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Expert Tips to Sell A Home with PetsYour pets are a member of your family, and you love them as such, but when it’s time...
04/29/2026

Expert Tips to Sell A Home with Pets

Your pets are a member of your family, and you love them as such, but when it’s time to sell your home, they can create a bit of a challenge in a few key ways.

You’re not alone if you’re trying to sell a home and you have pets. Around 60% of sellers have them, with 49% being dogs and 33% being cats. However, buyers either want to visualize their own pets in the home or, depending on their preferences, no pets at all.

Pets can also create messes and odors that can turn buyers off.

With that in mind, the following are some things to make sure you do before you try to sell a home where pets live.

Deep Clean

It’s important when your house is on the market that you keep it incredibly clean, and especially if you have pets. You want to make sure you get to the root cause of any odors as well.

For example, if you have rugs or carpets, you might need to have them professionally cleaned or even replaced to eliminate pet odors.

When you shampoo your carpets and rugs, it will draw odors out. You may need to do the same for your furniture.

Vacuum your home every day to further get rid of odors as well as fur and dander.

If there are any lingering odors after you deep clean, don’t just try to mask them. Instead, work to truly get rid of them. There are pet enzyme cleaners that work well. You might also want to put an air purifier in your home with a HEPA filter.

You have to be conscious of not just odors and cleanliness when you have pets, but there may be people who come into your home with pet allergies. You really want to focus on getting into every corner when you clean to erase any and all evidence of your animals.

Repair Damage

Pets can be destructive, and you may overlook some of this damage because you’re used to it, but possible buyers aren’t. Go through your home with fresh eyes and look for any pet damage that needs to be repaired, like scratched or torn furniture or flooring, chew marks on baseboard or window sills, or ripped curtains.

You need to do the same outside of your house too. Clean up pet waste, and cover any signs of digging in your lawn. Repair damaged fences and window screens too.

Put Away Signs of a Pet

Just like it’s a good idea to de-clutter and de-personalize your entire house when you’re preparing to sell it, you similarly want to de-pet your home. This means that you take out any cages, kennels, or play items. You should pack them up when your home is going to be shown. Put toys away, as well as food and water bowls.

Not everyone loves pets as much as you do, so if you can erase the evidence that they live there, that’s a good thing.

What About Showings?
If at all possible, put your pets elsewhere during showings and open houses. Maybe you put them at your neighbor’s house, for example, or you might even want to professionally board them. It’s really distracting to have your pets trying to escape their kennels when someone is looking at your house.

If your pets do have to stay at home, come up with a solution with your real estate agent. Don’t have them be surprised by your pets.

For example, maybe you can put them in the basement and leave a few notes if necessary.

Tell people in your note they shouldn’t try to pet your dog or cat, even if they’re friendly, because you never know how your animals will react to unfamiliar people, especially if you’re not around.

Finally, talk to your real estate agent about giving you plenty of notice before a showing so you can arrange care for your animals whenever possible.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

11 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New HouseYou're finally in escrow, packing up your stuff to move it into the home...
03/16/2026

11 Things To Do Before You Move Into A New House

You're finally in escrow, packing up your stuff to move it into the home of your dreams, and the excitement is palpable. But before you step foot in your new house, there are a few important things you should take care of.

1. Change your address

You'll have to stop into your local post office or visit the United States Postal Service's website to change your address at some point. Doing it early ensures that your mail will make as smooth a transition as you do. A side benefit to changing your address is the coupon package that comes with the form. That 10% off Lowe's discount will surely come in handy in a new home.

2. Update your contact info

Change your address online with creditors, financial institutions, schools, publications, and anyone else that is important. Your change of address form from the post office will forward your mail but going right to the source will ensure your new address is on file.

3. Tell your mailman and say "Thank you"

A little consideration goes a long way when it comes to forwarding mail.

4. Change the locks

How many of us have moved into a new place and used the same locks and keys that were provided to us?

"You really don't know who else has keys to your home," said HouseLogic. "That ensures you're the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock, or call a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20-$30 per lock for labor.

5. Get the house deep cleaned

The previous occupants probably cleaned the house or had it cleaned when they left. But is it up to your standards? Get a crew in there before you move in. It'll be money well spent.

