How to find a short-term lease: Flexibility for future home buyers
When buying a home, timing doesn't always work out perfectly. You may find that you need a place to live for weeks or months before you...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Aug 20
- 3 min
How to find a rent-to-own property
It sounds like a dream-come-true scenario: rent a home you love and eventually own it. But rent-to-own make up only about 5% of the real...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Aug 20
- 3 min
Rent to own: How does it work?
Rent to own creates an opportunity for renters to save for a down payment as part of their monthly rent. It can be a good option if you...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Aug 20
- 2 min
Renting vs. buying: When should you make the switch?
There comes a time in most renters' lives when they get the itch to have more control over their future. You might want more space, the...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Aug 20
- 3 min
Do I need renters insurance?
Renters insurance covers more than just theft of your belongings. It also covers living expenses if you're displaced by problems with...
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kphilipk5
- Aug 20
- 3 min
A simple guide to understanding home equity and how to use it
Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Think of it as the part of...
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kphilipk5
- Aug 20
- 3 min
A renter's guide to saving money to buy a home
When you're renting your home, it can feel impossible to put money aside after paying your monthly rent and other bills. Student loans,...
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kphilipk5
- Jul 30
- 3 min
How much should I be spending on rent?
Various equations can mathematically determine how much you should pay on rent. But, as we all know, life isn't always as predictable as...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jul 24
- 2 min
Steps to take before transitioning from renter to homeowner
So you've made the decision to stop renting and start building wealth by becoming a homeowner. Congratulations! But before you celebrate,...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jul 18
- 2 min
How much home can I afford?
A house will likely be the biggest purchase of your life, so it’s important to have a clear and realistic idea of how much you can...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jul 16
- 2 min
What is down payment assistance?
Buying a home is an important way to start building wealth for you and your family, but saving up for a down payment slows the process...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 17
- 3 min
What are home improvement rebates?
The Inflation Reduction Act, which President Biden approved in August 2022, provides $400 billion to support clean energy and address...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 17
- 3 min
How to strategize and budget for home improvement
When you finally buy your home, you’ll likely be eager to infuse it with your own style and personality. That might mean painting rooms...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 17
- 3 min
How to save money on utilities: Tips for new homeowners
Successfully securing a mortgage, closing on your property, and finally moving into your new home is a super exciting time. And then the...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 17
- 2 min
Understanding mortgage interest deductions
The mortgage interest deduction allows you to write off some of the interest you pay on your home loan. It’s a tax incentive for...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 17
- 2 min
What is a HELOC and how does it work?
HELOC stands for home equity line of credit, and it allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. Similar to a credit card,...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 12
- 3 min
Home purchase agreements: What are contingencies?
Your standard home purchase contract will include contingencies, which are conditions that must be met before (i.e. are contingent upon)...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 12
- 3 min
Home purchase agreements: Why so many disclosures?
When you’re considering making an offer on a home, you want to make sure that behind that fresh coat of paint and beautifully staged...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 12
- 2 min
Buying your first home: What is escrow?
There are two types of escrow when it comes to buying a home—one you'll use before you close on your home purchase, and another you’ll...
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Kristen Philipkoski
- Jun 1
- 3 min
Can I use my 401k to fund my home purchase down payment?
The IRS allows you to either withdraw or borrow from your 401K retirement savings
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