Schlueterism

Summer Lull

After another busy year in the real estate market, it seems like things are ready to settle down. Every listing was pending in less than a week, and, after six months, I finally closed my last buyer client Thursday. And now…? It’s so… quiet! While there is not much data to support the idea thatContinue reading “Summer Lull”

For Better Wealth, Get a Second Opinion

I recently attended a class on first time home buyer financing taught by Don Brinker with the Missouri Housing Development Commission and Leslie Lowry at Fairway Mortgage. While there was a lot of helpful information geared toward first time home buyers, another piece of advice came up that is beneficial to anyone buying or refinancingContinue reading “For Better Wealth, Get a Second Opinion”

Three Ways Home Ownership is like Entrepreneurship:

Did you know that a recent survey found that 22% of first time home buyers give up there search because the market is too competitive? In some ways buying a home is like starting a business. The uncertainty and fear of failure can be intimidating. But there are many resources out there to help firstContinue reading “Three Ways Home Ownership is like Entrepreneurship:”

Locations, Locations, Locations

Everyone has an idea about what kind of home they want to live in, some people are more flexible than others. But every once in a while you get a specific requirement. For example the house needs to have a front porch facing south. Not an unreasonable request for an architect, but most houses areContinue reading “Locations, Locations, Locations”

Need Help Finding a Down payment?

If you really want to own a home you will figure out a way to own a home. Nobody says it is easy and you shouldn’t expect it to be as coinvent as fast food drive though. Nope, you need to pick up a recipe book and learn how to cook this meal yourself. YouContinue reading “Need Help Finding a Down payment?”

Q: Does Mortgage Prequalification Affect My Credit Score?

A: Quick answer is no, but there are some things you will need to understand about applying for a mortgage to buy your first home. You may have heard that credit checks hurt your credit, and that is true if you are applying with multiple lenders to see who will approve you for a loan.Continue reading “Q: Does Mortgage Prequalification Affect My Credit Score?”

From Overdrawn to Overachiever

While listening to Marketplace this morning I was surprised to hear that overdraft fees are at a record high. It was not that long ago that I was also getting sucked into that cycle of being a few dollars shy on one transaction to a $100+ negative balance in my checking account. If it feelsContinue reading “From Overdrawn to Overachiever”

Twenty Percent Down

How much money do you need to buy a house? Maybe you have heard you need a 20% down payment. Sounds like a good place to start. So let’s take this house we just picked out from Zillow and do the math. This is a GREAT house. It has everything I want. I’m getting aContinue reading “Twenty Percent Down”

The Notebook

I picked up a good habit when I was in the Army. Early on I was told by a superior to keep a Me Book which is common practice among the best soldiers. It’s a binder with all your important documents in one place. I carried the practice into civilian life and keep a binderContinue reading “The Notebook”

The Gratitude List

Life is slowly getting back to normal and I am so grateful I do not have to cut my own hair anymore!! I always enjoy going to the barber shop and having a conversation. I always learn something from the stylist. This morning Tonya cut my hair, and we got on the subject of spendingContinue reading “The Gratitude List”