Top 10 Fall Decorating Ideas 2024

• Jewel tones
• Copper metallics
• Warm neutrals
• Textured touches
• Dried floral arrangements
• Fairy lights
• Front porch displays
• Personalized pumpkins
• Foraged accents
• Rustic elements

Jewel Tones

When we think of fall decor, shades of red, yellow, and orange tend to dominate. You don’t have to limit your palette if you don’t want to, though. Jewel tones of any color—particularly purples and blues—can balance those warmer shades and add a touch of elegance to your fall vibe.

Copper Metallics

Silver and gold are classic holiday metallics, but don’t overlook copper when it comes to your fall decor inspo. Vases, candle holders, and even copper garlands are great ways to add some shine to your 2024 fall decor. Your table settings are another easy way to incorporate this 2024 fall decorating idea. Start with copper napkin rings and serving dishes, and see where it takes you.

Warm Neutrals

You can never go wrong with neutrals. This fall, try infusing some extra warmth into your space with tans, off-whites, and chocolatey browns to balance out your more colorful accents. Neutral throw blankets, pillows, and table runners are easy ways to create a calming, inviting atmosphere in your home.

Pro Tip: If you’re putting your home on the market during the holidays, keeping your seasonal decor neutral is key. Potential buyers should be able to easily see themselves in the space.

Textured Touches

Texture isn’t just about a physical feeling—it also adds visual dimension to your decor. We often associate furs, velvet, and satin with the winter holidays. So, which textures will help your home reflect the harvest season? When in doubt, take a rustic approach. Woven textiles, natural wood, and leather are a great place to start. And of course, don’t forget the cozy flannels.

Dried Floral Arrangements

If there’s one downside to fall, it’s that most fresh flowers are not in season. But that doesn’t mean your home has to be devoid of blooms. Dried floral arrangements not only add a rustic, seasonal touch to your decor, but they also have one important advantage over fresh flowers: There’s no maintenance required.

Fairy Lights

There was a time when we associated fairy/string lights with freshman dorm room decor, but in 2024, they’re making a major comeback in our (sort of) grownup homes. Whether you’re stringing them in a canopy over your porch, using them to fill mason jars, or adding a glowing touch to your Thanksgiving centerpiece, neutral string lights have endless applications. Plus, you can reuse them for your winter holiday decor.

Front Porch Displays

Whether you’re hosting for the fall holidays or just want to warm up your neighborhood, your front porch is a great place to flex your fall decorating ideas. Decorative hay bales, seasonal produce, and a festive fall wreath on your front door can create a cozy, welcoming feel to your home from the outside in. You can even give your front door a fresh paint job in a seasonal color of your choice.

Personalized Pumpkins

Halloween might have the rights to classic pumpkin carving, but this iconic autumn vegetable (or fruit, if you want to get technical) has plenty of post-October potential. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas to get your gourd going:

• Apply decals of your house number to a large pumpkin and display it on your porch
• Fill vases and bowls with miniature pumpkins or place them along your table runner
• Get the kids involved with handprint turkeys, using a pumpkin as a canvas
• Use your favorite fall leaves to create stamps that can be applied to pumpkins
• Stack your pumpkins for a festive fall topiary display

Foraged Accents

It’s easy to get wrapped up in all the purchases the holiday season entails, but you can actually find plenty of fall accents outside for no cost at all. This is also a great outdoor activity to enjoy with your children. On your next walk or hike, keep a lookout for colorful leaves, pinecones, acorns, non-toxic berries, and even fallen branches that can be incorporated into your home decor. 

Rustic Elements

Rustic elements can make any space feel warm and cozy, which is exactly what you want for your fall decorating in 2024. Even if farmhouse chic isn’t your style, there are plenty of subtle ways to incorporate rustic elements into your home. Try burlap bows around your vases or candles, simple wood branches in your botanical arrangements, and classic patterns like plaid and gingham throughout your space.

Bonus Fall Decorating Ideas for 2024

One of the biggest perks of owning your own home is that you can decorate it however you want. So, don’t feel limited by traditional seasonal decor themes. If you’re looking for some alternative fall decorating ideas for 2024, here are a few concepts to get you started. Have fun!

