APM BLOG

There’s no better time than now to start preparing for homeownership. If your financial goals include things like saving for retirement, paying off student loan debt, or buying a home, this article provides some solid financial planning advice that will get you headed in the right direction.

As an additional resource, you can also download our personal budgeting guide here. When you have a solid plan and set a budget for homeownership, you may find that you’re able to buy a home more quickly than expected.

Your credit score is an important factor when it comes to buying a home. That’s because it gives your mortgage lender a snapshot of how responsible you’ve been as a borrower through your payment history—which means they can gauge how responsible you’re likely to be as a borrower going forward. 

A higher credit score not only improves your chances of loan approval but also qualifies you for lower interest rates, which can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. A good credit score also shows lenders that you’re capable of managing debt wisely, making you a more attractive candidate for financing. That’s why it’s essential to monitor and improve your credit score before you start the homebuying process.

New year, new goals, right? When it comes to personal finances and goal-setting, creating financial goals can be one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself and your family.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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”!

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. 

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. 

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.