Rate Rabbit Home Loans

12/01/2022

Some people love snow in the winter; some love the desert.

No matter your preference if there's one thing we can all agree on, it's that everybody loves saving money. If you're in the market for a mortgage, visit RateRabbit.com to see our affordable home financing options.

NMLS ID #664689

11/22/2022

Did you know, traditional Japanese architecture doesn't involve screws or nails?! Skilled craftsmen would connect building materials together using techniques like the dovetail joint (pictured). These construction techniques were used and refined for thousands of years, and have stood the test of time.

In Japan today, there are multiple, centuries old buildings that have survived the elements - including earthquakes. Japanese joinery has been toted as a way to make buildings more resilient to earthquakes, which is important in a region well known for getting hit with massive quakes.

11/15/2022

The market looks to be cooling down, which is good news for homebuyers and homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages!

Let's talk about the current state of mortgage rates.  Before we do, some housekeeping: the following pertains to averages across multiple lenders.  This is an important caveat over the past few days because lenders have adjusted their individual rates by widely varying amounts...

11/14/2022

These days most burglars choose the daytime to attempt a break-in, targeting homes when they believe no one will be present. According to ADT.com the most common times for break-ins occur between 10 am and 3 pm. Here’s a few tips to secure your home from potential intruders.

✅ Keep spare keys in a lockbox
✅ Install real or fake security cameras
✅ Reinforce your entry door strike plate
✅ Invest in a security system or put up a sticker from a reputable security brand

11/11/2022

These cheap and easy DIY Thanksgiving decorations are a great way to spruce up your home for the holidays.

10/24/2022

Pro Tip: Keep Receipts for Home Improvements!

When you sell your home, you may be able to use your home improvement costs to decrease the taxable income on the sale of your home. In other words, there’s a chance you can qualify to lower the taxes you owe when you sell the property.

Unfortunately, the IRS does not consider repairs, like fixing a broken window, as qualifying improvements. Here’s a few examples of improvements that could qualify you for a tax deduction:

✅ Installing a new roof
✅ Adding a deck
✅ Installing a new heating system

We encourage you to consult an accountant to learn more!

10/18/2022

Saving 20% for a down payment is no longer the norm. In 2021 the average down payment for first-time home buyers was 7%, according to the National Association of Realtors.

If you’re looking to buy a $400,000 house, you’d need to come up with $28,000 for a 7% down payment (remember that there will be other fees associated with the loan).

09/30/2022

Fun fact: In Scotland people paint the front door of their house red once they’ve finally paid off their mortgage.

 

09/22/2022

Water damage can get expensive FAST. This is one reason why you should never buy a property without getting it inspected by a licensed professional. There could be serious issues hiding beneath surface level renovations.

In 2022, there were a record number of properties sold with the inspection contingency waived. This is incredibly risky for the home buyer, who could be saddled with a hefty repair bill.

09/13/2022

A cabin in the woods can be more than just a private getaway... it could also serve as a lucrative investment property.

09/01/2022

Let’s talk about #3 in this market: Most likely, you’re not buying your dream home right now if you’re a 1st time home buyer. A more realistic goal could be to build equity that you can turn around and use for your future purchase. 🏘️

You can hang onto this property and turn it into your 1st rental, or sell it and use the funds💸 for a down payment on your next home in the future. Whatever you decide to do, it starts with buying that 1st home, not because you’re necessarily in love with it, but because you see it as a tool that will help you get into the home you DO love in the future.

08/25/2022

When was the last time you dusted off your outdoor light? If you're like most people it may have been a few months... or years. It might even be time to replace the light altogether! Cleaning or upgrading outdoor lights can give your home significantly more pizzaz and curb appeal at a relatively low cost.