• Barbiecore Fall: Go all out with pinks, purples, and sparkles. Paint your pumpkins in bright colors, or glam them up with rhinestone adhesives. You can even turn your pumpkin into a fall disco ball with mirror tiles, or mix in mini disco balls with your mini pumpkin vase fillers.
• Gothic Fall: If you wish Halloween lasted longer, this one’s for you. A classic black-and-white theme can be incorporated in endless ways, from black-and-white plaid throws to black serveware placed on a white table runner. And of course, you’ll need lots of candles.
• Beach House Fall: Missing warmer weather? Try incorporating beachy elements in your autumn decor. From conch shells as cornucopias to sea glass in your pumpkin-filled vases, fall doesn’t have to feel far from the beach.

One of the biggest perks of owning your own home is that you can decorate it however you want. So, don’t feel limited by traditional seasonal decor themes.

The post Our Favorite Fall Decorating Ideas for 2024 and Beyond 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.

Your 8-Step Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

• Tidy your yard
• Declutter your gutters
• Trim your trees
• Prime your lawn
• Store your equipment properly
• Prep your pipes
• Check your HVAC system
• Complete outstanding repairs

1. Tidy your yard

First up on your fall home maintenance checklist: Take a look at your yard and tidy as needed. Rake and bag the leaves, remove dead bushes, branches, and shrubs, and pull up any dead plants and weeds. If you have a composter, now is a good time to feed it with your lawn’s refuse and generate some nutrients for springtime gardening.

A note on raking: When it comes to raking leaves, less is more. You’ll want to leave a thin layer of leaves to provide nutrients for your lawn and offer winter hibernation habitats for frogs and other small creatures. Avoid more than 50% leaf coverage of your yard, though. With too many leaves, your grass will be smothered and soggy when spring rolls around.

2. Declutter your gutters

Decluttering: It’s not just for closets. Although it might be an unpopular task, cleaning your gutters is actually one of the best ways to take care of your home. After clearing leaves and debris from the gutters, don’t forget to check the downspouts and make sure a clear path exists for the snow to melt and drain away from the house.

3. Trim your trees

Our next fall home maintenance tip is to scan your trees for dead or low-hanging branches. Trim back any that are resting on the roof or brushing up against the windows and siding. If it snows in your area, it could weigh down these branches to the point where they snap and cause collateral damage to your home.

4. Prime your lawn

Next, take winter preparation a step further by aerating, fertilizing, and seeding your lawn. This way, you’ll be ahead of the game when the spring rains come. While you’re at it, eyeball the foundation of your home for any spots where the soil may be sinking. Filling those ruts now will help melting snow and ice flow away from the house and prevent potential water damage to your basement and foundation.

5. Store your equipment properly

Don’t wait until you need it to make sure your home maintenance equipment is stored and working properly. For lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered equipment, drain the fuel and store it in a safe container (fuel that sits in the tank for too long may cause corrosion). Assess your winter supplies and make sure you’re stocked up on basics like antifreeze, shovels, salt, and car window scrapers as needed.

6. Prep your pipes

Ah, the dreaded frozen pipes. To avoid this common cold weather issue, shut off your home’s exterior water lines before fall ends. If you have any outdoor hoses, drain and wrap them up and store them in your garage or another dry, indoor space. This is also a good time to drain your home’s hot water heater and clean out any sediment buildup. This task will increase the life of your hot water heater and make its water cleaner and safer to use.

7. Check your HVAC system

It’s easy to go long periods of time without examining your home’s HVAC system, but don’t skip this step in your fall home maintenance checklist. Winter is the busy season for HVAC professionals, so it’s a good idea to contact them now for preventative measures. This is also a great time to clean or change your air filter to improve your home’s air quality as well as your HVAC’s efficiency. If you have a working fireplace, have your chimney cleaned or your gas line inspected so you can relax and enjoy its warmth in the months to come.

