AdviceBuying August 31, 2023

Taking the Plunge: A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Finding Your Cozy Nest

Hey there, future homeowners and enthusiastic nest seekers! If you’ve been daydreaming about bidding farewell to your landlord and embracing the exciting world of homeownership, you’re in for a treat.

This post is your guide to making that big leap from renting to owning, and I’m here to hold your hand every step of the way. Welcome to the exhilarating adventure of finding your very own cozy nest! My name is Cyndi DuMontelle, and I’ve been helping First-Time Homebuyers step into the Real Estate Market for almost 30 years. You’re in good hands! If you have any questions, please contact me for the next steps you can take toward home ownership.

 

Unraveling the Mystery: Insights for First-Time Homebuyers

Let’s kick things off by saying that you’re not alone in this journey. The prospect of buying your first home can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but fear not! I’ve got your back with a treasure trove of insights that will ease your worries and empower you to take confident strides toward homeownership.

  • The Budget Breakdown: Before you dive into the sea of listings, it’s essential to know your budget. You’ll hear the term “pre-approval” out there, and I can tell you that it’s not a step to skip or put out of order. I’ve had clients who were too excited to get things moving (pun intended), and they ended up breaking their own hearts–let me explain: I believe in setting you up for financial success right from the start. If you don’t have a budget or pre-approval in hand, it’s easy to lose sight of what is practical for you, inevitably you’ll fall in love with a home outside your reach, and you’ll likely give up because no home will ever look as good as the one you couldn’t afford. Let’s start you out looking at what you can afford so your budget stays reasonable and comfortable.
  • The Neighborhood Quest: Finding the perfect neighborhood is like discovering the missing piece of a puzzle. My website allows you to research different areas, evaluate local amenities, and decide what suits your lifestyle. Because your home is more than just four walls—it’s the community you become a part of. An old real estate saying goes like this: “location, location, location…” Enjoy your home AND love where you live.

 

“I really didn’t want to look at the house that Cyndi wanted me to see. She assured me that the photos online didn’t do the home justice. I’m so glad I listened to her guidance…she was spot on! My new home was exactly what I was looking for in Wheaton, and I almost missed it because the photos weren’t impressing me online.” ~ Paul from Wheaton, IL

 

Debunking Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

Ah, myths—the stuff that often clouds our judgment and decision-making. Let’s bust a few myths that might be holding you back from taking the plunge.

  • Myth #1: You Need a Perfect Credit Score: It’s time to toss this myth out the window. While a good credit score is essential, it doesn’t have to be perfect. I have colleagues to guide you on improving your credit and securing a mortgage that fits your situation.
  • Myth #2: Down Payments Are Insurmountable: No, you don’t need to drain your savings for a down payment. My mortgage partners will discuss different down payment options and special programs that meet your needs, including some creative strategies to make this step more manageable.

Guiding You Through the Exciting Adventure

From browsing listings to making an offer, I’m with you every step of the way. I don’t have a fancy assistant that you meet with instead of me. I typically limit my clients to just 3-4 at a time, and three out of four times, I can expect to work with someone else they know because my business is largely based on the referrals of happy clients. You’ll work with me and my “dream team” of professional inspectors, mortgage partners and real estate attorneys toward helping you feel comfortable in your decision to find your way to “home”. Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—the adventure of finding your cozy nest.

  • The House Hunt: Searching for your dream home is like embarking on a treasure hunt. It can get you excited, imagining the day when it’s yours. It can also call for patience when the “treasure” wasn’t where you thought it’d be. I will share tips along the way to narrow down your preferences and help you recognize those hidden gems that align with your vision.
  • Sealing the Deal: Making an offer can feel like confessing your feelings to a crush. But don’t worry, together we’ll demystify the process, guide you through negotiations, and help you understand and fill out the paperwork involved.

 

Are you excited yet? Well, I’m excited for you! The journey from renting to owning is one filled with anticipation, dreams, and perhaps a touch of uncertainty. But remember, you’re not alone. I’m here to provide expert advice, friendly guidance, and a dose of encouragement as you step into this new chapter.

So, dear reader, if you’re still reading, I think it’s time to join me on this new venture. Together, we’ll navigate the world of first-time homebuying, unravel the mysteries, and celebrate your journey toward finding your very own cozy nest. Get ready to open the door to new beginnings!

Resources to Further Fuel Your Journey:

  1. The Ultimate Guide to First-Time Homebuying: This comprehensive guide covers everything from financial readiness to the final closing steps, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your exciting journey.
  2. 10 Common Myths About Homebuying: Debunking myths is our thing! Check out this article to clear up misconceptions and gain a clearer perspective on what it takes to become a homeowner.