Make sure the crew also gets inside the closets, cabinets, and drawers. You don't want to start your new life with someone else's crumbs and dust bunnies.

6. Clean the carpets too

This is another area where you will probably want to focus a little energy—unless you're a fan of "germ hotspots," said Huffington Post. The blog reported that carpets are "botanical and zoological parks…that can be 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat," said microbiologist Dr. Philip Tierno. Let that set in for a moment.

7. Call an exterminator

Nothing ruins your first night in a new house like critters scurrying across the floor.

8. Research utilities

The current providers might be the best (or only) options...but they may not be. Deregulation in some areas means competitive rates for utilities that can pay off for you. Be sure to ask about any new user discounts for cable or satellite, and, also for bundling packages that might be available.

9. Shut off the utilities on the house you're moving from

Sounds like a given, but it's one of the most common errors people make when moving—an error that can turn out to be costly when you're paying double utilities.

10. Alert your service providers

Let your gardener and anyone else that services your home regularly know you are moving early on. Details like this can be easily overlooked during a move, and giving ample notice will allow them time to try to replace the business if you're moving out of their service area.

11. Pare down your stuff

The only thing worse that having boxes of stuff you don't use and don't need crowding your space is carting them from house to house. Days disappear quickly when you're packing and preparing to move. If you are at all concerned you won't have time for a garage sale or even to drive to the local donation spot, take advantage of charities that will come to your house and do a pick up. Then all you have to do is haul the stuff to the front porch and bring in your tax receipt once they're done.

Why So Many Homeowners Are Downsizing Right NowFor a growing number of homeowners, retirement isn’t some distant idea an...
02/01/2026

Why So Many Homeowners Are Downsizing Right Now

For a growing number of homeowners, retirement isn’t some distant idea anymore. It’s starting to feel very real.

According to a recent Census, nearly 12,000 people will turn 65 every day for the next two years. And the latest data shows as many as 15% of those older Americans are planning to retire in 2026. And another 23% will do the same in 2027.

If you’re considering retiring soon too, here’s what you should be thinking about.

Why Downsize?

Now’s the perfect time to reflect on what you want your life to look like in retirement. Because even though your finances will be going through a big change, you don’t necessarily want to feel like you’re living with less.

But odds are, what you do want is for life to feel easier.

· Easier to enjoy.

· Easier to manage.

· Easier to maintain day-to-day.

The Top Reasons People Over 60 Move

You can see these benefits show up in the data when you look at why people over 60 are moving. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds the top 4 reasons aren’t about timing the market or chasing top dollar. They’re about lifestyle:

· Being closer to children, grandchildren, or long-time friends so it’s easier to spend more time with the people who matter most

· Wanting a smaller, more functional home with fewer stairs and easier upkeep

· Retiring and no longer needing to live near the office, so it’s easier to move wherever you want

· Opting for something smaller to reduce monthly expenses tied to utilities, insurance, and maintenance.

No matter the reason, the theme is the same: downsizing isn’t about giving something up. It’s about gaining control and choosing simplicity. And it brings peace of mind to know your home fits the years ahead, not the years behind.

And the best part? It’s more financially feasible now than many homeowners would expect.

The #1 Thing Helping So Many Homeowners Downsize

Here’s the part that makes it possible. Thanks to how much home values have grown over the years, many longtime homeowners are realizing they’re in a stronger position than they thought to make that move.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner today has about $299,000 in home equity. And for older Americans, that number is often even higher – simply because they’ve lived in their homes longer.

When you stay in one place for years (or even decades), two things happen at the same time:

· Your home value has time to grow.

· Your mortgage balance shrinks or disappears altogether.

That combination creates more options than you’d expect, even in today’s market.

So, whether you just retired, or you’re about to, it’s not too soon to start thinking about what comes next. Sure, it can be hard to leave the house you made so many years of memories in, but maybe it’s time to close one chapter to open a new one that’s just as exciting.

Downsizing is about setting yourself up for what comes next – on your terms.

If retirement is on the horizon and you’ve started wondering what your current house (and your equity) could make possible, the first step isn’t selling. It’s understanding your options.

