investment like buying a house. In a perfect world, interest rates and prices would both be low—and this does happen, but not very frequently.

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APM Elevate: August 2023


REACH YOUR GOALS

Tell Your Home It's Payback Time With a HELOC

Even if you bought your home recently, property prices may have boosted your amount of home equity. This is because equity is comprised of two numbers: the amount of your mortgage you've repaid, plus any rise in appraised value. If you have over 20% equity in your home, you may be able to tap into your investment with a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

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7 Red Flags to Look for When Buying a Home

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of house hunting, but you also need to keep your eyes open for warning signs that the home you’re considering might not be a safe, sound, dependable dwelling. 

Thankfully, you can easily spot major red flags. You just have to know what to look for, have the right people on your side (hello, structural engineer, home inspector, real estate agents, and your trusted licensed pest inspector!), and go into your purchase with your eyes wide open.

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How to Qualify for a Second Home Loan

The American dream is not one size fits all. Some borrowers want to purchase a second home where their family can vacation for part of the year. Buying property as a second home could mean a cabin in the mountains, a beachside bungalow, or anything in between.

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APM Elevate: July 2023

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Want To Buy a Home Now? Consider These Strategies.

Whether you're a first-time or move-up home buyer, you may be considering postponing a purchase if your area's affected by climbing home prices. Or you may be balking at today's mortgage interest rates (more about those later in this newsletter).

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Second Home vs. Investment Property: What’s the Difference?

You own your primary residence, but you’re thinking about buying a second home. Congrats! Being in a financial position to make that kind of real estate investment is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud of that.

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Creative Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July

The 4th of July is coming up, celebrating the ratification of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Are you looking for fun, unique activities for your Independence Day celebration this year?

You know all about fireworks shows and barbecues, so we won’t waste your time with those—but more power to you if you plan to partake! If you’re looking for even more ways to celebrate freedom while embracing the historic nature of this federal holiday, we’ve got you covered.

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How to Plan Your Summer Road Trip

It’s beginning to look a lot like…vacation time! The skies are blue, the flowers are in full bloom, and summer is before us.

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How to Build Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

Not everyone comes from money, but there are decisions you can make today to set up future generations for long-term success. And by long-term success, we mean a true financial legacy. One of the easiest ways for the average person to do this is through real estate. 

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May: APM Elevate Newsletter

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Spring 2023 Housing Market Update

Spring has sprung, and so have home prices in many areas. A drop in the number of homes for sale has fueled a new round of bidding wars in some regions, and more homes are selling for above their asking prices, even with higher mortgage rates. Homes are selling faster, too, with almost 50% of homes selling within two weeks.

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5 Homebuying Myths and Common Misconceptions

We know buying a home can be intimidating. There are so many variables that can go into this big decision. Then there’s what you think you know—and what others think they know. A lot of this information can come from secondhand sources or even “expert” opinions you see on TV or on the internet. These opinions aren’t always wrong, but what they don’t take into account is your specific situation—or the fact that you have APM on your side. 

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April: APM Elevate Newsletter

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National Home Prices Keep Falling

Since hitting a peak in June 2022, home prices have fallen by 3% to 5% on average. While this is the second-biggest home price correction since the 1950s, it's still mild when compared to the 26% drop in prices between 2007 and 2012.

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How Does a Home Equity Line of Credit Work?

If you’re in need of cash but already have a killer rate on your first mortgage, and you don’t want to pay the high interest rates associated with a credit card, then a home equity line of credit—HELOC for short—may be the perfect solution. HELOCs work by utilizing the equity in your home. You’ve worked hard and consistently made your monthly payment, so why not let all the equity you’ve built up in your home now work for you?

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The Most Common First Time Homebuyer Mistakes

You did it—you saved for a down payment and closing costs, worked on your credit score, determined how much house you can afford, got pre-approved, and became a first time homebuyer. We’re exhausted just listing all you’ve accomplished! You should be proud of yourself—very proud of yourself.

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7 Tips for First Time Homebuyers

You’ve decided you want to buy a home. You’re ready to look at listings, view the next open house, and pick your favorite paint colors—but not so fast! You need to make sure you’re financially ready first.

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January: APM Elevate Newsletter

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Will 2023 Be a Better Year for Buyers?

According to many industry experts, 2023's outlook for home buyers is the best it's been for three years.

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What to Do if Your Home Is Flooded or Destroyed by a Hurricane

If you or your loved ones have been impacted by a hurricane, our hearts are with you. We encourage you to make the best decisions for your safety and well-being as information becomes available. Storms like this demand our respect and attention.

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6 Ways to Beat Inflation by Buying a Home

High inflation is no fun. Though everyone pays the same higher prices, periods of rising inflation don’t have the same impact on all Americans. A person’s investment strategy—including real estate, investments in the stock market and S&P 500, and their retirement plan—can be a good inflation hedge. 

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TOP POSTS

What You Need to Know about Sales Price vs. Appraised Value
What You Need to Know about Sales Price vs. Appraised Value
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Understanding a 3-2-1 Interest Rate Buydown
Understanding a 3-2-1 Interest Rate Buydown
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Don’t Miss These Top 5 Tax Breaks for Homeowners
Don’t Miss These Top 5 Tax Breaks for Homeowners
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