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  • Is Now the Right Time to Buy or Refinance?

    Lower Mortgage Rates: A Double-Edged Sword Mortgage rates have recently dipped to their lowest point in over a year, leaving many homeowners and potential buyers wondering if now is the ideal time to enter or refinance. Let’s break down the factors influencing this decision. The Refinance Rush The decline in mortgage rates has sparked a […]
  • Downsizing Success: How Retirees Are Winning in Today’s Market (Even with a Fixed Income)

    Thinking about downsizing in retirement? You’re not alone! But navigating the current housing market can feel tricky, especially when you’re on a fixed income. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! This blog explores two innovative solutions that are helping retirees achieve their downsizing dreams: 1. The Power of “Luminate Power Buyer” Imagine being an all-cash […]
  • Strategies to buy your Dream Home prior to selling your current home: 4 Strategies to Make it Happen

    The housing market is hot, and finding your dream home can feel like winning the lottery. But what if you haven’t sold your current place yet? Don’t worry, there are ways to snag that new house without the stress of temporary homelessness. Here are 4 strategies to buy before you sell: 1. Unlock Your Home’s […]
  • Boom Times, Bigger Taxes: Don’t Let Home Sale Profits Sink You

    Thinking of selling your home in this hot market? While you might be dreaming of a big payday, there’s a hidden cost many sellers overlook: capital gains taxes. Profits Soaring, Exemption Stuck Data shows a record number of homeowners are exceeding the capital gains tax exclusion limit. This means they owe taxes on the profit […]
  • Homeowner Escrow: A Comprehensive Guide for Savvy Homeowners

    For most homeowners, the monthly mortgage payment isn’t the only financial responsibility associated with property ownership. Taxes, insurance, and other fees add complexity and potential confusion to the equation. Thankfully, escrow exists to simplify this process by acting as a secure holding ground for these recurring expenses. But what exactly is escrow, and how does […]
  • Barndominiums in 2024

    Dreaming Big, Building Smart: Why Barndominiums are Booming and How Southern Home Team Powered by Luminate Home Loans Can Help You Make It Real The American dream of homeownership is evolving, and barndominiums are at the forefront of this exciting shift. These versatile structures, once purely utilitarian agricultural spaces, are captivating hearts with their unique […]
  • Rent vs. Own: Why Buying a Home Now Could Be Your Gen Z/Millennial Power Move

    Hold up, before you swipe right on that trendy new apartment listing, let’s talk real estate. As a Gen Z/Millennial yourself, you might be skeptical about jumping into homeownership. Student loans, skyrocketing rents, and FOMO-inducing travel pics on Instagram can make buying a home seem like a distant dream. But hear me out: purchasing a […]
  • Owning a Home in Sunshine State: Your Guide to Florida Property Tax Exemptions

    Congratulations on becoming a homeowner in the beautiful state of Florida! As you settle into your new abode, navigating the world of property taxes might seem daunting. But worry not, sunshine awaits in the form of property tax exemptions designed to lighten your financial load. Let’s delve into the most significant exemption – the homestead […]

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