How to Move with Pets: 7 Tips to Make it Easy

• Start packing early
• Find pet-friendly accommodations if needed
• Set up a designated moving day space
• Get the right gear
• Make a travel plan with your current vet
• Update your pet’s microchip
• Schedule a check-up with your new vet

1. Start packing early

Pets aren’t always a fan of change. To ease the transition, it’s important to pack early and gradually. This way, your pet has time to process that something new is happening and adjust accordingly. After all, imagine if you woke up one day and all your belongings were suddenly gone with no explanation. You’d be stressed, too.

2. Find pet-friendly accommodations if needed

Depending on how far you’re moving, you may not need this step. But, if your move involves multiple days of travel or a gap between moving out and moving in, wherever you stay in the interim needs to be equipped for your pet. Beyond simply identifying as a pet-friendly hotel or house, consider all the same factors that went into choosing your new home (outdoor access, windows, etc.) when choosing temporary accommodations. You can afford to be a little less selective here since it’s not for the long term. Still, the more comfortable the move is for your pet, the sooner they’ll settle in and feel at home in the new place.

3. Set up a designated moving day space

For the sake of both your movers and your pets, a designated pet space for moving day is a must. Backyards, friends’ houses, and large crates are all options for your canine kids. Cats can be a little trickier. If they have a favorite hiding spot and it’s in a place that can be closed off from the rest of the home, consider making that their designated area. This can help minimize stress since it’s a place where you know they feel safe. Wherever you set up base, make sure your cat has food, water, and a litter box. And, of course, communicate to your movers which areas are off-limits.

Pro Tip: If you have turtles or other pets that live in their own enclosed environment, keep that enclosure out of the way and clearly marked as NOT an item for your movers to pack up.

4. Get the right gear

Unless you’re moving right across town, you’re going to need more than just a carrier to transport your pet. Your needs will vary according to your pet, but here are some common items to consider:

• Leash with harness that can be hooked to a seatbelt
• Packable food and water bowls
• Disposable litter box
• Collars with current ID tags in case your pet gets out
• Crate with puppy pads

Whatever gear you get, don’t forget to try it out with your pet leading up to the move. The more acclimated they are to their new carrier or harness, the less stressed they’ll be on moving day.

5. Make a travel plan with your current vet

Leading up to the move, consult with your vet to create a travel plan for your animal. Especially if your pet gets carsick or has anxiety, you’ll want to discuss the possibility of sedatives, anti-nausea medicines, or anxiety medicines for the trip.

Does your dog spit out pills without fail? Then a liquid dose might be better. Is your cat hopeless in the car? Then your best bet may be a sedative (in the correct dose) to help them sleep through the drive. These are the details your vet can help you nail down in the safest manner possible.

6. Update your pet’s microchip

We recommend taking care of this as soon as you’re moved out of your old place. That way, if the worst-case scenario happens and your pet gets away from you during the move, any animal shelter that takes them in can find you. This is also just one of those small but important details that tend to get forgotten during the flurry of moving, like updating your billing address or forwarding your mail. The sooner you check it off your list, the sooner you can get back to the bigger issues like unpacking.

Not sure if your pet is microchipped? If you adopted them from a shelter, microchips are typically included along with spaying/neutering. Your vet can also help you check for a microchip. Just keep in mind that microchips can’t track your pet. Their function is to store your contact information so that if your pet ends up at a shelter, the shelter staff can notify you. The average person can’t access information on the microchip, so it’s important to keep your pet’s collar tags up to date, too. If you want to track your pet, there are also plenty of GPS tracking tags available that can be added to their collar. 

7. Schedule a check-up with your new vet

Moving with pets usually entails finding a new vet. Many vet clinics have a weeks-long waitlist for new patients, so don’t put off setting up an appointment until your pet needs one. Schedule a check-up as soon as you can. This is also a good opportunity to address any of your pet’s issues that may have arisen due to the stress of travel, such as gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, or aggression.

Any other tips for how to move with pets?

When it comes to how to move with pets, there’s no single right way to go about it. The best advice we can give you is to adjust to your pet’s unique needs. And don’t forget that their biggest insecurity about moving is likely about you leaving them behind. So, make sure you give your pet some extra head scratches, belly rubs, and treats to let them know you’re not going anywhere. At least, not without them.

The more comfortable you can make your pet during your move, the sooner you can all start to feel at home in your new place.

The post How to Move with Pets: 7 Tips to Make It Easy appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

1. Keep it clean

A clean home will always be more enticing to buyers than a messy one. So, when you’re selling your home, it’s important to declutter and remove any excess furniture, family photos, and other personal items so that prospective buyers can envision their own family in your house. You want your home to look as big and as new as possible. It may also be a good idea to hire a cleaning service.

2. Stay available

You never know when a buyer may want to view your home. Ideally, you’ll have enough advance notice to prepare, but being able to accommodate a last-minute viewing could go a long way toward building goodwill with the buyer. Don’t leave dishes in the sink, keep your bathrooms clean, and make sure everything is dusted and well swept.

