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Older homes come with built-in history, a unique character and nostalgic charm. But over many years, they may also harbor hidden problems that can cost a pretty penny once they finally surface. Knowing how to detect and correct these issues early can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a more costly repair. Here… The post 4 Common Problems in Older Homes appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Refinancing allows borrowers to reduce their monthly mortgage rates and payments, shorten loan terms and convert home equity to cash. But refinancing can be complicated — even responsible borrowers with relatively high credit scores and a history of timely payments can be denied. What are the most common reasons why a refinance application may be… The post 4 Reasons Refi Applications Get Denied appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Many retirees dream of trading the responsibilities of homeownership for the carefree lifestyle of assisted living. Others would rather grow old at home near friends and family, where they can enjoy the fruits of their labor. But not every home is ideal for “aging in place.” Most require modifications to ensure occupants can live independently,… The post 5 Must-Have Home Upgrades for Seniors appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Spring cleaning is more than an annual tradition. It’s the necessary response to a long winter of tightly sealed homes and trapped indoor allergens. Wiping the slate clean of accumulated dust and dander provides a fresh start prior to peak allergy season. To ensure your household can breathe easier in the coming months, add these… The post Are you prepared for spring cleaning? appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Positioned at the intersection of two adjoining streets, the corner lot is a polarizing topic in real estate circles. For some, it’s a premium plot of land; for others, it’s an area to be avoided. Truth be told, the upsides and downsides of corner lots can vary greatly from one location to the next. To… The post Arguments for and Against Corner Lots appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

As you may know, saving for a competitive down payment was one of the primary obstacles homebuyers faced in 2023. With high prices and rising mortgage rates, many buyers have turned to down payment assistance (DPA) for relief. But while DPA can reduce upfront costs and make homeownership more accessible, it’s not necessarily for everyone.… The post Your Guide to Down Payment Assistance appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Finding the lowest available mortgage rate can significantly reduce the lifetime costs of your loan. In fact, reducing your rate by even a few percentage points could save you thousands of dollars long-term. But with rates constantly fluctuating and often increasing, what can you do to ensure you get the lowest rate possible? One method… The post Should You Lock In Your Mortgage Rate? appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Traditionally, wintertime is a downtime for the real estate market. The weather is colder, wetter and often messy, which can be a little off-putting for potential homebuyers and sellers. But despite these seasonal challenges, winter can actually be advantageous for anyone interested in buying or selling a home. In fact, winter can offer buyers and… The post Should You Buy or Sell a Home in Winter? appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

When applying for a mortgage, it’s important to understand the difference between conforming and nonconforming loans. Conforming loans offer more protections and could save you money long-term. Nonconforming loans are more accessible, offer larger loan amounts and carry a wider variety of features. Which is right for you depends on a combination of factors. Here… The post Conforming Versus Nonconforming Loans appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.

Along with the holidays come social gatherings, home cooking and elaborate decorative displays. But the season also comes with an uptick in house fires and other fire-related safety incidents. While cooking is the leading cause of house fires, holiday decorations cause countless fires each year as well. How can you avoid fire hazards this holiday… The post Practice Fire Safety This Holiday Season appeared first on Kevin Oto | Green Haven Capital Inc.