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Relocating? I’m Your Saratoga County Expert.

SHeila Sperling

Home Buyers

What the Heck Is Title Insurance (and why do I have to pay for it when I buy a home)?

You’re in the market to buy a home and up pops “title insurance” in the buying process. Are you stumped and not sure exactly why you need to get it? Here’s a Q&A that should clear up any uncertainty. What is Title Insurance? Why is this important? The home you want to purchase may have […]

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It’s both exciting and a little scary to buy your first home. That feeling of nervousness and not knowing what to expect is normal!  That’s why it’s important to have a strategy from start to finish if you want to find the right home for you! And part of that strategy is to steer clear […]

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What To Do Now To Buy A Home In A Few Months

Buying a home takes a lot of preparation and planning. It’s important to get your finances in order and other tasks done before you even start house hunting! Keep in mind that this early stage of the buying process doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time on your part even before we start working together. That […]

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The Lowdown on Loans – What Determines Your Mortgage Rate?

Understanding mortgage loans and interest rates can be confusing and frustrating for many homebuyers. It doesn’t help that most advertised rates are just a marketing ploy to lure you in! In fact, a lender looks at several factors to determine an interest rate based on YOUR specific financial situation, including your credit score, your down-payment […]

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What You Need to Know About Escrow Accounts

Whether you’re a longtime homeowner or a newbie, don’t forget to monitor your escrow account if your lender required one when you took out your mortgage. You want to avoid any pitfalls since it’s still your money (and your home!). Here’s a rundown of why you should always stay on top of things when it […]

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VA Loans Help Military Homebuyers

VA loans are a great loan option for those who have served our country. These loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provide an affordable way for many military families to own their own home – and a way to say thank you for your service! Active-duty service members, veterans and surviving spouses […]

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Should You Use 401k Money for a Down Payment?

Did you know that you can borrow money to buy a home from yourself if you have a 401k plan? Getting a 401k loan is one way to get additional money toward a down payment. It’s a lump sum of money that is already yours — not the bank’s, not mom and dad’s, and not anyone […]

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How To Get The Best Interest Rate For You

When it comes to getting a mortgage, it’s easy to focus on the interest rate. But, if you only focus on the interest rate, you might be missing some “hidden” fees that makes getting that interest rate more expensive. That sounds counterproductive but it isn’t. Several factors will help create the best mortgage and interest […]

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Should You or Shouldn’t You Avoid PMI?

How to Get the Best Mortgage Series – Week 8 Follow this series to learn how to get the best mortgage for your specific financial situation and goals. You’ll see what steps you need to take throughout this process to make it productive and successful. This week you’ll learn all about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) […]

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Buy AND Renovate with One 203(k) Loan

How to Get the Best Mortgage Series – Week 7 Follow this series to learn how to get the best mortgage for your specific financial situation and goals. You’ll see what steps you need to take throughout this process to make it productive and successful. This week you’ll learn about a loan that can help you […]

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