3. Don’t delay repairs

Anything that could deter a potential buyer from making an offer should be fixed before you start showing your home. Some repairs may seem minor, but these seemingly insignificant issues can really add up in the mind of a buyer, and in some cases, they may not see your home as worth the trouble of fixing all those little things. Don’t give them a reason not to make an offer. You can also leverage these repairs in the purchase price of your home! Making repairs builds equity, so you may be able to sell for a higher price that takes into account the value of the repairs.

Pro Tip: If you really don’t want to play handyman, you may be able to negotiate with the buyer to sell your home for a lower price, provided they take responsibility for any needed repairs.

4. Maintain a comfortable temperature

Now isn’t the time to worry about your energy bills. Make sure potential buyers are comfortable when they’re touring your home. If it’s cold outside, leave the heat on. If it’s hot, some refreshing AC will put them in a good mood as soon they walk in.

5. Keep it light (literally)

Not only do poorly-lit homes feel less inviting, but from a practical standpoint, they also make it harder for buyers to see what they’ll be paying for. Make sure you’ve got all your lights on and your blinds open to show your home at its best.

6. Keep your pets out of the way

Even if your buyers have pets, they don’t have your pets. In the spirit of making the home feel like a fresh start for buyers, keep your pets out of the way during showings if possible. For outside pets, an enclosed outside area should be fine. If your pets are strictly indoors, consider closing off an area of the home for them or leaving them with someone you trust for the day. And of course, make sure pet hair and waste are cleaned up before showing your home.

7. Be realistic about your price

Hear us out: Consider underpricing your home. Why? If you underprice your home, you’ll likely receive more offers from multiple buyers with multiple bids, even in the toughest markets. When you start fielding multiple offers, it could result in bidding up the price to well over what it’s worth. Plus, with rates being what they are in the current market, if you price your home too high you may get very few offers as most potential buyers are on a tight budget.

Bonus home-selling tip

The best home-selling tip we can give you is to stay flexible. You are, after all, selling your home to people, and people’s lives can get unpredictable. They may need to reschedule showings, negotiate on the price, or finalize the purchase later (or sooner) than you feel is ideal. Remember that you may be selling your home, but the buyer is the one who’ll be living in it for years to come. It’s normal for them to obsess over the details. And when it’s your turn to buy, we’re here to help with all of those details, too.

The best home-selling tip we can give you? Stay flexible.

The post 7 Simple Home-Selling Tips for Any Market appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

1. Give it a good clean

The outdoor surfaces of our homes often don’t get the same amount of love as the interior when it comes to cleaning. After all, it’s inevitably just going to get dirty again. All that dust and dirt builds up though, so consider investing in a heavy-duty cleaning before listing your home. Pressure washing your driveway, siding, and porch can make a noticeable difference in your home’s appearance. Plus, it gives you a better idea of what else might need to be replaced or repaired to boost your curb appeal in other ways.

2. Repaint

You knew this one was coming. If the exterior paint on your home is looking a little worse for wear, we recommend a fresh coat of paint before you list your home. And if you don’t have the time or budget to repaint the whole exterior, consider making a statement by painting just your front door in an accent color.

3. Hang window boxes

Window boxes are long, narrow planters designed to showcase flowers or plants right below your window. You can find one that fits your style at most home and garden stores. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, gather up the supplies and build them yourself! Window boxes can add color, dimension, and charm to your home’s exterior and really dress up your outdoor space.

4. Don’t skip the landscaping

First things first, mow that lawn and prune your trees. And if the front of your house looks a little bare and boring, liven it up by planting flowers. We recommend perennials, not annuals, because perennials grow again in the spring without needing to be replanted. Annuals, on the other hand, must be replanted every year. Other factors to consider are the plant’s sunlight, shade, soil type, and water needs. It’s important to find out what kinds of plants would survive in your front yard and porch before you plant.

5. Hang potted plants and greenery

Speaking of plants, do you have a covered front porch? You could maximize that open space and hang planters from your porch ceiling. It’s a great way to improve your curb appeal and it adds dimension, drawing eyes upward. Get creative and hang planters of different colors, sizes, and shapes that reflect your home’s personality. Take the look a step further by planting draping greenery like ivy or pothos plants.

6. Give your mailbox a makeover

Paint your mailbox to match your front door. Plant flowers at the base of the mailbox post. Sand and varnish, repaint, or replace the post—the list goes on. There are countless ways to bring your mailbox to life and any one of these creative touches can make it stand out from the rest of the block. Just don’t go overboard personalizing it to the point that potential buyers couldn’t see it as their own.

7. Replace gutters and downspouts

Replacing gutters and downspouts might not be the most glamorous of updates, but it impacts your home’s curb appeal more than you might think. Even if your gutters don’t need to be fully replaced, cleaning and securing any areas that are not attached to the home properly will give your potential buyers one less thing to worry about in terms of the home’s functionality.

8. Replace hardware

From light fixtures to doorknobs to your address numbers, refreshing the finishes on your outdoor hardware can give your home an instant lift. This is also an easy DIY update that takes minimal time if you’re wondering how to boost curb appeal on short notice.