It’s time to talk to an agent. A simple, no-pressure conversation can help you see what downsizing might look like – and whether it makes sense for you.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually FeelThere’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage...
12/27/2025

Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives.

Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move, it also comes with some emotional benefits spreadsheets just can’t capture. Maybe that’s why a 2025 survey from Fannie Mae notes:

“Consumers were twice as likely to mention lifestyle benefits (67%)—like security, customization, and outdoor space—than financial benefits (34%) when explaining why their homes have become more important in recent years.”

Here are a few reminders of what owning a home gives you that renting never will.

1. A Milestone You Get To Be Proud Of
Buying a home is a big deal. First home, fifth home – it doesn’t matter. It’s a moment you’ll remember. And when you finally get those keys and walk through the door, that feeling of “I did this” hits different. It’s not just a purchase. It’s an accomplishment.

2. A Place That Feels Like Your Reset Button
Life is busy. Having a place that’s truly yours where you can shut the door, take a breath, and settle into your own routine is something renters rarely talk about until they finally experience it. Home becomes the place you go to recharge, not just the place your mail is delivered.

3. Space That Fits the Way You Actually Live
Need a quiet corner for work calls? A backyard big enough for the dog that thinks it’s a person? A shorter drive to see the people who are most important to you? When you own, you get to choose a space that fits your life now and where it’s heading – and it just feels right.

4. Freedom To Make It 100% Yours
Want to paint the kitchen navy? Go for it. Thinking about a wall of floating shelves or a bold wallpaper moment? Do it. Need space for a home gym or a reading nook? Make it happen. Homeownership gives you the freedom to shape your space instead of asking for permission to change it.

Buying a home isn’t only about dollars and data points – it’s about building a life you love.

So, if you’re thinking about a move in 2026, keep the emotional side in the conversation too. And when you’re ready to explore your options, reach out to a trusted local agent who can guide you through the process with clarity and confidence.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

12/18/2025

When searching for the cheapest and safest place to live in Tennessee, you’ll find a mix of affordability and charm across the Volunteer State. Tennessee offers a blend of cost-effective living, serene neighborhoods, and vibrant communities that make it ideal for families, retirees, and individual...

How To Know If You Should Stay Or You Should GoShould you stay or should you go? It's the premise of the popular HGTV pr...
11/05/2025

How To Know If You Should Stay Or You Should Go

Should you stay or should you go? It's the premise of the popular HGTV program "Love it or List it" and also a dilemma for countless homeowners today.

Many of us can relate to the issue raised on the show. But we don't all have $100,000 and a team of designers to make our old home sparkle again. So how do you know when it's time to cut and run or reach deep into the pockets to make the necessary changes to make your home function for you again?

When to stay:
Your mortgage is close to paid off.
You're almost done with monthly payments and about to own your home outright. Buying a new home would mean taking on a new 15- or 30-year mortgage, or coming up with a hunk of cash. Unless the house you are moving to is a far better fit for your lifestyle or you need to sell in order to downsize, experts recommend staying put.

You credit stinks.
If you're not going to qualify for a new loan because of bad credit or if you may qualify by the skin of your teeth—which would mean putting more money down and/or paying a higher interest rate—it might not be worth it to move.

"Depending on when you last bought a home, getting a mortgage may be harder than you remember," said FrontDoor. "Lenders will closely review your income, debts, assets and liabilities, to make sure you don't exceed the maximum debt-to-income ratio. Hopefully you didn't do any damage to your credit since your last home purchase. The most competitive interest rates only go to buyers with credit scores above 700."

You have money to renovate.
Your kitchen is an embarrassment, the yard you once imagined as an outdoor oasis is more like a mirage and don't even ask about that weird rippling thing that going on with your floors. Maybe you don't need a new house. You just need the house you live in to be new again.

Depending on how much savings your have or how much equity you can take out of your house, you could overhaul and reenergize your existing home. Even small changes that improve function or address important daily issues can make a big difference. Be sure to consult your Realtor for guidance on the changes you plan to make. That way you can ensure a decent return on investment so you can recoup some dollars when you are ready to sell.

