As home prices continue to rise and DIY culture gains momentum, more people are turning to fixer-uppers as an affordable, customizable housing option. The appeal of personalizing a space to fit your vision can make these homes attractive, but are they the right choice for you? Let’s explore the pros, cons, challenges and benefits of buying a fixer-upper to help you decide if it aligns with your goals, budget and skills.
With the Federal Reserve having lowered interest rates, you may be thinking that now is the perfect time to consider purchasing a home. If you are ready, it is best to proactively position yourself in an advantageous spot as a buyer by completing a mortgage pre-approval before you begin house hunting.
The current housing market presents unique challenges, including rising home prices and tight inventory. Here are 3 steps to help you overcome these hurdles and achieve your homeownership goals.
Have you noticed your insurance bills skyrocketing lately? If so, you’re in good company. According to Policygenius, the average home insurance premium increased by 21% between May 2022 and May 2023. Combine this with rising housing costs, property taxes, and high interest rate debt, and it’s no wonder why so many Americans are struggling in today’s market.
The question you will face is whether you can deduct these fees immediately or whether they are added to the cost basis of your home.
In the past, lenders traditionally required a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price of a home. Today, many lenders offer loans with lower down payments. In addition, certain private and government entities have low down payment programs.
When it comes to buying a house, poor credit can limit your opportunities and result in higher interest rates and bigger payments. But with a little planning, you can boost your credit score ahead of your home loan pre-approval so you’ll be ready to make an offer on your dream home.
To get smart about credit cards, be aware of the common warning signs that might indicate issues with credit card usage: You are only able to make minimum payments on your credit card debt.
Buying a home? You’ve probably heard that getting pre-approved or pre-qualified for a loan is an essential step forward in the process. But what’s the difference?
What are mortgage points and are they right for you? Mortgage points are basically discount points. When you’re getting your home loan, you can buy mortgage points to lower your rate and save you interest in the long run.
SESLOC is pleased to announce that we have received two prestigious awards this year. The recognition we have earned serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and dedication to providing exceptional financial services to our valued member-owners. We are proud to share this achievement with you, as it highlights our ongoing efforts to deliver top-tier products and services that meet and exceed the financial needs of our community.
SESLOC is pleased to announce that as of November 1, 2024, there has been a reduction in overdraft fees. This change is part of our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions for our membership and community. These savings will be extended to members but will have the greatest impact on those facing financial challenges, who need a break from fees to begin saving and building healthy financial habits.
SESLOC’s 2024 Shred Day events break nine years of records by serving 746 visitors and shredding nearly 42,000 pounds of paper! Thanks to our members who attended the events at our San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Paso Robles and Santa Maria branches, plus our new Lompoc event location. In total, we recycled 133 total bins with about 21 tons of shredded paper— saving 357 trees, 147,000 gallons of water, 63 cubic yards of landfill space, and 84,000 kilowatts of electricity!
On Friday, October 11, SESLOC returned to Pacific Beach High School in San Luis Obispo for a second year to engage 55 students in the Bite of Reality simulation. This hands-on event immerses students in a realistic budgeting app, providing them with valuable insights into managing finances. Through interactive scenarios, participants learn to navigate the distinction between needs and wants, equipping them with essential budgeting skills for real life.
We’re partnering with News Channel 12 to honor nonprofit volunteers who make our community thrive. Each month, we’re choosing a different nonprofit and asking them to select a valuable volunteer to receive the SESLOC Cares for Community Award. We’re thrilled to introduce Len Hoskins, from the DANA Adobe.