Any other tips on how to boost curb appeal?

Maybe the biggest rule of prepping your home for sale is to keep your decor choices—inside and out—neutral. Buyers should be able to envision the space with their own belongings and tastes, and that’s hard to do if your personal style is on display. When it comes to curb appeal, here are a few things to avoid:

• Lawn decorations
• Visible garbage/recycling cans
• Window decals

Sorry to your lawn gnomes, but it’s not their time to shine. For more tips on nailing your home sale or boosting curb appeal, reach out to our team anytime.

Whether you’re selling your home or you just want to put your best foot forward for your HOA, curb appeal can make a big difference in how your home is perceived.

The post How to Boost Curb Appeal in 8 Easy Steps appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Unconventional mortgages: Types of properties that may qualify

• Condos/barndominiums
• Tiny homes
• Container homes
• Manufactured homes
• Cooperative housing (co-ops)

Condos and barndominiums

Condo living can be a great option when you want to start building home equity without having to commit to an entire house. Barndominiums function in a similar way, but refer specifically to living spaces that have either been built in the style of a barn or have been converted from an existing barn into a residential property. Depending on the specific condo or barndominium, you might be able to secure Conventional or government-backed home financing.

Tiny homes

Tiny homes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but usually average out at just 225 square feet. Cost-wise, things vary. Prefabricated tiny homes could cost as little as $30,000, whereas custom-built tiny homes could cost as much as $150,000 or more. Still, even that cost is more palatable to some people than the average cost of a full-blown house. 

And thanks to a wider range of financing options, it’s easier to obtain a mortgage for a tiny home that can be placed virtually anywhere.

Container homes

Another rising trend? Container homes, or the refurbication of shipping containers, remodeled and rearranged in various ways to create truly unique homes. Like tiny homes, these options can cost as little as $10,000 if people forego finer details, but price tags can balloon upwards quickly for more in-depth configurations and customizations. Still, even the larger container homes shouldn’t cost more than $200,000 to build according to UpNest, a Realtor.com company. 

Pro Tip: While one container might feel like living in a studio apartment (or the aforementioned tiny home), two or three shipping containers can be laid out to feel more like a traditional house.

Manufactured homes

Manufactured homes are similar to container homes, in that they generally consist of prefabricated pieces that are arranged onsite. They’re also sometimes referred to as modular or mobile homes, and come with a number of advantages:

• Quick to build
• Fewer location restrictions
• Less costly

That said, manufactured homes also come with some disadvantages. They’re typically harder to finance if they’re mobile, which means a mortgage lender may require the home to be permanently set in one location. 

Concerned about cost? Good news: like other unique homes, modular and manufactured homes range in price—with single-wide homes running an average of a little over $75,000 and double-wide homes tacking on another $100,000 to that figure. 

Cooperative housing (co-ops)

While it’s not common, in some cases you may actually be able to finance your co-op living with a home loan. Qualifying criteria is determined on a case-by-case basis, so unfortunately there’s no standard co-op scenario to stack the numbers against. In general, cooperative share loans are typically more involved than traditional financing, and it can be difficult to find lenders who provide this service. The good news? Cardinal Financial just so happens to be one of those lenders.

Types of unconventional mortgages

Okay, now that we’ve broken down a few different types of unique homes, let’s talk about the unconventional mortgages you can use to purchase them. 

One popular option is the MH Advantage^TM loan, which offers affordable housing alternatives to buyers nationwide so long as the unique home is built on a permanent foundation. The MH Advantage loan comes with flexible underwriting standards and reduced pricing for manufactured homes that meet specific construction, architectural design, and energy efficiency standards.

That means, if you like the idea of a modular home or a tiny home but aren’t thinking about traveling the country, you may be able to qualify for financing.

However, if—after reading through all of these unique home types—you’re thinking a conventional home may be more up your alley, consider the possibilities of building your own home with a one-time close loan. That way, if you’re struggling to find a home you want in the current market, you could create your own custom home that’s unique in its own way. With this loan option, you don’t have to pay for the land and the home separately, and you close before construction ever begins. Once the project is complete, the loan becomes a Conventional mortgage. 

Pro Tip: If a new build is out of your budget, Renovation loans are another streamlined way to customize a home, typically for less than a new build.

So, how do I get an unconventional mortgage?

Like a traditional home loan, most lenders will need standard information like your credit history, income, and tax forms to determine if you qualify for an unconventional mortgage. Luckily, you may be able to enjoy more flexibility with qualifying criteria on an unconventional mortgage since, by design, it’s a loan intended for a unique borrower situation. 

Regardless of what home type you choose to pursue, we’re here to help you find the right financing options. One of the best things you can do in your adventure toward homeownership is to obtain a rate quote and speak with a loan expert who can help you find what you’re looking for. 

Unconventional mortgages are a great way to finance container homes, tiny homes, and more unique property types while building home equity.

The post Unconventional Mortgages: How to Finance Unique Homes appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Depending on the date of closing, the amount of property tax that a homebuyer and seller are responsible for will vary. The process of figuring out who pays how much is called tax proration, and it’s one cost that many buyers overlook when calculating their cash to close.

