Nicole MacLeish
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How Mortgage Rates Are Set: Key Influencing Factors
Understanding the Factors That Influence What You Pay If you’re planning to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, you’ve probably noticed that mortgage rates fluctuate, and often. But how are these rates actually determined? Let’s break down what goes into the calculation of mortgage rates and the major factors that can impact what you…
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Mortgage Points: What They Are and When They Make Sense
When shopping for a mortgage, you may come across the term “mortgage points.” While it may sound like credit card rewards or a game score, mortgage points are actually a powerful financial tool that can save (or cost) you thousands, depending on your situation. In this post, we’ll discuss what mortgage points are, when buying…
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Brains, Brawn, and Boxes: Meet the Tech-Savvy Founder of 5 Smart Movers
I’m excited to kick off a new series highlighting outstanding local businesses, those trusted pros who help make the home buying and moving process smoother for everyone. Whether you’re searching for a reliable mover, a skilled realtor, or another go-to expert, I hope these spotlights help you make confident decisions. We begin our series with…
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Bay Area Home Buyers: New $200k Down Payment Assistance
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in the Bay Area but keep hitting a wall when saving for a down payment, there’s some good news on the horizon. A new down payment assistance program is making it a little easier for first-time buyers to literally get their foot in the door. What’s the…
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Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approved: Key Differences Explained
Chances are you’ve heard the terms pre-qualified and pre-approved thrown around. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process, and understanding the difference can help you shop smarter and with more confidence. What Does It Mean to Be Pre-Qualified? Pre-qualification is often the first step in the mortgage process.…
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The Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction & Other Homeownership Tax Benefits
Disclaimer: I am not a tax professional. This article is for informational purposes only. For personalized tax advice, consult a qualified tax professional. How the Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Works Owning a home comes with significant financial responsibilities, but it also provides valuable tax benefits. One of the most well-known deductions is the mortgage interest…
Bay Area Homebuyer 