4 Tips for Mastering Your Housing Journey
20 Apr 2021
Whether you’re buying a home or refinancing, staying informed and flexible can make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Kerrie, a Boston homeowner, recently refinanced her mortgage with us so she could save on her monthly payments. Her savings? Nearly $500 a month! Here are her tips for navigating and succeeding on your housing journey.
1. Don’t be afraid to take your time — and don’t give up hope!
“I spent about a year looking for a house in the suburbs of Boston. I was moving from the city and wanted something affordable, with plenty of space, commuting distance from Boston, and move in ready (meaning it wouldn't need to be completely renovated). I probably looked at over 100 places, I went to dozens of open houses on weekends, worked with multiple realtors, and had multiple offers rejected because the market was so tough.”
2. Be flexible to be a more competitive homebuyer
Kerrie bought in a tough housing market so the ability to stay patient and competitive was key to landing her dream home. “If you can do things to make your offer more competitive (higher down payment, fewer contingencies, etc.) do it!,” she says.
3. Never stop looking for ways to save money
Shortly after she closed on her mortgage, Kerri noticed that mortgage rates fell. Doing nothing would mean leaving money on the table every month. Even after you close on your mortgage, don’t stop looking for the opportunity to save money through refinancing. Recently, mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels since November 2016.
4. Ask away!
Buying a home or refinancing your existing mortgage is a big decision and can oftentimes feel intimidating. Being as informed as possible about the process and working with someone you trust can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need in order to build a trusting relationship with your homebuying or refinancing team.
“Own Up was very easy to work with, responsive to my questions, and I worked directly with the lender after the initial introduction. I had questions about how the process worked, how Own Up got paid, and the relationship between the lenders and Own Up. All of my questions were answered and I felt comfortable and confident throughout the entire process.”
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance, we're here to help! Find out how much you can save by speaking with one of our home advisers.