Author Archives: bchrealestate

Losing a spouse is a deeply emotional experience and the financial decisions that follow can feel overwhelming. One important area to understand during this time is how the IRS treats the sale of a primary residence after the death of … Continue reading →

A temporary buydown is a great tool to help ease into homeownership with lower initial monthly payments, especially helpful in a high-rate environment. It allows you to enjoy reduced payments in the first one to three years of the loan, … Continue reading →

If you’re buying a home�or already own one�home insurance might not be the most exciting part of the process. But it is one of the most important. In many cases, home insurance is required to secure a mortgage, but even … Continue reading →

When financing a home, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is often the go-to option because of its lower monthly payment. But for buyers who can comfortably afford a higher payment, the 15-year mortgage deserves a closer look and may lead to … Continue reading →

One of the biggest benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity�the portion of your home you truly own. Equity grows naturally over time in two ways: first, as you pay down your mortgage through regular payments (amortization), and … Continue reading →

There was a memorable Fram Oil Filter commercial years ago where a mechanic asked a customer during an oil change if he wanted to replace the filter. When the customer declined, the mechanic calmly replied, "That’s okay with me. You … Continue reading →

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will ever make, yet it’s a process fraught with potential pitfalls. The good news? By learning from the common mistakes others have made, you can sidestep unnecessary … Continue reading →

With high home prices, more buyers may turn to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans in the coming year. These government-backed mortgages are known for their flexible borrower requirements, such as lower credit scores and down payments as low as 3-5%. … Continue reading →

Each year, homeowners receive a notification of their property tax assessment, which, when combined with the local tax rate, determines how much they owe in property taxes. While this process is meant to fairly reflect a home’s value, assessments are … Continue reading →

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that you give up when making a decision. In real estate, this concept plays a crucial role for buyers who are delaying to purchase a home due to high interest … Continue reading →