Month: June 2025

What Is National Homeownership Month and Why It Matters to You 

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

What Is National Homeownership Month and Why It Matters to You 

Each June, we celebrate National Homeownership Month — a time to recognize the value of owning a home and the many ways it strengthens lives, builds financial security, and empowers communities. Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live — it’s about creating roots, building stability, and gaining the freedom to shape your own future. Whether you’re just starting to dream about owning a home, planning to sell, or considering refinancing, this month is a reminder that your goals are worth pursuing — and support is available to help you get there. 

National Homeownership Month was originally established in 1995 as a weeklong celebration and expanded to a full month in 2002 by presidential proclamation, but its purpose goes much deeper than a date on the calendar. It was created to highlight the importance of expanding access to homeownership, especially for people who may have thought it was out of reach. For many, owning a home is one of the most significant steps toward financial independence and long-term stability. It can also reduce stress, increase confidence, and provide a sense of pride in something you’ve built for yourself. This month serves as a national reminder that homeownership is still one of the most powerful ways to build personal and generational wealth — and that everyone deserves a fair shot at achieving it. 

Why Your Employer Offers an Employee Homeownership Program 

Your employer believes in the power of homeownership — not just as a financial milestone, but as a foundation for stability, confidence, and long-term well-being. They also recognize that the journey to buy, sell, or refinance a home can feel overwhelming and expensive. That’s why they’ve made this program available: to give you trusted support, expert guidance, and meaningful savings as you navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions.  

Your Employee Homeownership Program is designed to help you make smart, confident decisions — whether you’re just starting to plan, actively house hunting, preparing to sell, or exploring ways to refinance. Through the program, you get access to: 

  • Free one-on-one consultations with your Homeownership Advisor 
  • Educational webinars to build your knowledge 
  • Personalized planning tools to assess affordability and financing 
  • Savings on real estate commissions and mortgage closing costs* 
  • Support every step of the way 

Celebrate National Homeownership Month by Taking Action 

There’s no better time to start planning than now. Whether homeownership feels close or years away, the guidance you’ll receive through your employee program can help you get clear on your options — and potentially save thousands along the way. 

Schedule your free consultation today and take one smart step closer to the future you’ve worked hard to build. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

  Saving for a Down Payment: Where to Start

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

  Saving for a Down Payment: Where to Start

For many first-time buyers, the biggest question isn’t “Can I buy a home?” — it’s “How do I come up with the down payment?” The good news is, it may not be as out of reach as you think. 

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average down payment for first-time buyers is just 6–7%, not the 20% many people assume. Even more encouraging, about 8% of first-time buyers put down less than 3%. On a $350,000 home, that’s just $10,500, an achievable target with the right savings strategy and guidance. 

But while the down payment is a key part of your budget, it’s not the only one. Closing costs, which generally range from 2% to 4% of the purchase price, can add another $7,000–$14,000 to your total cost. That’s why it’s essential to know your numbers early on so you can set a clear savings goal and avoid last-minute surprises. 

That’s where your Employee Homeownership Program can make all the difference. 

Plan Smarter, Save More 

When you schedule your free financial fitness consultation, you’ll receive one-on-one guidance to help you: 

  • Understand exactly how much you’ll need for your down payment & closing costs 
  • Learn about loan programs that may fit your goals and financial situation 
  • Find out if you qualify for down payment assistance, which can dramatically lower upfront costs 
  • Uncover ways to strengthen your financial profile, such as improving your credit score or debt-to-income ratio, to access better interest rates or programs 

Even better? Many employees who use the program receive reduced closing costs, thanks to exclusive benefits and preferred partnerships. When combined with eligible down payment assistance, some employees are able to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses by up to 90%. 

Of course, these benefits depend on your individual situation, which is exactly why that early consultation matters. You’ll learn what you qualify for, what savings opportunities are available, and what action steps to take now. 

Real Stories, Real Results 

“I didn’t think I was ready to buy. But working with my advisor helped me understand what I needed to do, and I started saving right away. Six months later, I had enough for a down payment on my first home.” 
— Tanya L., employee client 

With the right plan and a few consistent habits, like automating savings, redirecting bonuses, or cutting back on unnecessary expenses, your goal of owning a home becomes a lot more real and a lot more reachable. 

Your First Step Starts Here 

Schedule your free planning consultation through your Employee Homeownership Program today. We’ll help you build a savings strategy, explore your options, and guide you every step of the way — from saving to closing. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

Understanding Home Appraisals: 

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

Understanding Home Appraisals: A Key Step in Your Homeownership Journey 

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing a home, a crucial step in the process is obtaining a home appraisal. An appraisal provides an unbiased estimate of a property’s market value, ensuring all parties—buyers, sellers, and lenders—have a clear understanding of the home’s worth. 

What Is a Home Appraisal? 

A home appraisal is conducted by a licensed professional who evaluates the property’s condition, location, size, features, and comparable recent sales in the area (known as “comps”). This helps determine the home’s fair market value, which is especially important when a lender is involved in the transaction. 

Why Are Appraisals Important? 

For Buyers: Ensures you don’t overpay for the property. 

For Sellers: Helps set a competitive and realistic listing price. 

For Refinancing: Establishes if you have enough equity to qualify for better loan terms. 

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low? 

If you’re buying a home and the appraisal comes in lower than your offer price, it can affect your ability to secure financing. But don’t panic — you have options: 

Renegotiate the Purchase Price: The seller may agree to lower the price to match the appraised value. 

Make Up the Difference in Cash: You can choose to pay the gap out-of-pocket if it aligns with your budget and long-term plans. 