 

Remember, your cozy nest is just around the corner. Let’s explore, learn, and make your homeownership dreams a reality. Happy reading and happy house hunting! 🏡🔑

 

Cyndi DuMontelle is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois with Coldwell Banker Realty. Cyndi has over 25 years in real estate experience as a licensee, property investor, former flipper, and guide to many. Cyndi has guided renters through the building process to first time home ownership, a move up to a second home, third home, and eventually to downsizing into a forever home or other living arrangements for the elderly. As a certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, Cyndi DuMontelle has a special place in her heart for people working through the emotions of moving away from a long time home and the memories held there. No matter where you are in your real estate journey…remember to “Buy and Sell with DuMontelle”.
AdviceBuyingRent March 27, 2023

Buyer Programs for 2023

Doing your income tax and realizing how much you pay Uncle Sam!  What are the breaks when you own property?  Why should you make that step in your life.

 

Many people aren’t aware that they can deduct property taxes and interest on their mortgage up to $10,000 (need to check faqs), EVERY YEAR!  Car insurance rates are lower for homeowners.  Homeowners can take out an equity line for purchases of a car as well as home improvements as they get equity.  You pay your mortgage you pay yourself in equity, you pay your landlord and FLUSH the money away! And if you change your mind you can move anytime, you don’t need to worry about breaking a lease.

 

If you want to understand your personal opportunities then talk to an experienced lender that is recommended by a Realtor or a close family or friend that has experienced that lender and loan officer’s services.  Not all lenders offer all programs.  Internet lenders and banks tend to not have the experience of long term loan officers.  If someone has been a loan officer for a long time they are good at what they do or they wouldn’t be around since it is a commission based job.

 

There are so many programs you may not know that are available and an experienced lender will ask a lot of questions and fit you into the program that is custom fit for you.  They are also great at getting you ready for qualification of a loan if you need to improve credit, pay off bills etc.  They don’t charge for their consultations so why not call one today at plan your future.

 

Here are some wonderful (and knowledgeable) choices:

Kim Murphy, Draper & Kramer Mortgage

630-235-3917  or kim.murphy@dkmortgage.com

 

CJ Paloucek, GRA Affinity

630-546-3958 or CJ.Paloucek@grarate.com

AdviceBuyingRent March 21, 2023

Rent Versus Buy

Over the weekend I ran across a friend of my son’s who had recently been able to settle on some of his student loans and so he was thinking about finally buying a property.  Until now he had been renting since college, at first very affordably but now was entered into the new rental price range of $2000+.  Our discussion led to the extremely high cost to rent these days, as well as, the housing costs and the increase in interest rates in the high 6% to low 7% range.  He felt discouraged as to how to get ahead and be able to buy a townhouse or small single family home.  “It was like being on an endless treadmill of high rent and not being able to get ahead of it and save to buy a house” he said.  How could he pay $2000 for a 2 bedroom apartment and save for a 20% down payment on a home?

 

My “Realtor hat” went on at that point and I explained to him that he didn’t need to save 20% for a down payment.  3 to 5% and decent credit could get him into his own place.  I thought some of this information might be helpful to share.  When you rent your entire rent goes to support the bank account of your landlord.  Why support your landlord when you can support yourself?  When you make a mortgage payment part of that payment pays down your principal and you gain equity in your home.  Eventually that will pay off your home, but along the way it allows you to reduce your income taxes each year. If the need arises, you can even take a loan against your equity to improve your home or maybe make another large purchase. You can’t do that with rent!

 

The simple scenario* might be:

  • Rent of $2188 for 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment 991 sq ft, no garage and no pets allowed.
  • Purchase a townhouse with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a garage a mile away for $200,000 with a homeowner’s association fee of $259 and taxes of $3172 a year for housing payment of just $1585 (with $6000 down).
  • Comparison: A monthly savings of $600 if you were to pay the same as the rental you could have 3 bedroom, 1.1 bath townhouse with a basement and attached garage. Or a comparable single family home with 3 bedrooms 2 baths and a one car garage $1862 a month.

 

Today there are first time buyer programs that help with down payment and closing costs.  The key thing to work on while you are renting is to pay your debts on time and to pay down all the credit cards possible.  A credit score in the high 700s or 800s will get you the best rate, and that is the key factor in having a lower payment.

 

There are many resources available to help with planning. PowerPay.org has a wonderful array of tools that can assist your journey. Their service requires you sign up so you can refer back to your plan, yet it is free and very educational.

 

Waiting for “another year” to get a better price on a home, better rate on a home or to save more money is not the best choice if you have good credit.  In the course of one year you will potentially pay your landlord $24,000.  Money is gone forever and the cycle continues.

 

With minimal savings and a good lender and maybe a little help from the family you can buy a first place and break the cycle of lining your landlord’s pockets instead of your own. Whether you’re ready to make your move now or are getting started on your journey, don’t forget to align yourself with an experienced and patient Realtor.

 

Cyndi DuMontelle is a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who is known for her educating, patient, and knowledgeable approach to all her clients’ real estate needs. Cyndi works with first time home buyers, first time sellers, long term owners, executives relocating, and is also certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist for those long term owners who are ready to downsize or right-size for the next chapter in their lives.

* Scenario is strictly for illustrative purposes. Contact your financial advisor or lending institution for rates and payments that apply to your personal situation.