Erin Garner Las Vegas Real Estate|702.218.2593

Searching for the perfect home 🏡

Next stop on the house hunting journey is searching for properties that meet your wants vs. needs list.

At this point, your agent will set you up on an MLS search – this way you will receive an email notification the *second* a home that matches your criteria hits the market!

Want to do some online searching yourself?

These are my recommendations:

**Use the search filters, but don’t go crazy**. Expand your geographic search, and add $25k – $50k to your max price.

**Check Google street view** if you find something that catches your eye. And, if you’re local, drive by of the property.

**If a home you like is “pending” or “under contract”don’t panic!** Pending contracts fall through occasionally, so keep it on your list, especially if it checks all your boxes.

How do I pick a good agent when buying a home?

When thinking about working with an agent to help you find a home , there are a few questions you’ll want to gather from them.

What neighborhoods are they experts in?

What is their communication style?

What sets them apart from other agents?

Your agent should have a deep understanding of your goals, your market, and a track record for working diligently on behalf of their clients.

I provide an agent interview form with all the right questions to ask as you look to start your home-buying journey.

Reach out to get my Agent Interview Questionnaire

Questions? Let’s connect!

Mortgage rates have been dropping (Hallelujah! 🙏)

The question everyone is now wondering: “Should I refinance??”

Refinancing your mortgage and securing a lower interest rate can mean substantial long-term savings.

But deciding whether to refinance your home depends on several factors…

🔖 Here’s how to evaluate if it’s a good time to refinance:

YOUR CURRENT RATE
A general rule of thumb is to refinance your mortgage when interest rates are at least 1% lower than your current rate.

COSTS OF REFINANCING
The cost to refinance your mortgage can range from 2% to 4% of the loan amount. You want to be sure that potential savings will outweigh total closing costs.

YOUR “BREAK-EVEN” POINT
Your break-even point is when you will recoup all the closing costs that come with refinancing your loan. For example, if your closing costs are $5,000 and your monthly savings from refinancing is $200 per month, it would take you 25 months to break even.

YOUR FUTURE PLANS
If you plan to stay in your home for several more years, refinancing could be a smart move, but if there’s a good chance you’ll relocate before reaching your break-even point, it’s worth reconsidering.

DM me for a link to Freddie Mac’s mortgage refinance calculator and I’ll send it over!

POV: you’re popping bubbly and decking the halls in your brand new home.

Think three months isn’t enough time to find your dream home?

The good news: I’ve got a fast-track timeline to help you make the most of the 90 days you’ve got left of 2024.

Here’s the game plan

OCTOBER:

• Secure a pre-approval letter ASAP. Understanding your budget and buying power will streamline your house hunt.
• Connect with an agent: A skilled agent will be your advocate and representative to guide you throughout the entire process.
• Research online listings and attend open houses. This will help you refine your priorities and prepare you to make an offer quickly.

NOVEMBER:

• Find your perfect match and be ready to pounce on it as soon as it hits the market.
• Make an offer. Give your highest and best first and ask for a quick closing date.
• Once your offer is accepted, schedule a thorough inspection the same day so you can uncover any potential issues.

DECEMBER:

• Close the deal and secure your keys. Pop the bubbly — you’re a holiday homeowner!
• Lock in reliable movers to ensure a smooth transition into your new space. (I can recommend a great one!)
• Embrace the holiday spirit but keep decorating and meals simple this year. The best gift you can give yourself is time with loved ones in your new home!

DM for my complimentary value-packed guide. It covers everything you need to know about a speedy buying process.

Questions? Send me a DM – I’m here to be a resource for you!

The chief complaint I hear from first time buyers:

“I’m trying to save up for a down payment… but I’m already paying $1,500+ each month on rent!”

Sounds like a recipe for frustration and stagnation.

But there’s a clever new mortgage program that *actually* makes homeownership within reach.

Meet: United Wholesale Mortgage

With UWM’s 0% Down Purchase plan, borrows are eligible for $15,000 or 3% of the purchase price towards closing costs (whichever is less). That’s $0 added to your monthly mortgage at 0% interest. 

Now let’s look at a real example:

Let’s say you’re looking at a home with a $300,000 purchase price. You could borrow $9,000 (3% of the purchase price) on a no-interest loan for the down payment.

Eyeing a home with a $500,000 price tag? That’s where the full $15,000 in support comes into play. 

So who qualifies?

If you have a minimum credit score of 620, an income that is 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), and are purchasing a primary residence (where you plan to live full-time), you may qualify.

Okay, so what’s the catch?

UWM’s down payment assistance is a loan, not a gift.

Borrowers must repay it when refinancing or selling the home. While some low-income buyers qualify for a partial grant, most will owe the full amount.

Want to connect with a trusted lender who can walk you through your borrowing options? Send me a DM