Articles
Knowledge Is Power
We’re here to advise.
Preparing for life’s changes and challenges is no easy task. We’re here to help you make smart financial decisions that push you to the next level of prosperity, and education is your best path to success.
Rely on us for honest, practical advice that can help you manage your money, invest and save, build good credit, buy a car or a home, and more. Whatever you’re striving toward, we’re here to help you get there.
Buy & Own a Home
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Stop Paying Rent. Start Paying Yourself.
In 2015, home values increased by an average of 10% in the Austin market—meaning homebuyers saw an average 10% return on their investment in only one year. -
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Buy or Rent? 10 Questions to Help You Decide
Are you trying to decide between renting and buying? Consider these 10 personal and financial questions before you decide. -
![Amid the chaos of moving, a child and an adult pause to share a joyful high-five.]()
Can U Borrow Money for a Down Payment?
Discover five strategies to borrow money for a down payment on a home, including home equity, personal loans, retirement funds, and down payment assistance programs. -
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Buying a Home? Surround Yourself with the Right Team
If you are looking to buy a home, surround yourself with an experienced, trusted team of professionals. -
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5 Things to Know Before You Buy Your First Home
Buying your first home is a huge milestone. Planning ahead can help you achieve the dream of homeownership. Consider these five essential tips to help you navigate the process smoothly, including budgeting, saving, searching, and more. -
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How Do Home Equity Loans Work?
The equity in your home can be leveraged to help fund home improvements, emergency expenses and even college. Our Mortgage Services team can help you determine if a home equity mortgage is right for your situation. Learn more at Home Loans or call our Mortgage Services Team at (512) 997-HOME (4663) or (800) 476-8409. -
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Finding or Financing? What Comes First?
It’s easy to get excited about shopping for your next home, but without knowing what you can afford, you could waste valuable time and miss out on great opportunities. Getting prequalified for your mortgage can speed your home search and improve your chances that your offer will be accepted. -
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How to Build a Budget When Buying a Home
There are many upfront and ongoing costs when you purchase a home, and your regular monthly expenses can also change. Understand how to build your budget so you can be a prepared homeowner. -
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Ready to Buy a Home? Here’s What Not to Do
You’ve heard all the advice about what to do to prepare, but there’s more to it than that. Before you begin looking at homes and negotiating a contract, you should know about some moves that could significantly hurt your chance of getting that home loan. Here are three things not to do when a new home purchase or even a refinance is in your future. -
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Five Home Organization Ideas – Inspiring, Space-Clearing Tips
You’ve heard of spring cleaning. But every season has its reason to let go and live free of clutter. So here’s to minimizing in order to maximize your life, your productivity, and your time spent with those you love. -
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Owning a Home Pays at Tax Time
When you buy a home, the mortgage interest you do pay is tax-deductible. So are your property taxes. Mortgage insurance can even be a tax deduction, if you qualify. -
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Investing in Land
Whether a neighborhood lot, country acreage or lakeside tract for weekend getaways, investing in land can bring years of enjoyment and be a valuable addition to your investment portfolio. -
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Four Reasons Why Owning Is Better than Renting
If you’re ready to settle down for the long-term, buying a home is often a wise choice. You get more for your money, you can set down roots, and you build equity over time, which often results in a sound, long-term financial investment. -
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Some Things in Life are Free
Instead of paying rent every month, you can put down roots and enjoy the future payoff. -
Buying a Home: The Basics
Read our simple roadmap for buying your first home: how to prioritize the process, calculate what you can afford, work with real estate professionals and narrow down your search. -
Refinancing Your Mortgage
Refinancing is paying off your existing mortgage with a brand new mortgage. Why and when should you refinance your home—or hold off until a better time? We’ll help you decide. -
Buyer Beware
Purchasing can put you on the radar for unwanted solicitations. Learn about the most common solicitation types and what you should do about them. -
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Buying vs. Renting
This video discusses several important factors to consider when choosing which option is right for you.
