Hogan Team - Irongate Realtors., Inc.

03/06/2025

05/10/2022

Should you get preapproved OR prequalified for a mortgage?

Or both?

The two terms are often confused because they are so similar. But in reality, they are very different.

🏠 Getting prequalified for a mortgage doesn’t entail a credit check or official documentation. This process simply estimates how much you could qualify to borrow.

🏠 Getting preapproved, on the other hand, requires official documentation; verification of your income, assets, and debts; and a credit check. A preapproval concretely specifies how much you have been approved to borrow.

Getting preapproved gives you clarity on how much you can afford, which makes it important to do before you start your home search.

Once you find a home, it also assures the seller that you’re serious and financially able to buy their home.

Contact us if you’d like assistance getting preapproved for a mortgage. We can connect you with a trusted lending professional who can help.

📲 (937) 681-1798
📩 [email protected]

05/05/2022

How do you write a winning offer in this market?

A high offer price gets attention—but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the home. Sellers consider many factors when choosing a buyer, including:

👉 Financing
👉 Deposit size
👉 Conditions
👉 Closing terms
👉 And even the reputation of the buyer’s real estate agent

It’s important that you account for all of these details when submitting an offer.

Read this month’s blog post, “5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market,” and learn more about making a competitive offer ➡️ http://kevinhogan.myagent.site/sellers-checklist-a-timeline-to-prep-your-home-for-sale/

05/03/2022

Moving day tip: pack a box of essentials!

Pack a box of essentials that you need to get through the first night and morning in your new home—otherwise, you’re left digging around to find what you need, like clean sheets, towels, or your coffee maker!

Here are some key items to put into your essentials box:

✅ Bedroom: sheets, comforter, and pillows
✅ Bathroom necessities: toiletries, towels, and toilet paper
✅ Kitchen essentials: Coffee maker or kettle and tea or coffee; 2-3 meals and the necessary utensils and dishware; paper towels and trash bags
✅ Tech: Phone and/or computer chargers

Tell us in the comments: what’s one item we’d find in your essentials box??

04/28/2022

5 Tips to Save for a Down Payment

📍Save this one so you can come back to it when you’re ready to start saving!

1️⃣ Automate your savings. Set a specific amount of money to go into your savings every time a paycheck is deposited, for example. You won’t need to remember to do it yourself—and can still make progress on your savings.

2️⃣ Start selling items you no longer want or need. Instead of waiting until a few weeks before you move, sell those items now. The profit can go right into your savings account.

3️⃣ Cut the cable cord. Choose one or two streaming platforms to pay for instead and put the extra money toward your down payment savings.

4️⃣ Get a side gig. There are many ways to make extra money, like driving for a rideshare company or getting freelance work—remember to put your earnings right into your savings account.

5️⃣ Adjust your car insurance. If you’re now driving fewer miles because you’re working from home or you’ve improved your credit, you may be able to reduce your monthly insurance payments. All you have to do is call and ask.

Saving is important, but remember: it’s never too early to speak with a real estate agent too. Get in touch if you’re thinking of buying a house so we can help you prepare!

📲 (937) 681-1798
📩 [email protected]

04/26/2022

It’s all in the details!

When the time has come to show your home, make a great impression with these small but important to-dos.

Get our full checklist to prep your home for sale in our latest blog post.

📝 http://kevinhogan.myagent.site/sellers-checklist-a-timeline-to-prep-your-home-for-sale/

04/21/2022

How will you celebrate Earth Day tomorrow?

One way is to make some changes to your home energy use.

The following shifts can have a significant impact on the planet (and your bank account!):

🌱 Write “turn off lights” on post-it notes and place them next to your light switches if you have a habit of forgetting to turn off the lights.

🌱 Install energy-saving light bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy than standard bulbs.

🌱 Change your HVAC filters every 90 days, which can increase your system’s efficiency and cut down on heating and cooling costs.

Tell us in the comments: what’s one way you conserve energy in your home?

04/19/2022

Make your home stand out!

When potential buyers walk through or drive by, you want your home to shine! Luckily, there are many ways to spruce up your space—both inside and out.

Watch this video for a few to-do's we recommend as you prep your home for sale.

But don’t stop there! Check out our new blog post to get a full checklist for prepping your home for sale!

📝 http://kevinhogan.myagent.site/sellers-checklist-a-timeline-to-prep-your-home-for-sale/

04/14/2022

Should you get a reverse mortgage?

While it can be a great way to supplement your retirement income, there are some things to watch out for:

⚠️ High fees
To get and finalize your reverse mortgage, you’ll be paying a range of fees that can add up quickly.

⚠️ Variable or high interest rate
The interest rate is often higher than that for a standard mortgage. It may also be variable, rather than fixed, which means it can increase in the future.

⚠️ Less money for your heirs
The remaining amount of your estate will need to be repaid when you’re no longer here, usually in a specific period of time, which can be costly and stressful for your family.

This is why, in some cases, downsizing can be a better option. If you’re deciding between the two, contact us to discuss your options and make the best choice for your needs.

📲 (937) 681-1798
📩 [email protected]

04/12/2022

Make your home appealing to potential buyers with these 3 simple design tips.

1️⃣ Give your interior a fresh coat of paint. Remember that neutrals are best for selling.
2️⃣ Update your landscaping. This gives buyers a great first impression.
3️⃣ Stage your furniture. Data show that staged homes sell faster and for more money.

While these three steps are helpful, there are likely a few more things you can do to maximize your property’s sales potential.

Contact us for a free, customized assessment of your home!

📲 (937) 681-1798
📩 [email protected]

04/07/2022

Yes, we’re still in a seller’s market.

No, that doesn’t mean your house will automatically ignite a bidding war.

But you can maximize the sale price, and make your home more attractive to potential buyers, by prepping your home before it hits the market.

👉🏼 This is why it’s important to contact your agent as soon as you start thinking about selling.

Instead of waiting until right before you want to list—and scrambling to get everything done—we can help you decide what needs to get done ahead of time to boost your home’s value.

Get started by checking out our brand new blog post, Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale ➡️ http://kevinhogan.myagent.site/sellers-checklist-a-timeline-to-prep-your-home-for-sale/