HomeTown Blog

How a Reverse Mortgage Can Enhance Retirees’ Lifestyles
August 23, 2024
Retirement is a time to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor, but financial constraints can sometimes limit the ability to fully embrace this phase of life. For many retirees, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable tool to enhance their lifestyle by providing additional financial resources. In this blog, we’ll explore how a reverse mortgage […]
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Is Now the Right Time to Buy or Refinance?
August 23, 2024
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 […]
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Downsizing Success: How Retirees Are Winning in Today’s Market (Even with a Fixed Income)
June 6, 2024
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 […]
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Strategies to buy your Dream Home prior to selling your current home: 4 Strategies to Make it Happen
June 6, 2024
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 […]
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Boom Times, Bigger Taxes: Don’t Let Home Sale Profits Sink You
May 21, 2024
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 […]
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Homeowner Escrow: A Comprehensive Guide for Savvy Homeowners
February 18, 2024
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 […]
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Barndominiums in 2024
February 7, 2024
Dreaming Big, Building Smart: Why Barndominiums are Booming and How Southern Home Loans Powered by Luminate Bank 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 blend […]
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Rent vs. Own: Why Buying a Home Now Could Be Your Gen Z/Millennial Power Move
February 5, 2024
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 […]
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