What is tax proration?

Tax proration is when property taxes are fairly divided between buyer and seller based on the date of ownership transfer or closing.

Simply put: Tax proration helps level the playing field. Property taxes on homes are often billed at the beginning of the calendar year for the year prior. So in 2024, you’d get a property tax bill for 2023. Let’s say you bought and closed on a home in November 2023. Should you be responsible for the property taxes owed on that home for the months before closing? Didn’t think so. Enter tax proration. 

Tax proration involves a bit of math to figure out how much of the bill each party is responsible for. Here’s where it gets more complicated: Homeowners (or the sellers) don’t typically pay their part of the property tax bill directly. Depending on the date of closing, or the particular situation, you have a couple of payment options to consider.

How to pay property taxes with tax proration

Tax proration pro-tips

Before you close on your home, keep these three tips in mind.

• Leverage: Depending on the market, the property tax bill could be used as leverage. In a seller’s market, where there are tons of competing bids, motivated buyers might offer to pay the seller’s portion of property taxes to get a leg up on the competition or expedite the sale. In a buyer’s market, the seller might offer to pay the entire property tax bill in exchange for coverage of other closing costs.
• Exemptions: Age and disability status could come with tax implications, for yourself or the sellers. Those implications affect tax responsibility. For example, perhaps the seller is a disabled senior citizen. Local laws might have provided relief for that person—relief that is unlikely to be passed on to the buyer. Communicate with your team to determine potential roadblocks.
• Projects: New builds, rehabilitation, and renovations will result in different tax assessments. New builds may not have received a tax assessment at the time of closing, and since there was no previous owner, the buyer would be responsible for an entire year’s worth of taxes. Rehab and renovation projects increase a home’s value, which could result in an increased tax bill. Make sure your assessment is up-to-date to avoid any surprises.

How to pay property taxes post-proration

After you’ve calculated and paid your initial prorated tax bill, you’re responsible for annual state and local property taxes for as long as you own the home. You may be able to deduct those property taxes (up to a certain amount) when it comes time to file your tax returns. Individually, you can deduct up to $5,000 in property taxes. Filing jointly? Double that figure and enjoy a $10,000 deduction.

Keep in mind that property taxes vary depending on where you live and other factors, so there’s no single correct way to go about it. Consult a tax professional, do your research, and don’t take shortcuts as you take on this part of homeownership. Ok, now that we got the serious part out of the way: Deep breath. You’ve got this!

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before making the decision to buy or refinance a home.

The post Tax Proration: How to Pay Property Taxes Like a Pro appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

7 Home Staging Tips to Nail Your Sale

• Depersonalize
• Declutter
• Optimize lighting
• Choose a scent
• Set the table
• Increase your curb appeal
• Complete renovations

1. Depersonalize

One of the first things you need to do to stage your home is depersonalize. Take all your family pictures off the walls and remove any type of religious, political, or personal odds and ends that make your home feel lived in. Prospective buyers should be able to picture themselves living in your house. Additionally, stick to a neutral color scheme when it comes to the decorative accents you leave out.

Pro Tip: Selling during the holidays? You don’t have to miss out on decking your halls. Try these neutral winter decor ideas.

2. Declutter

Unless you’ve already moved into your next home, you still have to live in your current one while keeping it showing-ready. A deep clean every time your real estate agent brings someone over might not be sustainable, but at the very least you should maintain a decluttered environment. Decluttering can make your home appear bigger than it is, and generally help potential buyers envision how they might use the space. Before you list your home, move extra items to a temporary storage unit (or get rid of them altogether to speed up packing).

3. Optimize lighting

Lighting influences our mood more than we realize. In terms of home staging tips, the amount of light plays a big factor in whether somebody buys a home. A well-lit home can feel larger, cleaner, and more inviting when it’s being shown. To stage your home for sale, replace old light bulbs, clean your windows, open the blinds, and embrace the natural light.

4. Choose a scent

This one’s especially important if you have pets (or kids for that matter). If your home is carpeted, consider getting it replaced or deep cleaned before you list your house. You can sprinkle some baking soda to neutralize carpet odors as well. If you want to add a scented candle or oil diffuser to the mix, just make sure you choose something that’s not too overpowering.

5. Set the table

Don’t worry, there’s no cooking required for this home staging tip. You’re showing your home, not hosting a dinner party. However, setting the table is a welcoming touch that can make your house feel more like home—and help a potential buyer picture their own family living there. You can skip the cutlery, but a seasonal centerpiece on the dining room table is never a bad idea. 

6. Increase your curb appeal

When you’re selling your home, first impressions matter. That’s why curb appeal is important to consider when staging. At the very least, make sure your lawn is manicured and the exterior of your home is clean. If you’re selling during the holiday season, keep your outdoor decor neutral. Some warm-toned white string lights are always a winner. A flashing neon tableau of Santa gracing the nativity scene with his presence, on the other hand? Save it for next year.