8. Complete outstanding repairs

The last step on your fall home maintenance checklist is a bit of a catch-all. If you have any home repairs or projects underway, make sure these are complete before fall is over. Inspect your roof, windows, and doorways for gaps that could allow cold drafts to permeate. These can be repaired with simple caulk or could require more involvement, like window replacement. All these minor upgrades will help prevent hot air from escaping from your home and lower your winter utility bills.

Any other fall home maintenance tips?

We’ve provided some general home maintenance tips in this checklist, but your specific needs will vary based on your location and the unique features of your home. Older builds in colder areas, for example, tend to be more at risk for frozen pipes. If you live in a remote area where snow plows don’t service your neighborhood, stocking up on winter supplies may be your priority. Regardless of where you are, the most important things you can do as a homeowner are to have a plan, be prepared, and don’t forget to enjoy all the cozy activities the season brings. Pumpkin spice, anyone?

Spending a little extra time on home maintenance in the fall could help you save money on utilities and repairs in the winter.

The post Your 8-Step Fall Home Maintenance Checklist appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

It’s that time of year again! Halloween is an evening full of fun, excitement, and a little mischief—don’t worry about what could go wrong. Instead, embrace these eight Halloween safety tips to keep your home, your kids, and your trick-or-treaters safe.

1. Tidy up the yard

Inspect the path from the sidewalk to your front door, making sure the way is free of obstructions or hazards. Keep your eye out for loose porch railings, uneven walkway stones, unruly trees and shrubs, etc. If you have outdoor pets, don’t forget to scoop droppings. Look out for holes in your lawn and sharp edges on the path to your door. All of these potential hazards may be easy to spot and avoid in the daylight but, at night, everyone’s vision is impaired.

2. Double-check your homeowners insurance coverage

We get it, this is probably the last thing on your mind. Let’s be honest, when was the last time you reviewed this information? While it probably wasn’t on your Halloween to-do list, don’t ignore this task. Opening your home to strange visitors can expose you to potential claims and lawsuits. It’s important to make sure your property is adequately insured so that you’re better prepared in the event of an incident that requires legal involvement.

3. How long is too long?

Before your kid goes out collecting candy, check the length of their costume. Kids are more likely to trip and fall on a long superhero cape or floor-length princess gown, especially in the dark. If your child’s costume is longer than ankle-length, it may be wise to pin up the hem or exchange it for a shorter costume.

4. Be wise when you accessorize

Swords and sabres, wands and weapons—many Halloween costumes come with some sort of pointy accessory. Opt for such items made of soft material, like foam, and no sharp edges. Even if your kid is responsible, injuries are more likely to happen in the dark when sharp accessories are involved.

5. Make it fire-resistant

While this may not be high on your Halloween checklist, it’s important. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, open flame is one of the leading causes of reported Halloween fires. Walkways lined with jack-o-lanterns and porches lit by candles pose the biggest fire hazard to your child. Check the costume tag before you buy and make sure it’s made of fire-resistant material. This includes accessories like wigs and beards and costumes decorated with spray-on glitter and spray paint.

6. Other costume factors to consider

Choose a costume and shoes that fit your child well. Baggy and loose clothing can be a frustrating distraction and that’s the last thing your kid wants to worry about. Avoid costumes with a lot of accessories that might complicate the evening or cause a potential accident. If your child is potty training, make sure they can get in and out of their costume quickly when the need for a bathroom break arises.

7. Stand out in the dark

In all the fun and excitement of Halloween, it’s not unusual for kids to get rowdy and run around. Help them become more visible to street traffic by adding reflective tape to different places on their costume. Give them a flashlight or creatively incorporate glowsticks in a way that makes sense with your kid’s costume.

8. Not now, Fido

If you have a pet who is easily scared or excitable, it may be in everyone’s best interest to put them away for the evening. Confining them to a separate room or a cage, if they have one, will keep them from bothering the kids at your door. This approach is also helpful if your pet is easily spooked and prone to dart out the front door.

This Halloween is sure to be a scary good time when you practice these eight Halloween safety tips with your family.

