HomeStar Blog

Down Payment vs. Closing Costs: Are They the Same or Different?

Posted on: 7/29/2021

You may have heard that you need to have enough money saved for a down payment. But, what about closing costs? Aren’t closing costs the same as a down payment? You might be surprised by the answer.

Posted on: 7/9/2021

What You Need to Know about a Cash-Out Refinance

If you have been in your home for a while and have built up a significant amount of equity, you may be able to use that to your advantage now. But, how? With a cash-out refinance!

Posted on: 6/20/2021

Summer is here, which means it’s time to get outdoors and soak up some sun! There are tons of family-friendly activities you can do with your child(ren) that are either free or affordable – and, of course, fun! Check out some of our favorites!

Posted on: 6/1/2021

It’s National Homeownership Month, where we celebrate the benefits homeownership brings to families and communities. Discover 10 reasons why you should consider buying a home.

Posted on: 5/27/2021

Amidst the housing shortage, builders are needed to produce more homes for homebuyers to purchase. The shortage was further exasperated by the pandemic, which disrupted production and the shipping channels to get materials to builders in order for them to build homes.

Posted on: 5/13/2021

Are you thinking about buying a home? Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or searching for a vacation home or investment property, there are many terms you will read or hear throughout the mortgage process.

Posted on: 4/22/2021

Now you can have the same advantage as a cash buyer, which is crucial in today’s HOT housing market. HOMESTAR is proud to offer the Cash Advantage program for homebuyers and home sellers!

Posted on: 4/16/2021

Just like a routine wellness check-up, cleaning and maintenance schedules are essential for your home’s upkeep. Follow these daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly cleaning and maintenance checklists to keep your home in good health throughout the year.

Posted on: 3/31/2021

Right now is the perfect time to lock a low mortgage rate. Fixed and adjustable mortgage rates have risen since the beginning of the year, but all rates remain low. Rates will most likely remain low well into 2021 or maybe longer.

Posted on: 3/18/2021

Achieve Homeownership, Even with Student Loan Debt

If you have student loan debt, you may be wondering how this affects your ability to buy a home. Good news – even if you have student loan debt, you can still achieve your homeownership goals.

Posted on: 2/25/2021

Use Your Tax Refund and Stimulus Payment(s) to Achieve Your Homeownership Goals

Although this past year brought us uncertainty, achieving your homeownership goals is still possible. Discover ways you can support them.

Posted on: 2/12/2021

At HOMESTAR, we are passionate about serving others and giving back to our local communities. HOMESTAR and our employees are proud to share the meaningful ways we gave back in 2020.

Posted on: 1/27/2021

You can do several things to your home now and over the years to add value – leaving you feeling confident when the time may come that you decide to sell. Discover 25 ways you can add value to your home, starting today.

Posted on: 1/4/2021

Homebuyer’s Guide to the Mortgage Process

Purchasing a home is an exciting milestone. The mortgage process involves multiple steps, but with the right preparation and a powerful team of mortgage professionals by your side, you will be well equipped for each step of the homebuying journey.

Posted on: 12/28/2020

5 Ways to Buy a Home with Little or No Money Out-of-Pocket

Do you desire to become a homeowner but don’t yet have enough money to do so? Many potential homebuyers are unaware of several creative ways to obtain a mortgage and buy a home with little or no money out-of-pocket.

Posted on: 12/9/2020

PMI is helpful for borrowers that desire to buy a home but do not have enough funds for a 20 percent down payment. It gives more individuals and families the opportunity for homeownership. To avoid or stop paying PMI, there are some options.

Posted on: 11/23/2020

When making the important decision to become a homeowner, there are several options available for the type of home you can purchase: buying an existing property or building your own home. Before you begin, weigh the pros and cons of each to help you determine the right option to fit your lifestyle.

Posted on: 11/6/2020

Things to Think About After Purchasing a Home

Finding the perfect home isn’t an easy task, but once you do so, your work still isn’t complete. It’s just the beginning of the homeownership journey. After closing on your home, there are some new homeowner tasks to tackle.

