Judith Sutton ABR CRS IDS PMN ASP IAHSP SRES GREEN
Judy@JudithSutton.com 908 803-0472
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HOME WISHES FOR THE WINTER
Winter is the season for making wishes
When it comes to homeownership, winter is also an opportunity to make your home cozier, more efficient, and even more valuable. You should have a wish list of items you would like to be a part of your home. It’s true if you’re looking to buy in the coming months or if you’ve been in your home for a while. And what separates something you’re wishing for and a must-have is the ability to afford it!
Here's how to turn your wish list items into reality, making it easier to create the home you’ve always wanted.
Common items on your home wish list:
· Updated kitchen
· Energy-efficient updates
· Simple buying process
· Pool or outdoor upgrades
· More room in your monthly budget
· Getting a mortgage in your own language
1. When you want more space
How to get your wish
If you own your home, one of the best ways to get more space is with a renovation. There are multiple ways to finance a renovation, including a cash out refinance or a home equity line of credit.
If you’re looking at homes but not finding one with enough space, factor in a renovation as part of your mortgage when you do find one. When you apply and get approved for the loan, you’ll include the cost of the desired improvements. The loan calculation and down payment are based on the purchase price plus the cost of the renovations. A great alternative!
2. Updated kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and an update can improve your entire living experience and value. Modern appliances, open layouts and fresh cabinetry not only enhance the look but also improve the home’s efficiency and appeal, as well as its value. The kitchen is probably the room you will spend the most time in – the heart of the home- and you will want that room to make you happy as well as be a ROI when ready to sell.
How to get your wish
The budget to upgrade a kitchen can vary. For smaller kitchen upgrades, you should look into getting a personal loan. These types of loans usually allow you to borrow up to $50,000 and your mortgage loan officer can help you get your funds quickly. For more major upgrades, you may want to tap into your home’s equity with a HELOC.
3. Energy-efficient updates
Energy-efficient homes are becoming more desirable for both environmental and financial reasons. Upgrading to energy-efficient windows, insulation or appliances can lower utility bills and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. And that’s not to mention energy-producing upgrades like solar panels, heat pumps and whole-house batteries.
Whether you are looking to buy or already own a home, these updates can be a great long-term investment, making your home more sustainable, affordable, and more attractive to buyers.
How to get your wish
Our GreenLiving Program* (through our affiliated mortgage company) lets you roll energy improvements into your mortgage. It is essentially a renovation loan, allowing you to finance energy improvements.
4. Simple financing process
Navigating the mortgage process can be a stressful situation and those concerns are only amplified when you’re tapping into your home equity. A simplified, stress-free experience when it comes to securing financing would be a calming highlight during that intense time. Working with someone who offers many loan options to allow you to find the one that works for you, while also providing clear, consistent communication and personalized support can make buying a home easier and more enjoyable.
How to get your wish
Working with my team will help ensure that your mortgage process is smooth, so you can focus on the excitement of moving into your new home.
5. Pool or outdoor upgrades
Having a backyard oasis is high on many homeowners' wish lists. Whether it’s adding a pool, building a deck or creating an outdoor kitchen, these upgrades can make your outdoor space a personal retreat. Not only do they enhance your lifestyle, but they can also add significant value to your home, making it a great investment for both relaxation and resale. Call me for details.
How to get your wish
You can treat outdoor upgrades like any renovation project. Home renovation loans can be used to make your backyard oasis. The Fannie Mae HomeStyle® and CHOICERenovation® loan programs can be used to get loans for custom swimming pools, a hot tub or sauna or an outdoor kitchen. (please get in touch with me for details).
We also offer Dream Bigger, a tailored loan program for buyers of new construction to roll the costs of exterior upgrades into their mortgage. If you can dream it, you can do it, with no restrictions of the types of upgrades you could add to a newly constructed home. Pools, patios, decks, or landscaping can be upgraded to upgrade your curb appeal and liven up your great outdoors.
6. More room in your monthly budget
Finding a balance between homeownership and financial comfort is key. Who doesn’t wish for a little more room in their monthly budget, whether to save for the future, make home improvements or simply enjoy life? Finding the right mortgage with competitive rates or refinancing your current loan could help free up extra funds and make homeownership more affordable in the long run. Call me, I can guide you towards your financial goals!
How to get your wish
There are many different ways to pay less on your mortgage payments, either as a homeowner or when you’re buying a home. Depending on current mortgage rates, a refinance may help you lower your mortgage payments if you currently own. And if you’re looking to buy, an adjustable rate mortgage can offer you a lower initial mortgage rate during the first few years of a loan.
One other way that you can save on your monthly budget is with a RateReduce Program. RateReduce is what’s known as a seller’s concession. The seller of the home can contribute to the buydown to lower the monthly mortgage payments for the buyer. It’s a great way to increase the chances of selling the home by making it more attractive to buyers. This is a negotiable term that you will want your trusted real estate advisor (Judy) to help you with!
7. Getting a mortgage in your own language
Understanding the mortgage process is crucial and for many, it’s easier when it’s explained in your native language. A lender who offers multilingual support can make the homebuying process much clearer and less stressful. Having important details communicated in the language you're most comfortable with ensures that you’re confident in your decisions every step of the way.
How to get your wish
Guaranteed Rate Affinity is the first and only lender to offer a complete mortgage process entirely in Spanish. Our expanded Language Access Program delivers a superior user experience for everyone who prefers to interact in Spanish. We offer our Digital Mortgage experience fully in Spanish, providing loan estimates, closing disclosures, loan terms and more, with bilingual experts to guide you every step of the way. Call me for more details.
8. Smart home features
With technology advancing rapidly, many buyers and homeowners are looking for smart home upgrades to improve their investments. Features like automated lighting, smart thermostats and home security systems can make managing your home easier and more efficient. These modern conveniences can increase a home’s appeal, boost energy savings, and add an extra layer of safety and comfort. Please refer to my blogs on my website about how to incorporate technology for a greener footprint at:
Trusted resource for answers about the process
Innovative marketing strategies
Expertise about neighborhood features
Ability to target home searches
Strong negotiation skills
Support through the closing and beyond
Why would you settle for anything less?
Adding value for my clients and loving where we live!
Judy@JudithSutton.com
COLDWELL BANKER...GUIDING PEOPLE HOME SINCE 1906
908 803-0472
"...the right relationship means everything..."
SERVING THE SOMERSET HILLS AREA ONE CLIENT AT A TIME
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