The post 8 Halloween Safety Tips for a Scary Good Time appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Fall is in full-swing and there’s no better time to prepare your home for winter and its potential to damage your property than with our fall home maintenance checklist. Give your home a little TLC by making repairs and taking preventative measures against even the toughest weather. This indoor and outdoor home maintenance could save you from the hassle and expense of costly repairs and even extend the life of your home.

1. Examine the perimeter

Take a look at your yard for ways to clean it up. Rake and bag the leaves, remove dead bushes, branches, and shrubs, and pull up any dead plants and weeds. If you have a composter, now is a good time to feed it with your lawn’s refuse and generate some nutrients for springtime gardening.

2. Get into the gutters

Although an unpopular task, cleaning the gutters is actually one of the best ways to take care of your home. After that, check the downspouts for debris and make sure a clear path exists for the snow to melt and drain away from the house.

3. Trim those trees

Walk around outside your house and scan the trees for dead or low-hanging branches. Trim back any branches that you see are resting on the roof or brushing up against the windows and siding. If it snows in your area, it’s possible for the ice and snow to weigh down these branches to the point where they snap—causing collateral damage you do not want to deal with.

4. Primp and prime the lawn

If you think fall lawn care starts and ends with raking the leaves, you don’t know the half of it. Take winter preparation a step further by aerating, fertilizing, and seeding your lawn—you’ll be ahead of the game when the spring rains come. While you’re at it, eyeball the foundation of your home for any spots where the soil may be sinking. Filling those ruts now will cause melting snow and ice to run away from the house and save you from potential water damage to your basement and foundation.

5. Fortify your equipment

For gasoline-powered equipment, such as lawn mowers and string trimmers, drain the fuel and store it in a safe container. Fuel that sits in the tank for too long may cause corrosion. Don’t forget to assess your winter equipment! Make sure you’re stocked up on antifreeze, de-icer, shovels, salt, and car window scrapers—you’ll be thankful you didn’t wait until they were sold out in stores. If you’re fortunate to have a snow blower, ensure that it’s maintained and ready to go when the time comes.

6. Winterize the waterways

Before fall ends, shut off your home’s exterior water lines. Cold winter weather may cause water left in outdoor pipes to freeze and burst. If you have any outdoor hoses, drain and wrap them up and store them in your garage or another dry, indoor space. This is also a good time to drain your home’s hot water heater and clean out any sediment buildup. This task will increase the life of your hot water heater and make its water cleaner and safer to use.

7. Address exterior damage

Next on our fall home maintenance checklist: Inspect your roof, windows, and doorways for gaps that could allow cold drafts to permeate. These can be repaired with simple caulk or could require more involvement, like window replacement. While this may seem a bit more extensive than you’d like, you don’t want to risk hot air escaping from your home and increasing your utility bill all winter.

8. For heat’s sake, be proactive

It’s easy to go long periods of time without examining your home’s HVAC system, but don’t let this step escape you this fall. Winter is the busy season for HVAC professionals, so it’s in your best interest to contact them now for preventative measures. This is also a great time to clean or change your air filter to improve your home’s air quality as well as your HVAC’s efficiency. If you have a working fireplace, have your chimney cleaned or your gas line inspected so you can relax and enjoy its warmth in the months to come.

This fall home maintenance checklist may seem heavy, but these tips are essential to a worry-free winter.

The post Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist appeared first on Cardinal Financial.

Crisp air, golden leaves, shorter days—all of nature’s signs show that fall is in full swing. For many, these signs of the approaching cold weather come with a desire to curl up and get cozy in the comfort of your own home. While this might be a natural impulse, the decision to purchase a home should be carefully calculated. Such a monumental choice deserves planning and preparation. This fall, in your search for a home to call yours, be sure to consider these helpful fall home purchase tips.

1. Get to Know Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a great place to start. Before you can get too deep into the search for a home, find out your credit score and keep it handy. This will determine what home financing options are open to you. If you need help understanding your credit score and how you can improve it, give us a call and we’ll be happy to share our expertise.

