Posts from January 2019

So you've committed to buying a home, congratulations! Deciding to own a home is a big step, but there's still a lot more to work through before you move into your new digs. How you pay for that home is what we're talking about, and getting a mortgage is how to get there. As a first-time homebuyer, you likely have a lot of questions about getting a mortgage, so our real estate agents put together this list of tips for applying for a one.

First-Time Buyer Mortgage Tips

• What Can You Afford?
  This is a great place to start your mortgage journey, and it begins with affordability. Generally speaking, lenders will look at your finances and use approximately 25% of your gross income to project what you can or should afford in a mortgage. Using that formula, you can play around with the numbers. In other words, if you make $100,000 per year, then you should be able to spend around $25,000 on housing annually or about $2,000 per month.

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Once you've closed the deal on your choice of Howell homes for sale, you'll begin the chaotic moving process. Even with the best of intentions, it seems like you always forget something.  Our REALTORS® have gathered a list a list of the seven things many people forget when they're moving.

1. Collect Important Documents
   Collect important information, such as personal records and contact info, around two months before you move.  Remember to obtain all medical info from all of the family doctors and copies of prescriptions from your pharmacist. This makes it easier to transfer prescriptions and find a new doctor. It's also important to gather your children's school records for their new school. Keep your new address and business info on you and your family.

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Our REALTORS® know that a city's employment outlook is a major factor when you want to purchase a home in a new community. Whether you're looking for Brighton homes for sale or homes for sale in Howell, a vibrant local economy makes a big difference.

Livingston County, Michigan, has plenty to offer when it comes to responsible corporate stewardship and desirable working conditions. From finance to technology, you'll find major employers who consistently invest in the local area. That makes living here all the sweeter.

Let's visit with four of the top companies here in Livingston:

1. Citizens Insurance Co-America - 808 North Highlander Way, Howell
   Citizens Insurance Co-America is a local staple founded in 1915. Active here for more than 100 years, it was the very first Michigan company to offer auto insurance. With more than 650 employees attached to the Livingston headquarters location, Citizens is known for its support of the local United Way. The company also sponsors and works with nonprofits each year.

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There's nothing quite like lugging your gear to the slopes for a day of winter fun, and this year you can enjoy all of your favorite winter sports close to home in one location. Mt. Brighton Ski Area, located in Brighton, is the area's top destination for skiing, snowboarding, and all sorts of cold-weather fun.

Whether you're an experienced veteran of the slopes or you're learning the ropes for the first time, everyone can have a great time visiting the mountain. Our REALTORS® have all the key info on what to expect from a legendary day of skiing, snowboarding, or spectating at the Mt. Brighton Ski Area.

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