Posted on: 10/28/2020

A mortgage can feel like a lifelong contract, which is why it is important to reevaluate it regularly. Discover the signs you should look out for to know when it’s time to reevaluate your mortgage.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

How to Negotiate the Price on Your Dream Home

Negotiation is key to scoring the right home at the right price. Discover 10 things you need to do when negotiating the price on your dream home.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Thinking about purchasing rental property or listing your current home for rent? Learn about what you need to know when it comes to how to be a landlord managing tenants and rental property.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Qualifying for a home loan is greatly influenced by your credit score and knowing how good or bad your credit score is an important first step down the path to homeownership. Find out the 12 credit secrets you need to know.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

You’ve dreamed about owning your own home and have decided you’re ready to take the first step – applying for a mortgage loan. Discover what you need to know about qualifying for a mortgage loan.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Conventional loans are home loans not insured or guaranteed by a government agency, like FHA and VA loans. Instead, they are backed by a mortgage lender and insurance is typically paid by the borrower. Learn more about their benefits.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Steps to Finding the Right Homeowners Insurance

Most, if not all, mortgage lenders require borrowers to obtain and provide proof of insurance coverage for the full or fair value of a home. Find out what you need to know about homeowners insurance.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

5 Things You Need to Know About Home Inspections

Whether you are selling your home or are in the process of buying a home, a home inspection isn’t required. However, it can be very helpful in determining any issues with a home before you make a sale or purchase. Find out what you need to know when it comes to home inspections.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Steps to Achieve the American Dream of Homeownership

For most, owning a home is more than just having their place. It symbolizes “making it” in life and achieving the unimaginable feat of the American Dream. Discover the steps to take towards homeownership.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Becoming a homeowner comes with great responsibility, but also great rewards. If you are wondering if owning a home makes sense for you, there are several benefits of homeownership that may help you decide.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

When you are preparing to buy a home, there’s a lot to keep in mind throughout the process. We have compiled a list of “Do’s & Don’ts” that will come in handy!

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Using Your Tax Refund to Purchase a Home

If you are currently renting, looking to purchase your first home, or want to invest in a second/vacation home, using your tax refund is a great first step. Discover 5 ways a tax refund can help get you home.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Do you know if you are eligible to refinance your home? Determining your eligibility for refinancing is similar to the approval process for a home loan. Read to learn more.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Anyone can fall victim to a scam and they may target you at any time. Knowing the signs of a scam can help you identify one before it’s too late. Protect your privacy and finances with these tips.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

7 Ways to Reduce Dry Air in Your Home This Winter

There are several ways to combat dry air during the winter. Save these tips and keep your home more comfortable during the winter season.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Winterizing your home is important to reduce the risk of potential damage from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Use this checklist to ensure your home is ready for the upcoming cold season.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Make Buying a Home Your New Year’s Resolution for 2020

If buying a home has been an ongoing goal, use the New Year to begin taking steps to become a homeowner. The path to affordable homeownership is possible! We have provided many useful tips to help you get there.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Finding the right home to purchase can present a lot of unforeseen challenges and can be a time consuming process. Here are some steps you should take to ensure that you are making the most of the home search and buying process.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Don’t Be Spooked Out About Buying a House

It is completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed during the homebuying process, as this will most likely be one of the largest financial commitments you make. As long as you are well-informed about the process and have a plan set in place, there is no need to be afraid.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Are you someone who knows exactly what they want in a home, but aren’t sure how to get it? Many homebuyers feel this exact same way. It can leave you feeling frustrated and wanting to give up before you even begin. Discover tips that will make the house hunting process run more smoothly.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

The autumn season brings a sense of simplicity and an appreciation for the small things. With so much fall fun and only a little time to enjoy the season, we came up with some seasonal activities for your family to do this fall.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Applying for a mortgage loan does not have to be stressful. For a smooth loan process, we have provided some tips of what NOT to do.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

The key to saving for a down payment is determination and discipline. Check out these tips for things you can do to save for a down payment.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Are you looking for some easy ways to gain more curb appeal? Your home’s exterior is a resemblance of the interior, which makes the initial impression of your home important. Here are 5 simple ways that you can achieve better curb appeal.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

How to Prepare for the Homebuying Process

After much consideration, you’ve finally made the decision that you want to buy a home. Following this guide can make the process easier and help you to feel more confident about the homebuying process.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Ready to take the leap from renter to homeowner? Buying a home is an exciting time, but many potential homebuyers are hesitant due to common misconceptions. Don’t let these keep you from the personal and financial rewards of homeownership.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

Home remodeling can be a fun project, but it can quickly get out of hand. Check out these tips for a successful remodel that may even save you some money!

