September 23, 2024
If you need cash for a large purchase, you might consider a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a type of loan that allows you to borrow against the value of your home. Learn more about the basics of how a HELOC works and general lender requirements.
September 17, 2024
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There is no more appropriate mission statement when it comes to retirement and the potential surprises that might arise during this important life stage. Proactive prevention establishes financial awareness that will help mitigate these surprises and create retirement longevity for your investment portfolio.
June 11, 2024
When settling in to your new home, there are some important things you need to consider. ABA Foundation recommends the following tips.
May 6, 2024
Brush up on your mortgage knowledge by learning the definitions of these common home-buying terms.
April 15, 2024
Your credit, your credit scores, and how wisely you shop for a loan that best fits your needs have a significant impact on your mortgage interest rate and the fees you pay.
February 10, 2024
Searching for your first home can be an exhilarating, yet overwhelming time in your life. If you are having trouble with where to start, you are not alone. With some guidance and organization, German American can help you be on your way to owning your first home. Here are some simple steps to get you started.
January 8, 2024
Before making the transition from renting your home to owning your home, it is important to start saving for a down payment, typically 5 to 20 percent of the home’s value. Check out some helpful tips from the American Bankers Association on how to save for it.
August 23, 2023
Moving into your own place can be exciting and frightening at the same time. The American Bankers Association suggests considering the following questions when choosing your own home.
July 26, 2023
Homeowners have several things to consider when it comes to finding needed funds for financing a project or consolidating debt. Two popular lending options are refinancing an existing mortgage or tapping into the equity in your home with a home equity line of credit. Let's explore the difference between the two!
April 26, 2023
If you are thinking about starting some home improvement projects, you can be strategic about which ones to tackle first. There are some projects that net better returns than others. Learn about three home improvement projects that add plenty of value to your home.
December 15, 2022
Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, making up about 29% of your utility bill. Read on to find helpful tips to prepare your home for cold winter temperatures from the U.S. Department of Energy.
December 5, 2022
The FHFA has announced the conforming loan limit values (CLLs) for 2023 and that the baseline conforming loan limit will increase to $726,200.
September 9, 2022
Searching for your first home can be exciting and sometimes a little scary. It’s generally the largest expense most people will ever make, so it really pays to do your homework, and arm yourself with knowledge and a team of professionals who can help you avoid the pitfalls some first-time homebuyers find themselves making. Read on for some other missteps to avoid on the path to homeownership.
June 15, 2022
Expressing your thoughts and feelings about how you view affordable is a big step in the right direction when considering a mortgage loan. Only you can decide how much you are comfortable paying for your housing each month.
July 9, 2021
Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, chances are you care about protecting the environment – and saving money. Here are some tips to help you do both.
February 16, 2018
Rain, rain, go away...
We can't control the weather, yet we can prepare for it, which is key to prevent potential water damage to your home. Follow the suggestions below to ensure your home is rain ready.
January 24, 2018
There are many reasons you might want to rent out your home on either a short- or long-term basis. Depending on the rental scenario, your standard homeowners policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out, and you may require a more specialized insurance policy.