You need to stay in your neighborhood and there's no inventory in your price range.
The tighter your parameters, the harder it can be to find the right home. If you need to be in a certain school district and can't find a home in the right district zone perhaps it makes sense to put off the move.

When to go:
The kids are gone.
It's been a great family home, but, memories aside, do you still need all that space?

"Do you find yourself walking into empty rooms wondering when the last time you vacuumed in there was? Having trouble deciding whether to convert your children's old bedrooms into the sewing room, home office or media room? You have too much house," said REALTOR and best-selling author Michael Corbett on Huffington Post. "Once the kids have left for college, Mom and Dad are left with an empty nest. Downsizing to a smaller home could be your reason to sell now."

You can cash out, and cash in.
All that equity you have in your house can be rolled into a new loan on a larger, more updated home. And the interest rate might even be lower than what you are currently paying.

Renovations are too costly.
"That orange countertop that seemed so retro and modern just looks like an old countertop in a bad color. The shower needs to be re-done and the floors have gotten so bad even the dog doesn't want to come inside," said She Knows.

"So then you start to dream about remodeling. And you probably get so caught up in the end result that you start to think this is actually a viable option. It's not. It's months of living in disorganized, sheetrock-dust covered filth and eating cardboard pizzas. Just save your money, your marriage and your sanity, and move into a new house already."

The neighborhood is changing.
It was perfect when you moved in. Friendly neighbors, block parties, lemonade stands. But now you find yourself looking over your shoulder on your evening walk and double-checking your door locks before bed.

"Are you up all night from the neighbor's barking dogs? Are you noticing a spike in crime or even more police activity as of late? A neighborhood moving in the wrong direction can be a very compelling argument for a sell and a move," said Huffington Post.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth ItLife can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? ...
08/08/2025

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Life can feel a bit unpredictable these days. What’s happening with inflation? The economy? The housing market? But in the middle of all that uncertainty, there’s one thing a lot of people still crave – a place to call their own.

Because when everything else feels up in the air, home can be the thing that grounds you. As the experts at 1000WATT put it:

“Homeownership isn’t primarily financial anymore. . . Across all demographics, emotional and lifestyle factors consistently outrank wealth-building as motivators.”

Here’s what owning a home can mean for you, especially right now.

Freedom To Make It Yours
When you’re a homeowner, you don’t need to ask permission to paint a wall, hang a gallery of your favorite art, or redo the floors. You have the freedom to create a space that reflects who you are, all the way from the light fixtures to the paint colors.

Pro Tip: Just be mindful about exterior changes, if you buy a home in a community that has a homeowner’s association (HOA). There may be some approvals you’d need to get for select outdoor changes.

More Privacy, More Peace
Owning your home can give you a sense of peace you didn’t even realize you were missing. It’s a comfortable place where you feel secure and can relax, enjoy your privacy, and unwind after a long day.

Room To Grow
Whether it’s starting a family, setting up a home office for your new career, or finally building that home gym in the garage so you can hit your fitness goals, owning gives you the space to live life on your terms.

A Stronger Sense of Community
When you own, you’re not just passing through, you’re putting down roots. That often leads to stronger ties with your community, more connection to your neighborhood, and a deeper feeling of belonging where you live. That’s very different from the temporary nature of renting.

A Feeling of Accomplishment
There’s something powerful about getting the keys and walking into your own front door for the first time. It’s more than pride, it’s personal satisfaction. A quiet and meaningful sense of “I did this.”

Sure, it’s not always easy for first-time homebuyers right now. The market today requires patience, strategy, and sometimes a little creative problem-solving. But it’s still worth it.

“Buying a home is a major commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”

When you get those keys in your hand, when you realize this place is where your life gets to unfold, it clicks. The stress, the waiting, the planning – all of it led you home.

Bottom Line
There are a lot of things out of your control right now. But building a life in a space that’s truly yours? That’s still possible with the right strategy and expert help. Talk to a local agent about how to make it happen.

What would it mean for you to finally have a place to call your own?

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

An Insider’s Look at the Reality of Home StagingWhen it comes to home staging, there are typically two buyer camps: The ...
05/09/2025

An Insider’s Look at the Reality of Home Staging

When it comes to home staging, there are typically two buyer camps: The first thinks it’s a waste of money and doesn’t want to pay more to potentially make their home more attractive to buyers—even if their real estate agent says they’ll make it up (and then some). The second realizes the value and is willing to make that smart investment.

