Finding and closing on a home is a stressful process. From bidding wars to a lack of suitable properties, many hurdles can await hopeful homeowners. But when it comes to finding a new home during the back-to-school season, especially when you have kids 18 or younger in the family, it can add on additional stresses. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 55% of buyers with children 18 or younger in the home believe the most difficult step is finding the right property because of the need for a neighborhood with convenient and quality schools nearby.

If you’re in the market for a new home this fall, keep in mind the following tips and tricks to find your dream home without breaking the bank.

Research Childcare Before Bidding

For many buyers with young children, childcare expenses and finding the right daycare can not only delay the home-buying process, but also cause undue stress after moving in.

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If you have retirement on the horizon, you’ve probably been doing a lot of planning. Topics such as health care, designating a power of attorney, and IRA withdrawals are all top-of-mind for retirees. But have you thought about your financial planning as it pertains to your mortgage? Refinancing before retirement can be an advantageous choice for many—but is it the right choice for you? To figure out if this is the right option for you and your financial needs, be sure to consider the situation from all angles. 

First Thing’s First. Money.

Refinancing doesn’t come cheap. It’s only worth the cost if you come out ahead in the end. To start your financial journey, make sure to crunch the numbers carefully before making your decision to move forward with a refinance. To verify how a refinance will impact your bottom line, use our Mortgage Refinance Calculator to sort through a variety of factors (for example, your interest rate, closing costs, and how long you plan on staying in your current home) and see how your new payment would change.

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When it comes to the process of purchasing your first home, excitement and nerves are completely normal. However, the challenges of being a first-time homeowner can feel intimidating—daunting, even—particularly for those moving on their own for the first time. Let’s take a look at a few guidelines and tips that can help take the stress out of the decision to purchase your first home. 

Your First Home Isn’t Usually Your Forever Home

When it comes to the purchase of a new home as a real estate investment, many first-time home buyers tend to want the biggest house they can get. With thoughts of starting families or getting enough space for an existing family to grow, buying a house is one of the first times people tend to really plan out their lives 30 years in advance.

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