7. Complete renovations

You don’t want to invest a large amount of money into a home just to sell it. Still, it’s important to finish up any ongoing projects before listing. Some common repairs include leaky faucets, damaged screens, and clogged drains. Anything that could deter a potential buyer from loving your home should be fixed. If you’re not sure which repairs to prioritize, check out our breakdown of what NOT to fix when selling your home.

Bonus home staging tips

Before you go, we’ve got a few more tips on how to stage your home for sale.

• Mount mirrors on your walls to amplify light and space
• Don’t shove everything in your closets, as buyers will likely be checking these spaces
• Give each room a purpose (that guest bedroom/home gym/office’s days are numbered)
• Incorporate house plants throughout

Your home can’t be everything to everyone, so don’t stress too much about incorporating every single piece of staging advice out there. Remember that these are just ideas, not requirements. The overall goal is simple: Help buyers see the potential in your home.

From interior decor to landscaping, the little details can make a big difference when staging your home for sale.

The post 7 Home Staging Tips to Nail Your Sale appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

7 Tips for Buying a House in Fall

• Understand your credit score
• Prepare for your down payment
• Get your paperwork in order
• Budget for renovations
• Hold off on the holiday shopping
• Stay flexible
• Get a head start on tax season

1. Understand your credit score

These days, there are more loan options than ever that offer flexible credit requirements. A higher credit score typically means lower rates, though. So while a perfect score isn’t necessary, it’s important to understand what you can do to keep your credit healthy and lower your homeownership costs.

The best way to get the full picture of your credit score is to pull a copy of your credit report from one of the three major reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). You can do this by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Each reporting agency calculates your score differently, and not all creditors report to all three bureaus. While they may vary slightly, they all consider factors like account age, payment history, balances, and number of accounts.

Pro Tip: Try these tips to get your credit where you want it.

2. Prepare for your down payment

Did you hear the one about putting 20% down? It’s a myth. Realistically, the average home buyer just doesn’t have 20% of their home’s purchase price readily available. Some loan types have down payment requirements as low as 3%. Some, like VA and USDA loans, require no down payment at all. Still, there’s no denying that putting down more upfront can help you qualify for better loan terms. As you get ready to buy a house in fall, crunch the numbers to determine how much down payment is realistic for you. Try to aim for at least 10% down if your credit score is below 580.

Pro Tip: Get the full explainer on down payments with our free guide.

3. Get your paperwork in order

Buying a house in any season means paperwork. Most lenders will ask for documentation covering your income, taxes, and more when you apply for financing. Getting all that information together before starting the application process will save you a lot of time and stress. 

Plus, you can use that documentation to get pre-approved and make a stronger offer on your home.

4. Budget for renovations

In today’s market, you’re unlikely to find a home in your budget that meets all of your expectations perfectly. Renovations are almost a given for most people who buy a house in fall. And with colder weather already rolling in, you may not be able to delay home projects like HVAC repairs, new windows, or updated plumbing. So, if you plan to buy a house in the colder months, make sure your budget allows for renovations that need to be addressed immediately.

5. Hold off on the holiday shopping

Good news: You officially have an excuse to put off holiday shopping until the last minute. Why? Big purchases can impact your credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).* Those numbers help determine your loan terms. So, if you apply for home financing and then make a big purchase before closing, your lender will likely need to update your application with your updated finances.

*DTI is the percentage of your gross monthly income spent on debt payments. Mortgage lenders add current debts to projected mortgage payments to help determine loan qualification and usually like to see the debt percentage below 40%. 

6. Stay flexible

Fall weather can be unpredictable. From showings to moving day, your plans may have to change on short notice. As with any home purchase, it’s important to stay flexible and keep your eye on the prize: A place to call home for the holidays.

7. Get a head start on tax season

One of the biggest perks of homeownership is the tax deductions* you may qualify for. To make sure you don’t miss out on any write-offs, get everything you’ll need in order as you’re finalizing your home purchase and moving in. With your mortgage fresh on your mind, you’re a lot less likely to miss important details or lose track of necessary documentation. Plus, if you have any questions about filing taxes as a homeowner, your real estate agent and lender might have tips.

*This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before making the decision to buy or refinance a home.

If you buy a house in fall, make sure you understand your credit score, budget for renovations, and avoid big holiday purchases until after closing.

The post Buying a House in Fall: 7 Tips to Keep it Simple appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Is fall a good time to buy a house? Six reasons we say “yes”

• Fewer competing offers
• More motivated sellers
• More flexible mover availability
• Changing weather
• Potential tax breaks
• Save on home goods

1. Fewer competing offers

The warm months are the busiest time of year for buying a home. Especially in a seller’s market, this means you’ll be bidding against more offers. In the fall, you’ll have less competition. Plus, your real estate agent will likely have fewer obligations to other clients when summer is over. That means more time to devote to your home search.

Pro Tip: If you do find yourself in a bidding war, our bidding breakdown can help you win.

2. More motivated sellers

By fall, peak selling season is over. With fewer offers on the table, sellers are usually more motivated to accept yours to get the listing off the market before the holidays. This situation gives you an edge to negotiate a better price.

