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Call Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate at (925) 628-2436 | DRE #01117537Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate - Keller Williams East County
Real Estate - Home » FAQs » Page 3

Mortgage

February 9, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is a Mortgage? A mortgage is a loan from a lender or bank that is used to purchase your home. BTW, the “t” is silent, so it’s pronounced “more·guhj”. A mortgage is a loan that a person takes out to buy a house. The borrower pays the lender back over time with interest. The […]

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Lender

February 9, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is a lender? A lender, AKA Mortgage Lender is an entity that issues mortgage loans. Typically, a bank, mortgage broker, credit union, etc. A mortgage lender is a bank or other financial institution that provides loans to people who want to buy a home. The lender will look at a person’s credit history, income, […]

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Inspections

February 9, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What are real estate inspections? Real estate inspections are when a professional inspector looks at a property to make sure it is in good condition. They will look for any potential problems that could affect the safety or value of the property. They will also check things like the roof, plumbing, and electrical systems to […]

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HELOC

February 9, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is a HELOC? A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a type of loan that allows a homeowner to borrow against the equity in their home. The borrower can use the money for whatever they choose and the interest rate is usually lower than other types of loans. The loan is secured by […]

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FHA

February 9, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is the FHA? The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) is an agency of the US government that provides insurance for mortgages. This insurance helps make it easier for people to get approved for a loan and makes it possible for them to get a loan with a smaller down payment. The FHA also sets rules […]

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Homeowners Association (HOA)

February 8, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is a Homeowners Association (HOA)? A private organization that is often formed by a real estate developer to manage homes and lots in a residential subdivision. A Homeowners Association (HOA) is an organization made up of homeowners who live in a specific neighborhood or development. The HOA is responsible for managing and maintaining the […]

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Foreclosure

February 8, 2023 By Libby Guthrie Leave a Comment

What is a Foreclosure? When the lender takes ownership of a property due to failed payments by the buyer. A foreclosure in real estate is when a homeowner stops making payments on their mortgage and the lender takes back the property. The lender will then try to sell the property to recoup the money that […]

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guthriegrouphomes

Libby Guthrie, Realtor
@ Keller Williams 865-966-5005
🏡 Helping You Make the Move to Knoxville
📱 Cell: 865-364-0200
🏡 Good People, Great Homes!

Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡 Your mortgage payment is only part of the story. 🏡⁣
⁣
Most homebuyers focus exclusively on their monthly mortgage payment when calculating affordability. But here's the reality: that payment typically represents only 70-80% of what homeownership actually costs each month.⁣
⁣
The average cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., excluding the mortgage, is estimated at around $21,400 in 2025—roughly $1,800 per month. When you factor in these costs, a $2,500 monthly mortgage can grow to over $4,000 in total housing costs.⁣
⁣
💡 Key takeaways:⁣
⁣
-	Nearly 45% of homeowners report post-purchase regrets, most commonly due to higher-than-expected maintenance and hidden costs⁣
-	Insurance and property taxes continue rising annually—sometimes jumping $200-300/month in a single year⁣
-	Home maintenance now averages around $8,800 annually, with first-year owners often facing higher costs⁣
-	The solution? Budget for mortgage PLUS approximately $1,800 monthly in carrying costs⁣
⁣
True affordability isn't what a lender approves—it's what lets you sleep well at night when the water heater fails or insurance premiums spike.⁣
⁣
Link in bio⁣
⁣
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡⁣
Cell: 865-364-0200⁣
Keller Williams 865-966-5005⁣
GGHKnoxville.com⁣
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com⁣
⁣
⁣
#RealEstate #Homeownership #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateTips #HomeownershipCosts #RealEstateAdvice #HousingMarket
New Year, New Home Goals: 3 Housing Resolutions Th New Year, New Home Goals: 3 Housing Resolutions That Actually WorkNew year, new home goals! 🏡
If homeownership is on your radar for 2026, skip the vague resolutions and focus on these three actionable steps that actually move the needle:
1. Improve Your Credit Score
Even a small boost can save you thousands over the life of your loan. Pay down credit card balances, dispute errors on your report, and avoid opening new accounts. Recent data shows that buyers with scores above 740 secure the best rates.
2. Get Pre-Approved Early
Pre-approval isn't just a formality—it's your competitive edge. Sellers take serious buyers seriously, and knowing your budget helps you move quickly when the right home appears. Many buyers are getting pre-approved months before they start touring homes.
3. Track Listings Weekly
The market moves fast. Set up alerts and consistently check new listings to understand pricing trends in your target neighborhoods. Knowledge is power when it comes to making confident offers.
These aren't just resolutions—they're your roadmap to homeownership this year.
Let us know in the comments which resolution you're committing to first!
#realestate #homebuying #newyearnewhome #homebuyingtips #firsttimehomebuyer #realestatetips #realestateagent #homeownership #2024goals #buyersagent #realestategoals #househunting #creditscore #preapproval #newyearnewgoals
Libby Guthrie, REALTOR® 🏡
Cell: 865-364-0200
Keller Williams 865-966-5005
GGHKnoxville.com
Libby@GuthrieGroupHomes.com
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Hours & Info – Guthrie Group Homes, Real Estate

Location
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Brentwood, CA 94513

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info@guthriegrouphomes.com
Office: (925) 628-2436

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