Here’s what you need to know about credit scores: The higher your credit score, the better. A credit score between 620–639 is generally acceptable to most mortgage lenders and may make you qualified for a USDA or FHA loan. A score between 640–720 is good and will expand your loan options. If your credit score is above 720, it’s considered excellent and should qualify you for just about any mortgage—not to mention lower rates. Typically, as your credit score increases, the number of loan options increases and the interest rates decrease.

2. Financial Stability is a Must

This recommendation might not come as a surprise to most people. It’s widely understood that, in order to purchase a home, you need to have money. Even if you qualify for a 0% down payment mortgage, you will still face various costs that are just part of the process. Additionally, lenders will review your financial situation to determine that you are stable, consistent, and responsible. At a basic level, lenders simply want to make sure that you can and will pay your mortgage. For these reasons, financial stability is crucial to home buying.

To help demonstrate financial stability, have a good amount of money in your savings account (at least enough to cover the cost of a down payment), pay your bills on time, and be honest about your finances. It’s in your best interest not to open any lines of credit, move large amounts of money, or close any bank accounts during the loan process. Movement like this may hinder your chances of making it to the closing table.

3. Employment Stability is a Must

Job stability goes hand-in-hand with financial stability. Job stability generally means your earnings have remained at a certain level for at least two years. If you are self-employed, you will be required to provide at least two years of bank statements and tax returns. Again, the goal is for your lender to see that you are stable, responsible, and have the income to make mortgage payments. The more stability you can prove, the greater your chances of getting approved for a loan.

4. Get Ready to Root

Renters: This is important. Your mobile lifestyle was great while it lasted, but maybe it’s time to settle down. Well, buckle in because purchasing a home is a long-term commitment. Before you put money down on a house, make sure it covers all of the must-haves on your list—the right neighborhood, the right location, the right school district, etc. Ask yourself “Can I see myself living here for the next seven years?” If the answer is yes, you’re one step closer to being ready to put down roots in that location. Want more information on how to navigate the transition from renting to buying? Read our guide to buying versus renting.

5. Map Out Your Wants vs. Needs

Who doesn’t love a good, old-fashioned pros-and-cons list once in a while? This fall, decide exactly what you are looking to get out of a home. Write down what you want to have and what you need to have. A family of five might be interested in a four-bedroom craftsman with a large backyard while a 30-year-old bachelor might be better suited for a two-bedroom condo. In addition to bedroom/bathroom combinations, you should consider other aspects of the home, such as acreage, the year it was built, distance from the nearest grocery store, and more. In this endeavor, be honest with yourself and be mindful of the possibility of your expectations clashing with reality.

6. Know What to Expect

As with most of life’s milestones, buying a home is a learning process. It’s common for borrowers to lack understanding of the path to homeownership. Some don’t realize the costly fees associated with a mortgage, others misunderstand the roles of the real estate agent and mortgage lender in the process. It’s not easy to know what to expect on your own, so frequent conversations with both your agent and your lender are in your best interest.

During the mortgage process, make sure you are available by phone or email so that your lender can get ahold of you when they inevitably need to communicate with you. Your cooperation will help the process move along nicely. And always remember that mortgage experts like ourselves are well-prepared and equipped to share our expertise and set accurate expectations so you can enjoy a smooth road to homeownership. This leads us to our next fall home purchase tip.

7. Give it Sweet Time

Patience is the key to sanity in the process of purchasing a home. Like setting accurate expectations, keep in mind that organizing your finances takes time, negotiating takes time, finding the right home takes time, and more. You can expect an average of 90 days for the total experience—from the moment you start seriously house hunting to the day your loan is closed and funded.

There are certain things you can control: Knowing what you want out of a house and organizing your finances are aspects that you can have done and ready before you begin. The rest of the home buying process should move quickly once you have your responsibilities in check. Plus, our mortgage experts are fast and efficient, always working to get you to the closing table on time.

The Bottom Line

This fall, prepare yourself for homeownership the smart way with these helpful tips. Not quite ready? No problem. These fall home purchase tips can be applied to any season. Remember this: Home buying is a process that doesn’t come naturally to most people, but whenever you’re ready, we’re here to help.

The post 7 Tips for Purchasing a Home This Fall appeared first on Cardinal Financial.