3. More flexible availability for movers and other involved parties

Post-summer is the slow season for moving companies, too, so you may be able to get settled into your new home with more flexibility and lower costs. Your lender will also likely have fewer loans on their plate in the fall. That means you may be able to get through the mortgage process and close on your home faster than you would in busier seasons.

4. Changing weather

Fall is also a good time to buy a house because the weather is less predictable. This gives you the opportunity to see potential homes in less-than-ideal conditions. Not only can this help you negotiate terms with the seller, but you’ll also have a clearer picture of what you can expect from the home year-round.

5. Potential tax breaks

While you can’t avoid paying taxes, becoming a homeowner can qualify you for more deductions.* Even if you close on your home as late as December 31, you could be able to deduct:

• Mortgage interest (applies to the interest paid on the first $750,000 of your home loan)
• Discount points (pre-paid interest on your mortgage)
• Property taxes (exact amount depends on where you live)

Depending on your unique circumstances, more deductions may also be available.

6. Save on home goods

If you’re like most people, you probably got rid of a lot of belongings before your move. Now, it’s time to replace them and make your new house a home. Fall can be a great time to buy a house because it’s followed by seasonal sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year warehouse clearances. Once you’re moved in, you can find decor, furniture, appliances, and more for lower prices than you might in the spring or summer. It’s no secret that buying a home can cost quite a bit upfront, so any opportunity to save can make a big difference in your finances as you head into the new year.

So, is fall a good time to buy a house?

There are a lot of reasons to buy a house in the fall, but there’s no such thing as perfect timing. A cold-weather home purchase typically means fewer available listings, the risk of weather hazards on move-in day, and less time to get settled before the holidays hit. And if you have kids, moving during the school year can be a difficult transition. The right time to buy a house is different for everyone, so don’t feel pressured to make it happen on anyone’s timeline but yours. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help.

*This material has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before making the decision to buy or refinance a home.

A fall home purchase means less competition, more motivated sellers, and potential deals on home goods for your new space.

The post 6 Reasons Why Fall Is a Good Time to Buy a House appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

What young home buyers want: 7 must-have home features

• Outdoor space
• Smart home features
• Home offices
• Stylish bathrooms
• Convenient storage
• Closed floor plans
• Eco-friendly design

1. Outdoor space

Raise your hand if you were living in an apartment during the 2020 Covid lockdowns. Anyone who experienced that knows having access to your own outdoor space is no longer something to risk going without. That doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands of dollars turning your backyard into a botanical garden, though. A fence around the yard for privacy or even a home location that offers easy access to local parks and trails is enough to fit what most young home buyers want.

2. Smart home features

Like it or not, technology is here to stay. Gen Z especially has grown up with technology as an essential part of life, so it’s only natural that their homes should reflect that. Some of the more popular smart home features for young buyers include thermostats, doorbells, and security systems.

3. Home offices

If there’s one thing Gen Z is going to do, it’s disrupt tradition—and the workplace is no exception. The old model of sitting in an office from 9 to 5 has lost its appeal for most young home buyers. With more and more Gen Z employees earning their income from home, a designated space to take care of business is a must if you’re selling to this generation.

4. Stylish bathrooms

Nobody wants to film a get-ready-with-me video in a boring bathroom. And on a more serious note, an outdated bathroom means a lot of money spent on renovations. While Gen Z actually tends to prefer more retro, classic home styles than the modern trends Millennials embraced, that doesn’t extend to the plumbing.

5. Storage space

Sorry, storage unit industry, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a young home buyer who considers remote storage a viable option. For one thing, why pay for storage that isn’t easily accessible? Your home is where your life is, so your stuff should be there, too. If there’s not enough storage space, Gen Z is likely to ditch belongings for the move. For a generation who typically makes more intentional purchases, that’s a big turn-off in a potential home.

6. Closed floor plans

Good news! There’s no need to knock down walls before you sell your home. Open floor plans had their moment, but what young home buyers want now are more traditional layouts. Whether it’s with friends, partners, or roommates, in the current housing market Gen Z isn’t likely to buy a home by themselves. With multiple occupants, the privacy and personalization that closed floor plans offer are a must.

7. Eco-friendly design

Gen Z cares deeply about the environment, so it’s no surprise that homes with eco-friendly features are a priority for them. While some factors (like your city’s recycling program) may be out of your control, there are still a few ways you can make your home greener—solar panels, LED lights, and water-conserving appliances to name a few.

The simplest way to make sure your home is energy efficient, though, is to keep up with repairs and maintenance. Proper insulation, clean HVAC systems, and correctly-fitted windows and doors all help minimize energy consumption and utility bills.

What young home buyers want: Bonus tips

Before you take this list of home features and run with it, it’s important to understand not just what Gen Z looks for in a home, but how they look for it. If you want to sell to Gen Z, you need to meet them where they are: Online. We’re not saying you have to become an influencer, but your home’s digital presence matters. Your listing should be verified on trusted sites, have high-quality photos, and provide enough detail that potential buyers don’t have to call you for more information. It’s also a good idea to work with a real estate agent who knows how to market your home on social media.

