Real Estate Tips

Spring is here…almost

Technically the calendar told us it is Spring but in typical Wisconsin fashion, it isn’t. April has delivered us more snow than we’d like (speaking for the Alvarado Real Estate Group team). To assist in the “excitement” of Spring cleaning and home projects, we are spicing it up.  First, we love

Winter Energy Saving Tips

You may be looking to save money this holiday season and through the coming winter months. You may also be seeking ways to lessen the impact of our energy use on our planet. These energy-saving tips will help with it all. Pre-winter checks It is important to get regular check-ups on your furnace to make sure it’s working properly. You don’t want to be in a situation where it’s 20° outside with no heat inside. It is recommended to have a heating...

Tips for Aging in Place: Home Accessibility Modifications

Seniors are putting off moves to traditional senior housing, such as nursing homes, retirement communities, and assisted living facilities, in favor of independence at their home. This concept of “aging in place” benefits older adults who do not need round-the-clock assistance and can significantly reduce the cost of living for these seniors. Some find that living in their family home helps maintain dignity, while others benefit from simple living that results from downsizing. Whether it’s in an existing house or a new smaller space, safe aging in place requires a plan, which often requires renovating or retrofitting a home to meet a senior’s needs.

person in wheelchair in kitchen

Key Questions to Ask When Searching for an Accessible Home

person in wheelchair in kitchen Buying a home can be a complex and time-consuming process. If you need that home to include certain accessibility features to accommodate a disability, the process can be even more of a challenge. With demand increasing, you should be able to work with your real estate agent to find a new home, but asking these important questions can also help you find the features that matter most when it comes to accessibility: Can You Safely & Easily Move Around on Flooring? When it comes to finding an accessible home, it may help to start your search from the bottom up. More specifically, if your disabilities make it more difficult for you to walk or if you use a wheelchair, consider...

Tips for Paying Off Your Mortgage in Less Time

Every dollar you add to your regular mortgage payment puts a larger dent in your principal balance. You can still make a difference with even small changes. Adding just 1 extra payment each year knocks years off your mortgage.

Here are ways you can save thousands and reduce years off your mortgage without big changes to your budget:

Biweekly vs. monthly payments
  • This will have a similar impact on your budget, but will result in 13 full-sized payments per year instead of 12 because there are 52 weeks per year.
  • You will be making half-sized payments every 2 weeks. If your mortgage is $1400 per month, pay $700 every other week.
  • If you have a $200,000, 30-year mortgage at 5% interest rate, paying biweekly will save you over $34,000 in interest and allow you to pay your mortgage off 5 years earlier!
Additional principal payments
  • Send additional funds marked for as principal only vs. principal and interest as your budget allows.
  • Depending on...

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