But just how do those two contingents break down? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) Profile of Home Staging provides some insight. The study separated the study into three categories: Buyers’ Agent Perspective, Sellers’ Agent Perspective, and Buyer Expectations. We’re taking a closer look at the key points.

Home Staging: Buyers’ Agent Perspective
According to the study, “40 percent of buyers’ agents cited that home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home” and “83 percent of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.” Buyers agents also noted that, “Staging the living room was found to be most important for buyers (47 percent), followed by staging the master bedroom (42 percent), and staging the kitchen (35 percent).”

Home Staging: Sellers’ Agent Perspective
Per the study, “28 percent of sellers’ agents said they staged all sellers’ homes prior to listing them for sale,” and “13 percent noted that they only staged homes that are difficult to sell.” The living room (93 percent), kitchen (84 percent), master bedroom (78 percent), and the dining room (72 percent) were the most commonly staged rooms.

Sellers’ agents offered to do the staging 26 percent of the time, and, “The median dollar value spent on home staging was $400.”

Buyer Expectations
Call it the HGTV effect: “A median of 10 percent of respondents cited that buyers felt homes should look the way they were staged on TV shows,” while “38 percent of respondents said that TV shows which displayed the buying process impacted their business.”

The real effect of staging
Now that we have the buyer’s agent, seller’s agent, and buyer’s perspective, let’s look at some real data about staged homes. According to the NAR study, 22 percent of sellers’ agents “reported an increase of one percent to five percent of the dollar value offered by buyers, in comparison to similar homes,” and “17 percent of respondents stated that staging a home increased the dollar value of the home between six and 10 percent. 28 percent of sellers’ agents stated that there were slight decreases in the time on the market when the home is staged, while 25 percent reported that staging a home greatly decreased the amount of time the home was on the market.”

Of course, time on market and sales prices can range depending on a number of factors, like age of home, location, square footage, and price point. The Real Estate Staging Association has found, overall, that staged homes sell “73% faster, on average, than their non-staged counterparts,” said The Mortgage Reports.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

Decorating Tricks for Hiding Kids’ Messes While Selling Your HomeKeeping the house together during the selling process i...
03/14/2025

Decorating Tricks for Hiding Kids’ Messes While Selling Your Home

Keeping the house together during the selling process is a challenge. Making sure everything is just right for showings and open houses can be exhausting and overwhelming. Throw kids into the mix, and things can get downright chaotic. Fortunately, a few small decor choices can help conceal kid clutter—changing your “for sale” sign to “sold.”

Hide in Plain Sight
With overflowing toy boxes and tea-party set-ups overtaking the living room, it may be unrealistic to banish all kid stuff to other rooms. Instead, make use of your furniture’s built-in compartments and drawers. Have a storage ottoman next to the sofa? Fill it with everything from action figures and dolls to coloring books, art supplies, stuffed animals and more. Divide the credenza in the family room so that your little ones can store toys behind its closed doors. Accent the open shelves with ceramic vases, family photos, decorative carafes and other appealing decor items.

If your built-in storage is already in use, opt for two or three woven baskets with lids instead. Place them wherever you want, whether it’s next to the loveseat or on the bottom shelf of a console table. Buyers will be too busy appreciating your home’s cleanliness and open floor space to think about what’s inside.

Hide Within Reach
Families in smaller living spaces might consider another strategy—underbed and attic storage. While the underside of your child’s bed may already be home to all sorts of tchotchkes, encourage kids to neaten it up with rolling plastic or rattan storage bins. Discreetly stow away everything from dress-up clothes to seasonal clothing in multiple containers. Slide them out of sight, then help your little one make the bed with an oversized quilt that conceals what’s hidden below. The best part? These containers can still be used after moving into the new bedroom or playroom.

For toys that are too big to fit in this space, such as kids’ teepees and play tents, consider collapsing them and stowing behind a dresser. If the dresser has legs that makes it easy to spot what’s behind it, opt for a chest instead.