At the end of the day, don’t overthink what young home buyers want. They’re a different generation, not a different species. If you can provide a safe space to call home, you’re well on your way to a successful home sale with any buyer.

If you want to sell to Gen Z home buyers, you need to meet them where they are: Online.

The post What Young Home Buyers Want: 7 Must-Have Home Features appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

The Essential 7-Step Home Closing Checklist

• Set a date
• Confirm what you need to bring to closing 
• Review your closing documents
• Complete your final walkthrough
• Get your closing funds ready
• Attend your closing appointment
• Make your move

1. Set a date

The first step in your home closing checklist is pretty self-explanatory. Once you’re approved for financing, your lender will reach out to schedule a closing date. Who needs to be at closing? It varies, but you may want to have your real estate agent, your closing agent, your lender, the seller, and any other borrowers on your loan present at closing. Oh, and you. That’s a big one.

2. Confirm what you need to bring to closing

Once you’ve set your closing date, get in touch with your real estate agent or mortgage lender to confirm everything you’ll need to bring to closing. Some common items include:

• A form of government-issued ID
• Payment for your closing costs
• Proof of homeowners insurance

Typically, your finalized closing documents will be provided for you to sign at closing. More on closing documents next.

3. Review your closing documents

Your lender is legally required to send you your closing documents at least three business days before your closing date. Don’t wait until the last minute to review them, though! Take as much time as you can to comb them thoroughly for any spelling errors, math mistakes, or unexpected fees. If you find errors in your closing documents, make sure to let your lender know as soon as possible so they can correct the mistakes. And if you have any questions about closing or the documents involved, now is the time to ask.

4. Complete your final walkthrough

About 24 hours before your closing date, you and your real estate agent will have the opportunity to walk through the home and make sure everything is aligned with what you’ve agreed to purchase. This could include a lot of easy-to-forget details, so we recommend bringing a final walkthrough checklist along to ensure you don’t miss anything that matters to you.

• Check locks on windows, doors, and gates
• Make sure windows, doors, and gates open and close properly
• Confirm appliances are functional
• Check for mold (especially in damp areas like under sinks)
• Test all electrical outlets
• Test the thermostat and HVAC system
• Check floors, walls, and ceilings for damage
• Look for signs of pests, like mice and ants
• Make sure the irrigation system is functional
• Make sure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed

5. Get your closing funds ready

Whether you’re paying by cashier’s check or wire transfer, make sure you have your payment ready to go before closing. If you’re transferring funds from a different account, don’t forget to leave enough time for the transaction to process before your closing date.

6. Attend your closing appointment

Today’s the day! Gather up your documents and meet at the closing table. Plan for the appointment to take up to two hours. During the appointment, you’ll sign your closing documents, pay your closing costs, and get your keys. Feels good, doesn’t it?

7. Make your move

The house is yours, and now it’s time to move in. Whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, it’s always best to have a game plan for moving day. Are you hiring movers or calling in a favor with friends? Where will your pets be while your belongings are being moved? When does your mail need to be redirected to your new address? The more questions you have answered before moving day, the less stressful your move will be.

Pro Tip: Nail your move with this handy checklist.

Understanding the closing timeline

With all these steps involved, you’re probably wondering just how long it takes to close on a home. A lot of factors determine the closing timeline, including how complex your loan is, how many loans your lender is processing in addition to yours, and the seller’s move-out schedule. In general though, it takes 30-45 days to close. If you’re anxious to get through it, there are a few strategies you can try to move the process along faster:

• Get pre-approved before making an offer
• Agree to buy the house as-is
• Avoid making any big purchases until after closing

Remember, buying a home is a big commitment. Don’t rush the process and miss out on potential savings and peace of mind along the way. Between your home closing checklist, your final walkthrough checklist, and your moving checklist, you’re more than prepared to close on a home, the right way. Ready to get started?

Getting pre-approved, buying your home as-is, and waiting until after closing to make big purchases are all good ways to get through your home closing checklist faster.

The post The Essential Home Closing Checklist appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you’ve probably heard about the negotiations, or “bidding wars,” that happen at the beginning of the purchase process. Fewer people, however, are aware of the negotiations that follow the signed purchase contract.

Although home inspections have become less popular over the last few years, they’re still commonplace in the real estate industry. When those inspections uncover one or more problems with the home, buyers and sellers have to agree on who will cover the costs. Here are four tips to help you come out on top when negotiating repairs after home inspection.

Ask for a credit.

Let’s be real, the sellers are on their way out both physically and mentally. If it’s looking like you’re going to complete the purchase and close, they’re probably more focused on packing than they are fixing.

If sellers aren’t amenable to making home inspection repairs—or if those repairs weren’t made to your satisfaction—you could go through the hassle of negotiating a lower purchase price, or you could ask for a closing credit. A closing credit is a way to decrease your upfront, out-of-pocket expenses. That credit reduces your costs, meaning you’ll have more cash on hand to make those repairs yourself. 

A closing credit is a way to decrease your upfront, out-of-pocket expenses.

Think “big picture.” 

