Financial Advice

Buy & Own a Home

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  • 2022-HowDoesaHomeEquityLoanWork-web_thumbnail_250x250-80
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • 2022-EdArticle-Cash-OutRefiExplained-web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    Cash-Out Refinance Explained

    Have a big expense on the horizon? When interest rates are low, a cash-out refinance may help you turn your home’s equity into cash. Learn how this type of mortgage works and when it makes financial sense.

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  • home-ownership-dream-web-thumbnail-250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    Live the Home Ownership Dream

    Want to be a Homeowner? Start with These Steps If the dream of homeownership is calling you, these steps will put you on the path to a wiser home-buying experience.

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  • Ed Article 1 Thumbnail 250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • Buying a Home (thumbnail)
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • thumb-HouseMarket
    Buy & Own a Home

    Tips for Navigating Austin's Competitive Housing Market

    It’s no secret: Austin is one of the hottest housing markets in the nation right now. But with more people and companies flocking here every day, and houses in increasingly limited supply, the process of buying a home in the ATX area can come with a lot of uncertainties for aspiring home buyers.

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  • thumb-HomeOffice
    Buy & Own a Home

    Tips for Taking Your Home Office to the Next Level

    Now that you’ve traded in the traditional office setting for a more living room-adjacent work environment, you probably know that having a dedicated at-home workspace helps you set clear boundaries between your professional life and your personal life. But as long as you are working from home, why not upgrade that remote workstation into a dream home office that will level up your productivity and your tranquility?

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  • maintenance_tumbnail250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • DontsforBuyingHome_web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • Home
    Buy & Own a Home

    Four Priorities for Finding Your First Home Faster

    Ready to buy your first home? Consider these four search priorities to find your first home faster.

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  • Family enjoying home
    Buy & Own a Home

    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.

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  • First Time Home Buyers
    Buy & Own a Home

    Five Tips for Today’s Home Buyers

    Are you getting ready to buy a home? If you’re planning on buying a home, whether or not it’s your first, here are five helpful tips for today’s home buyer.

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  • 00-header-home-thumbnail
    Buy & Own a Home

    5 Ways to Up the Coziness in Your Home

    You can tell when a house has been loved. There’s a feeling of warmth inside and out, a sense that things are cared for and appreciated. What are some practical, easy tips for creating great-feeling spaces and refreshing the ambiance in your home?

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  • Reasons Owning a Home is Better
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • BuySuccessfullyinaSellersMarket_web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    Buy Successfully in a Sellers’ Market

    We’ve all heard the term sellers’ market, but what is it? Take advantage of our top 10 list of tips to help you buy a home, in spite of a market that isn’t leaning your way.

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  • FindHomeorFinance_web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    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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  • 20PercentDown_web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    Busting the 20% Down Myth

    It’s no longer a hard and fast rule that you need to save 20% before you can buy a home. In today’s mortgage environment, you can buy a home with as little as 3% down.

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  • DesignIdeasForCentralTexasBackyards-thumbnail
    Buy & Own a Home

    Five Design Ideas For Central Texas Backyards

    With around 230 sunny days a year, outdoor living is a way of life in Central Texas. That’s why Central Texas homeowners never dream small when it comes to our backyards.

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  • FiveFamilyNightstoLoveinYourNewHome_web_thumbnail_250x250
    Buy & Own a Home

    Five Family Nights to Love in Your New Home

    When you open the door to your new family home, you open the door to a new era of family memories. That means countless living room laughs, fun-filled birthday parties, and of course, unforgettable evenings with your favorite people. ​

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    Buy & Own a Home

    Qualifying for Special Home Loans

    Did you know there are special loan programs just for veterans and community heroes? These special loan programs can provide significant savings for qualified applicants.

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