Posted on: 10/15/2020

7 Tips to Boost Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home

Ready to buy a home? Before you do, be sure to look at your credit score. There is no “quick fix” when it comes to boosting your credit score, but you can follow these 7 tips to help improve it over time.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

8 House Hunting Questions to Ask Yourself

Knowing how much house you can afford ahead of time is a great starting point in your search for the home of your dreams. Before you get started, ask yourself these 8 questions.

Posted on: 10/15/2020

11 Tips for Hosting a Successful Open House

Open houses are designed for interested buyers to browse your home, speak with an agent, and ask questions. Discover the pros and cons of hosting an open house.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Finding a Home Near the Right Schools and in the Right Neighborhood

When buying a new home, the first thing to look at is location. You want a home in a good neighborhood with good schools for you and your family. But, how do you know if a neighborhood is truly right for you?

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Got Pets? Here’s How to Remove Pet Odor Before Selling Your Home

Are you in the market to sell your home? If you are and you have some furry friends roaming around your home, we have some tips when it comes to removing lingering pet odors.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Would you like to spruce up your home, increase its value, and save money? Home DIY is the answer! Check out these home DIY ideas and tips to help inspire you to get crafty!

Posted on: 10/14/2020

People love their four-legged furry friends so much so that they are impacting the homebuying decision. So, why are pets affecting the homebuying decision? There are a few reasons.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Renting vs. Buying a Home - Which Is Right for You?

To rent or buy? That is the BIG question. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Before making this commitment, it is important to review all of the pros and cons of becoming a homeowner.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Now is the perfect time to add curb appeal to your home, as summer is right around the corner! Keeping your home in tip-top shape not only adds curb appeal, but it can save you money in the long run as you eliminate the chance for repairs to build up and create a large expense down the road.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Clean, Fresh Home

Spring has arrived – which means that it is time to freshen up your home. We have a few spring cleaning tips to help you get started.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Are you currently in the market to purchase the home of your dreams? A great first step is to understand the different home loan options that may be available to you. HOMESTAR offers several loan programs, and we work with borrowers to determine the best loan that suits their current needs.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

In previous blogs, we covered ten common questions from families currently thinking about – or who are in the process of – obtaining a home loan. We hope these questions help you throughout your homebuying journey.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

In a previous blog, we covered five common questions the HOMESTAR Team receives from potential and current clients throughout the homebuying process. Good news–we have gathered five more questions to help you along the path to homeownership.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

We have compiled a list of five questions and provided answers to them below, part one of a three part series. We hope they help you, especially to eliminate any uncertainties you may have about the homebuying process.

Posted on: 10/14/2020

Are you thinking about selling your home soon or are in the beginning stages? Selling a home is a big task, and to make the process easier we’re sharing some guidelines you can follow.

Posted on: 4/29/2020

As you’re thinking about purchasing a home, you will need to consider the important role your credit score will play in your ability to secure a mortgage loan. If you have little to no credit currently, the tips below can help you get started and on your way down the path to homeownership.

Posted on: 4/29/2020

Keeping track of your credit score on an ongoing basis is always a good idea, especially when the time comes that you determine you are ready to purchase a home. But, how do you successfully maintain good credit?

Posted on: 4/29/2020

HOMESTAR’s top priority is to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers, and business clients. We are constantly monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, including staying up-to-date at all times and following guidance from the CDC and other authorities.

Posted on: 4/29/2020

Fun Activities to Do at Home During COVID-19

COVID-19 has caused all of our regular routines to shift, but there are still many activities that you can enjoy while social distancing. We have compiled a list of fun activities you can do from the comfort of your home, ranging from arts and culture to fitness and sports.

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