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A couple discussing the differences between a money market vs. certificate with a financial advisor.

Money Market vs. Certificate: Which One Is Better?

access_time Posted on: May 30th, 2023

Money markets and certificate accounts both offer safe places to stash your excess cash while earning interest, but which is the right choice for you? We take a look at how money market vs. certificate accounts work and which is best for different kinds of savers. Smart Saving Choices: Money Market vs. Certificate If you’re looking to start putting money aside from your monthly budget, then both money market accounts and certificate accounts offer safe places to start building a nest egg for retirement, college, a wedding, or a down payment on a car. While both offer great launchpads for your savings, there are important differences in how they work…. read more »

A couple discussing how to open a certificate account with a credit union representative.

How to Open a Certificate Account in Six Steps

access_time Posted on: May 16th, 2023

Certificate accounts are popular investments that many use to grow their savings. Setting up an account is very easy to do. It can be done in just a few minutes in six simple steps. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is a type of investment that is offered by credit unions. Certificate accounts can be used for both short-term and long-term savings goals. A short-term certificate could be used to help you save for new appliances or furniture, for example. You could also open a 60-month certificate to help you save for a down payment on a house. An important benefit of certificate accounts is that the money… read more »

A young couple talking with a lender about how to shop for a mortgage loan.

How to Shop for a Mortgage

access_time Posted on: January 24th, 2023

For many people, the hardest part of the home-buying process isn’t finding the perfect home. It’s the process of knowing how to shop for a mortgage. If you’re unsure where to start or have no idea how to get one, we’re here to help!  Our homebuyer’s guide will take you through every step so you’ll know exactly what to expect from the moment you start house-hunting through closing day. Prepare First During the application process, our Mortgage Lending Team will review your financial history. Get a head start by eliminating as much debt as you can before you apply. Plan to pay off any loans of high amounts such as… read more »

A young couple varnishes their dining room floor as a way to build their home equity with home improvements.

Home Improvements for Building Equity in Harrisburg, PA

access_time Posted on: January 24th, 2023

Locals know there’s nothing minor league about our state capital, Harrisburg. Known as a “small city with a big city feel,” Harrisburg remains a magnet for singles, young families, and retired couples—keeping the local property market hot even as prices cool elsewhere. That long-term value is great news for local homeowners. Continuously strong real estate prices mean you can swing big on home improvements, knowing every dollar you spend on upgrades will be well worth it. Let’s look at how to build equity in your home by making smart choices about home improvements. Choosing Home Improvements That Build Equity Even if you’re not considering selling anytime soon, home improvements and… read more »

A happy woman sees she got a great rate on her HELOC.

How To Get the Best HELOC Rate

access_time Posted on: October 31st, 2022

Are you considering getting a home equity line of credit, HELOC? If so, keep reading because we’re sharing some tips on how you can unlock the equity in your home at a low rate.  Whether you’re making home improvements, financing a life event, or consolidating debt, you want to secure the lowest interest rate possible to help you save on the amount you borrow. Here’s how to get the best HELOC rate.  Keep Up Your Credit Score As with any time you borrow money, your credit score will significantly impact your ability to qualify and the rate that lenders offer. You can use your HELOC funds for just about anything,… read more »

A couple discusses home improvements they could make with a home equity loan.

Home Equity Loans – What Are They and How To Qualify?

access_time Posted on: October 31st, 2022

Most of us know there are many advantages associated with being a homeowner, including the ability to access the equity in your home through a home equity loan. Of course, being a homeowner doesn’t automatically qualify you for this type of loan. You must have a certain percentage of equity, plus the income and credit to support the loan. This article will walk you through what a home equity loan is, discuss the pros and cons, and outline what you may need to qualify for a home equity loan. What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan is a loan you take out against the equity in your… read more »

a couple works together to build home equity in their home by adding fresh coats of paint to the walls

Home Improvements for Building Equity in Lancaster, PA

access_time Posted on: October 4th, 2022

Central Pennsylvania’s property market continues to run red hot, which means it’s a great time to be a homeowner here in Lancaster. Even if you aren’t ready to sell just yet, strong housing prices mean every dollar spent on your home goes a little bit further. Here’s how to build equity in your home by making some smart choices about home improvements. How to Build Home Equity With Home Improvements Home improvements are a great way to get more out of your biggest investment — your house. With property prices still on the rise throughout Lancaster County, money spent on improvements that your family can enjoy today will be worth… read more »

A family of four sitting on the front steps of a house they have a good amount of home equity in.

The Housing Market & Your Home Equity

access_time Posted on: September 16th, 2022

Home prices are rising across the U.S. along with interest rates and the cost of living. But it’s not all bad news. When the market value of your home increases, the amount of home equity you have goes up with it.  You can then use your home equity to fund improvements (or anything else!), which will increase the value of your home even more. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the current housing market and how it impacts your home equity. What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your home is currently worth and what you owe on your mortgage. Here’s… read more »

A young couple filling out paperwork in order to qualify for a mortgage.

Qualifying for a Mortgage: What You Need to Know

access_time Posted on: August 8th, 2022

Qualifying for a mortgage is a big step on the way to becoming a homeowner. Here’s what you need to know about credit checks, pre-qualification, income verification, and down payments. How to Qualify for a Mortgage Qualifying for a mortgage means you are firmly on the road to becoming a homeowner, but getting there can be a nerve-wracking process! Let’s take a look at what goes into a typical mortgage approval process and answer some of the questions you may have. What Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage? To qualify for a mortgage you’ll need to demonstrate to your bank or credit union that you’re willing and able… read more »

Can I Refinance My Home Equity Loan?

access_time Posted on: July 22nd, 2022

Can I refinance my home equity loan? Many homeowners wonder if refinancing an existing home equity loan or line of credit is a good idea. Let’s look at why you might want to refinance your existing loan and how to go about doing it. Double Dip: Can I Refinance My Home Equity Loan? Your home is your most valuable investment and many property owners leverage that value with a home loan or line of credit. Changes in the property market and your personal financial situation might have you wondering if it is possible—and smart—to refinance your existing loan. Why Refinance? While there’s theoretically no limit to the number of times… read more »