Rotate Toys in Longer-Term Storage
Consider storing bins of toys longer-term and swapping them out every few weeks. In addition to the attic and basement, the back corner of a deep closet is a great place to stack storage tubs filled with everything from building blocks and board games to miniature cars and pull toys. Strategically hide them behind long coats so a quick peek inside the closet doesn’t give anything away. Better yet, switch out the storage tubs for suitcases. Rotate the toys in storage every few weeks--kids will have renewed interest when they come out of hiding.

Minimize and Add Some Style
Rather than attempting to conceal every toy, consider downsizing. Prior to the first showing, help your little one sort through toys, determining what still gets played with and what doesn’t. Sort into “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away.” This streamlines the cleanup process and makes it easier to stow away what remains. Bonus? You’ll have less to move when the time comes. For every item your children give up, consider rewarding them with small change or a trip to a favorite restaurant or ice cream shop.

For kids’ areas like bedrooms and playrooms, embrace the playful nature and just add a little style. Choose bookcases and desks with useful cubbies and shelves, and dress up the space with vibrant and unique artwork. Inspire imagination in potential buyers (and keep the space useful while your home is on the market) by choosing a few colorful supplies and knick-knacks to display.

Strategically rearrange home decor to hide kids’ messes while your house is being shown, and potential buyers will see a clean space that they’ll want to make their own.

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

How Do Mortgage Points Work?When you close on a loan, there’s a term you may hear—mortgage points.Mortgage points are pa...
02/27/2025

How Do Mortgage Points Work?

When you close on a loan, there’s a term you may hear—mortgage points.

Mortgage points are part of your closing costs. There are origination points, which are one type of mortgage point. There are also discount points. The two are different from one another despite being categorized together.

In instances of both origination and discount points, each point is usually equal to 1% of the total amount you’re mortgaging. So, if you get a home loan for $350,000, one mortgage point is equal to $3,000. Both points are listed in your official loan estimate and closing disclosure which you get from your lender.

Below, we talk more about the two specific types of mortgage points and how each works.

What Are Origination Points?
Origination points are paid by borrowers as a way to compensate a lender.

Not all lenders of mortgages require paying origination points. For those lenders who do require origination points to be paid on a loan, they are negotiable.

Origination points aren’t tax-deductible, and many lenders have moved away from them altogether in favor of no-fee or flat-rate home loans.

What Are Discount Points?
Discount points are considered interest that you’re pre-paying. When you buy a point, it lowers the interest rate on your mortgage by up to 0.25%. Many lenders offer the opportunity to buy a fraction of a point up to three discount points.

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed in 2017, applying to tax years 2018 through 2025, origination points weren’t tax-deductible. Discounts points could be deducted on Schedule A previously.

Now, discount points can be deducted, but they’re limited to the first $750,000 of your loan. There is a higher standard deduction as well, so you should consult with an accountant to figure out the specifics of the tax benefits for purchasing points.

When you’re deciding if you want to pay for discount points, first think about how long you plan to live in the house. Then, you’ll have to think about if you have enough money to pay for the points out-of-pocket.

As far as the first factor of how long you’ll live in the house, the longer you plan to stay, the more savings you’re likely to get if you purchase discount points. If you’re only going to stay a few years, you might skip buying discount points altogether.

As far as the money to pay for the discount points, you may not have enough to use this option if you’re already feeling the pinch of your down payment. If you were buying a $500,000 home, for example, to buy three discount points would cost you $15,000.

You might simply be priced out of the option.

You could also invest your money in other ways and get a better return than you would for the amount you would save if you paid for the points.

If your priority is paying off your mortgage, you might not worry as much about alternative returns.

There’s no one right answer for everyone as far as buying discount points. You need to crunch the numbers in your situation, and you might find you’re better off making a large down payment or buying a less expensive home.

You also need to comparison shop when you get a mortgage. There are a lot of options to choose from, and you can usually negotiate or avoid origination points altogether if you comparison shop.

As far as discount points, yes, you can save over the life of your loan, but only if you’re able to maintain a 20% down payment. Otherwise, with less than a 20% down payment, you may have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Contact Scott Sutherland Content Marketing To Get Your Personalized Content. [email protected]

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