Challenge the Appraisal: With the help of your real estate agent, you can review the appraisal for errors or missing comparables and request a reconsideration. 

Walk Away: If your contract includes an appraisal contingency, you may be able to cancel the contract without penalty. 

Your Employee Homeownership Program can guide you through this process to make the decision that best fits your goals. 

How Much Should You Offer on a Home? 

Most buyers aren’t sure how much to offer on a property — and that’s completely normal. The right offer price isn’t just about what the seller is asking. It’s about what the home is actually worth. 

That’s where comparable sales (comps) come in. These are recently sold homes in the same area with similar features (like size, number of bedrooms, and condition). Reviewing comps helps you and your agent determine a realistic, competitive offer price based on actual market data — not guesswork. 

The Role of Your Real Estate Agent 

A knowledgeable real estate agent plays a critical role in guiding your offer strategy. They: 

  • Analyze comps to help you write a smart offer 
  • Advise you on when to go strong or when to negotiate 
  • Help protect your interests in the contract 
  • Assist you in responding to a low appraisal 
  • Communicate with the seller’s agent to position you competitively 

The average agent in the U.S. only handles a few transactions a year — but the agents approved through your Employee Homeownership Program are vetted for experience, skill, and proven results. They understand the appraisal process and how to navigate challenging situations to protect your financial interests. 

How Your Homeownership Program Supports You 

Through your Employee Homeownership Program, you have access to: 

  • Trusted, high-performing real estate agents 
  • One-on-one coaching from your Homeownership Advisors 
  • Help preparing for appraisals and making smart offers 
  • Support if your appraisal comes in low 
  • Educational tools to build confidence at every step 
  • Reduced mortgage and real estate costs* 

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and it shouldn’t be done alone. Take advantage of the expert support available to you through your benefits. 

Schedule your free consultation today and get help navigating appraisals, home buying, offers, and everything in between. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

Turning a Fixer-Upper into Your Dream Home: What You Need to Know 

Posted on by Michelle Tondu

Turning a Fixer-Upper into Your Dream Home: What You Need to Know 

Buying a fixer-upper might not sound glamorous at first, but for many people, it’s a smart and rewarding path to homeownership. Whether you’re looking to get more house for your money or want to personalize a space from the ground up, a fixer-upper can offer the opportunity to build equity and create a home that truly fits your needs. 

What Exactly Is a Fixer-Upper? 

A “fixer-upper” is a home that needs repairs, updates, or renovations before it’s fully move-in ready or up to your standards. These homes are often sold at a lower price than similar move-in-ready homes in the same area, but they do require vision, patience, and planning. 

Pros of Buying a Fixer-Upper: 

  • Lower Purchase Price: 
    Because the home needs work, you can often buy it for less than comparable properties in the same neighborhood. 
  • Less Competition: 
    Move-in-ready homes are in high demand — which can lead to bidding wars. Fixer-uppers may receive fewer offers, giving you more room to negotiate. 
  • Customization Potential: 
    You can update the home to match your style and preferences — from the floors to the layout — instead of settling for someone else’s choices. 
  • Equity Growth: 
    Renovations that improve the home’s condition can significantly increase its market value, allowing you to build equity faster. 

Things to Be Aware Of: 

  • Hidden Costs: 
    Renovation projects can reveal unexpected issues, such as outdated wiring, plumbing problems, or structural damage. Always budget 10–20% more than you think you’ll need. 
  • Time & Stress: 
    Fixer-uppers are not turnkey solutions. Managing repairs, inspections, contractors, and permits takes time and can be stressful, especially if you’re living in the home during construction. 
  • Financing Can Be Tricky: 
    Some homes won’t qualify for traditional mortgages due to their condition. You may need a specialized loan designed for renovation projects. 

Common Financing Options for Fixer-Uppers: 

  • FHA 203(k) Loan: 
    Allows you to finance both the purchase price and the renovation costs with a single mortgage. This loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and is popular among first-time buyers. 
  • Conventional Renovation Loans: 
    There are also conventional loan products that can allow you to combine purchase and renovation costs into a single loan.  
  • Cash + Standard Mortgage: 
    Some buyers use a traditional mortgage to buy the home and pay for renovations out of pocket. This works best for those with strong savings or access to additional funds. 

Pro Tip: Always get a detailed contractor estimate before closing on a fixer-upper. Your lender may require it, and it will help you stay on budget.

The Role of Inspections and Permits: 

Before buying, it’s critical to have a thorough home inspection to assess what repairs are needed. Depending on your renovation plans, you may also need city permits, especially for plumbing, electrical, or structural changes. Permitting delays or code violations can slow down your timeline and increase costs. 

How Your Employee Homeownership Program Can Help: 

Your Employee Homeownership Program is here to support you throughout the journey, especially when things feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just exploring the idea of buying a fixer-upper or you’re already looking at homes, you’ll have access to: 

  • Free Consultations with Homeownership Advisors 
    Understand your options, create a financial plan, and get help comparing fixer-uppers vs. move-in-ready homes. 
  • Loan Option Guidance 
    Learn which renovation loan is right for your situation — and how to qualify. 
  • Trusted Real Estate Agents and Lenders 
    Get matched with experienced professionals who know how to navigate fixer-upper purchases and maximize your program benefits. 
  • Workshops and Resources 
    Access guides, webinars, and checklists to help you understand the renovation process and stay organized. 

Ready to Build the Home You’ve Always Wanted? 

If you’re curious about how a fixer-upper might fit your goals, or just want to understand what’s possible, reach out to your Employee Homeownership Program. You’ll get the personalized guidance, resources, and savings to help make it happen — and avoid costly mistakes along the way. 

Scan to Schedule a Time to Talk

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.