A couple of weeks ago, the Federal Reserve announced a hefty 50-point cut in the benchmark interest rate, which was bigger than the expected 25-point decrease. The Fed's decision to cut rates was mainly fueled by the decreasing levels of inflation, although shoppers are still faced with high grocery prices. It still remains to be seen if the rate cut will encourage more residential home sales, especially as other factors such as labor and economic data also affect real estate markets.
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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.
APM Financial Fitness: October 2024
Mortgage Review: Take Advantage of Improving Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve is lowering interest rates, and now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your mortgage. A quick review could yield lasting benefits, especially if you have purchased a home in the past few years or need to tap into your home equity.
Access Your Home Equity with a Cash-Out Refinance
Most people understand that owning real estate can be a great investment. What they may not realize is that this investment can begin to pay off while you still own the home!
Should I Refinance My Home to Pay Off High Interest Debt?
High interest credit card debt can suck the life out of anyone. Paying off your credit card debt at today’s high interest rates can also take major sacrifice—but it doesn’t have to. Not if you’re a homeowner, anyway.
Pros and Cons of a Debt Consolidation Mortgage Refinance
A debt consolidation refinance may let you kill two birds with one stone. It can allow you to achieve a lower interest rate on your debt while streamlining all your monthly payments into one. You’ll essentially consolidate debt obligations and roll them into your mortgage, but at a much lower interest rate. The result is a single payment at a lower interest rate: your monthly mortgage payment.
5 Things to Know About Buying Short-Term Rentals
Investment properties can be a great way to earn passive income while someone else (or a bunch of other people) pays your monthly mortgage. Home-share platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental websites have made it even easier for those who want to market their investment properties as short-term rentals.
8 Tips for Buying an Investment Property
Buying an investment property can be one of the keys to financial freedom and long-term wealth. Whether you want to enjoy rental income, tax benefits, or both, owning rental properties can help you achieve your goals quickly.
Is Buying a Home for a College Student a Good Investment?
Tuition, books, transportation, room and board…the cost of college can add up fast. At first glance, it may seem crazy to consider buying a home for a college student, but is it?
Homebuyer Hacks for Today’s Housing Market
Buying a home can be an exhilarating experience. You’ll be hunting for your dream home, handpicking the perfect school district, and building generational wealth through real estate. That all sounds amazing, but the process to get there can undeniably have a few stressors.
APM Elevate: June 2024
If you're wondering how to make your money work harder for you, or want help with setting up investments and savings accounts, it could be time to find a financial advisor to help you. Here are some strategies to keep in mind.
Down Payment Assistance: Differences Between Gift Funds, Grants, and Loans
Down payments can be one of the most daunting parts of the homebuying process. We all know that buying a home costs money! Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to drain your savings account to come up with the sum. There are other ways to secure a down payment, including gift funds, grants, and down payment assistance programs.
Top 8 Benefits of Homeownership
The benefits of homeownership involve more than simply putting a roof over your head. The goal of buying a house will be less meaningful until you understand the actual value behind this investment. It isn’t just to achieve the “American dream”!
Top 6 Ways to Build Wealth as a Real Estate Investor
When it comes to financial planning and wealth-building, most savvy people know that building wealth through real estate is an important piece of the puzzle. The beauty of this investment strategy is that you don’t have to be a multimillionaire, real estate agent, stock market guru, or even a member of one of those real estate investment groups to make investing in real estate work for you.
How to Build Wealth with Real Estate
What do you think of when you picture a real estate investor? Is it a Donald Trump type in a snazzy suit sitting high up in an ivory tower?
You may not realize it, but anyone who owns a home is technically a real estate investor—which means the title is up for grabs for just about anyone. You simply have to know how to get started.
APM Financial Fitness: April 2024
As April blossoms forth, signs of renewal are all around us. Though inflation and the specter of higher interest rates linger, there's hope in the air. Forecasters predict a gradual upturn in the residential real estate market, with more new constructions and existing homes hitting the market throughout 2024, akin to buds bursting into bloom. Moreover, consumers may find relief in their finances following the recent decision by the CFPB to rein in bank overdraft fees and credit card late payment charges, promising a brighter financial landscape ahead.
APM Financial Fitness: March 2024
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.
Who Qualifies as a First-Time Homebuyer?
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!
8 Questions Homebuyers Should Ask About Mortgages
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.