J. "Derick" Sutton Realtor - Charles Rutenberg Realty

Is it better to buy or rent a home? 🤔

Despite what you may hear, there's no single right answer. But, don’t panic—we’re here to help! Start by asking yourself these 5️⃣ questions:

❓ How long do you plan to stay in the home?
You’ll get the most financial benefit if you remain in place for at least 5 years.

❓ Is it a better value to rent or buy in your area?
Look up the price-to-rent ratio, and consider the long-term financial impacts.

❓ Can you afford to own a home right now?
Be sure to consider the costs of maintenance and repairs.

❓ Can you qualify for a mortgage?
Talk to a lender to determine whether your finances are in order.

❓ How would owning a home change your lifestyle?
Do you relish the thought of painting the walls or starting a garden, or do you prefer to have someone else handle upkeep?

If you’re still on the fence, check out our latest blog post for more details about how to make the right decision for you.

🔗 http://dericksutton.com/buy-now-or-rent-longer-5-questions-to-answer-before-purchasing-your-first-home/

If you’re trying to buy a home, it is NOT the time to quit your job.

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will review two years of employment and income history. 🏦 A steady paycheck will improve your chances of getting a mortgage and can land you a lower interest rate. 💸

If you’ve changed jobs, you still have options. But it can make things more complicated, so think carefully before making big moves.

For more tips on qualifying for the best mortgage rates, check out our latest blog post.

🔗 http://www.dericksutton.com/8-strategies-to-secure-a-lower-mortgage-rate/

Thinking about buying a 🏠? It’s time to check on your credit score.

A good credit score shows lenders that you are a safe investment. The higher your score, the lower the rates you’re likely to qualify for.

But don’t panic if your rate isn’t there yet! You can improve it through a few key steps:

👉 Fix any errors on your credit report
👉 Pay down your credit card balances
👉 Make all future payments on time
👉 Avoid closing old accounts
👉 Limit your credit applications

Over time, that score will start to climb! 📈

For more details on how to raise your credit score and land a great mortgage interest rate, check out our latest blog post.

🔗 http://www.dericksutton.com/8-strategies-to-secure-a-lower-mortgage-rate/