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 »

Being a homeowner has its perks. Perhaps the biggest one is being able to tap into your home’s value with a home equity loan. But just owning a home doesn’t automatically mean you qualify. You’ll still need enough equity, along with the income and credit to back it up. Let’s walk through what a home equity loan is, the pros and cons to getting one, and what you’ll usually need to qualify. What Is a Home Equity Loan? A home equity loan lets you borrow against the value you’ve built up in your home. Simply put, your home acts as the collateral, and you receive the money as a lump… read more »

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 »

Paying off your mortgage early comes with a variety of benefits like eliminating debt, saving money on interest payments, and increasing your cash flow! Your mortgage payment is likely to be your highest monthly payment amount.  Keep reading below where we cover some tips and strategies for early payoff. Take these into consideration to help you achieve your goal of paying off your mortgage early. Benefits of Paying Off Your Mortgage Early The sooner that you pay off your mortgage, the less interest you’ll have to pay on the loan. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your loan regardless of your chosen term!  Using your… read more »

With interest rates trending downward over the last several months, refinancing is all the rage. For many, refinancing an existing mortgage to a home loan with an interest rate that’s lower than their current rate, could hack hundreds of dollars off their monthly payment. This can easily add up to thousands of dollars in saved interest paid over the life of the loan. However, refinancing is not always a good idea. Here are six bad reasons to refinance a home loan. 1. To extend the term of the loan Refinancing a mortgage with a lower interest rate can save you money each month, but be sure to look at the… read more »