Picture this. You’ve toured the home, you’ve agreed on a purchase price, and you’re putting together plans for your future remodel—but the home inspection report found signs of water damage under the sink. And on top of that, the rotted wood extends well beyond the cabinet under the sink. If you could negotiate those repairs now, why wouldn’t you?

When you’re working through home inspection negotiations, think about the future of your new home and remember that a seller credit toward those repairs could offset not only your closing costs, but your eventual renovation costs as well.

Don’t show your hand.

If you’ve got a home inspection coming up, find out if the seller’s agent will be walking the property with you, your agent, and the home inspector. If so, you might want to hide your true excitement about the house. Showing satisfaction with the current state of the home in front of the seller’s agent could hurt your chances of negotiating home inspection repairs later on.

On the other side of things, if the seller’s agent senses disapproval from you during the inspection, they might mention that to the sellers—helping build your case to get any repairs completed to make sure the sale goes through.

Be ready for anything. 

There’s a saying when it comes to buying a home: “It’s not over ‘till it’s over.” That means, until you sign the closing documents and have the keys in hand, anything could happen. The initial contract is just that—initial. With all the people involved, the unknown variables, and the state of the market, there’s a non-zero chance that your dream home could disappear entirely.

Consider this: If your home inspection results are favorable, there’s nothing to negotiate, so don’t try to fight for a lower price or closing credits. If the home inspection results turn up something negative, you may be better off negotiating credits or repairs instead of a lower purchase price—especially if the appraisal came back with a fair value.

Pre-purchase negotiations are tough, and home inspection negotiations can be even tougher. Keep these tips in mind or ask your team—lender and real estate professional—for more advice to make sure you’re prepared for the purchase process.

Although home inspections have become less popular over the last few years, they’re still commonplace in the real estate industry.

The post How to Negotiate Post-Home Inspection Repairs Like a Pro appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Pro Tip: Creating a study space doesn’t have to mean remodeling. But if you want it to, your home loan could actually help cover those costs.

6 Kid-Friendly Study Room Ideas

• Optimize lighting
• Incorporate nature
• Minimize distractions
• Provide comfortable seating options
• Let your kid choose decorations
• Get creative with storage

Optimize lighting

The right lighting doesn’t just look nice—it can actually impact cognitive performance. Warm, natural light has been shown to increase productivity, improve moods, and increase creativity. And for those with sensory issues, harsher lighting can often be overstimulating. So, when setting up your kid’s home study space, aim for a room with windows and adjustable lighting (like lamps vs. overhead fixtures). Just don’t make it too dark, unless you’re looking to turn study time into nap time.

Warm, natural light has been shown to increase productivity, improve moods, and increase creativity.

Incorporate nature

From houseplants to leaf-patterned wallpaper, incorporating elements of nature in any space is a great way to make it more inspiring. Plus, caring for plants offers your kids opportunities to learn responsibility and gain some hands-on science experience. Win-win.

Pro Tip: Looking for beginner-friendly plants? Philodendrons, pothos, and succulents are all good options.

Minimize distractions

In a perfect world, you may be inclined to make your kid’s study room a device-free zone. But realistically, most homework is going to require the use of at least one device. So, minimizing distractions really comes down to the unique needs of your kid. After all, some might find a complete lack of stimulation to be more distracting than anything else.

• Opt for a white noise machine instead of music
• Choose a quiet part of the home to set up shop
• Create an easy-to-maintain organization system
• Make sure the study space has everything your kid needs before they get started

Provide comfortable seating options

A desk and chair are a given when it comes to study room ideas. But, it can also be helpful to give your kid seating options to break up the monotony of studying. That could be a beanbag chair in the corner for reading, a balance ball, or floor cushions for those projects that require more surface area than a desk can offer.

Pro Tip: Explore some of the best desk chair options for kids here before buying.

Let your kid choose decorations

Your kid’s home study space should be an environment they enjoy spending time in. So, as tempting as those Pinterest boards of cleverly themed study rooms may be, opt for decor your kid wants rather than any specific aesthetic. Keep in mind that whatever decor you go with should be budget-friendly and easily replaced to accommodate your kid’s changing interests.

Your kid’s home study space should be an environment they enjoy spending time in.

Get creative with storage

You don’t have to rearrange your whole home to create a great study room. It’s all about making the most of the space you already have. If your study area needs to have multiple functions, consider these space-saving study room ideas.

• Foldable desk
• Desk with built-in storage
• Loft bed with a desk underneath
• Wall mounted storage

Any other study room ideas?

You want to give your kid every advantage in their academics. Luckily, that doesn’t mean you have to stress over the details of their study space. Every student has different needs, and what’s important is to be there for them. Just like any other home project, a more aesthetic finished product isn’t necessarily worth blowing your budget. Whatever ideas you have for your kid’s home study space, make sure they’re involved with the process, too. It’s a fun bonding experience, even if it’s for a room where not-so-fun homework takes place.

Whatever ideas you have for your kid’s home study space, make sure they’re involved with the process, too.

The post Study Room Ideas for The Ultimate Kids’ Home Study Space appeared first on Cardinal Financial.