Serenity Drive says it all. . . Nestled in the valley, beautiful views and 7.23 acres of land for you to enjoy
Simple tips to improve your status with mortgage lenders (452 words, US, UK, CAN)Owning a home is a dream shared by millions of people. Investing in property that can be owned within 15 to 30 years o closing on the home makes more nancia sense to many than continuing to rent and having little to show for it over time.
e rst step to take when planning to enter the real estate market is to ensure that your nances are in order. Various factors will in uence individuals’ ability to secure a mortgage, and these are some ways to make yourself more attractive to prospective lenders.
• Check your credit report. Lenders will check your credit report before deciding if you are a risk or a safe bet for a mortgage. So it makes sense to check your credit report prior to speaking with a lender. e Federal Trade C ommission says everyone can get one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. If you split it up, you can get a credit report every four months so you are aware of anything that may adversely a ect your ability to get a mortgage loan. A credit (FICO) score that’s too low may disqualif y you from a mortgage. Each lender sets its own thresholds when they price and approve loans, but the higher your credit score, the better.
• Improve credit standing. One way to improve your status in the eyes of lenders is to pay down credit card balances to
reduce your credit utilization ratio. A high utilizationoccurswhenthereisahigh balance in relation to the credit limit, says Business Insider. Also, it may be wise to avoid any credit inquiries through new credit card applications for several months before applying for a loan, as these inquiries can a ect your score.
• Be realistic about what you can a ord.Do your homework and determine your target interest rate and monthly payment as well as what down payment you can a ord.It will help you research potential lenders and provide an idea of what may be o ered to you.
• Pay bills on time. Paying bills promptly not only helps you avoid late fees, but also positively a ects your credit. e nancial resource e Mortgage Reports urges diligence when paying rent, as late rent payments can bar you from getting a mortgage. Lenders look at rent histor y as the biggest indicator of whether you’ ll make mortgage payments on time.
ese are some of the ways to make a prospective home buyer look better in the eyes of mortgage lenders. Individuals can speakwith nancial professionals about what else they can do to improve the possibility of securing mortgages at the best rates possible.
screened porch, hardwood with new carpet in bedrooms, huge closets $300,000 #636324
Real estate remains an especially lucrative investment vehicle. According to the S&P 500 Index, the median return on investment in the United States property market is 8.6 percent. That’s an important consideration for investors who are considering adding income properties to their portfolios. Though the costs associated with income properties can be substantial, the potential rate of return on those properties is significant. Individuals considering an income property investment are urged to speak with a financial advisor, who can shed light on various factors that must be examined prior to purchasing a property. For example, individuals counting on rental property income should familiarize themselves with how that income is taxed before investing.
370 E nger Street, Harrisonburg 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick cape in town, well maintained with new heat pump, roof, water heater. Hardwood oors, fenced backyard, 16 X 20 storage building. MUST SEE! $325,000 #635266
96 Old White Bridge Rd, Waynesboro 4 BR, 2 BA cape on .62 Acre. Chair rail, Formal LR, 22x22 family rm, formal DR, main oor Master BR/ full BA, large laundry. Carport, 2 storage bldgs, covered patio w/outdoor repit, hot tub. $370,000 #633905
1576
1578
BRAND NEW, preleasing Harrisonburg’s newest 62 & Better Retirement Community. Maintenance free living at its nest close to the hospital and shopping. 1,500 sq. . Duplex homes, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. $2,750 per month with one time community fee.
Giving to charity can be a rewarding endeavor that makes a di erence in the lives of people in need. Many people donate throughout their lives, and some people may want to impart a more lasting legacy by continuing to support a charity even a er they have passed away.
Incorporating a charity into an estate plan is a great way to continue giving a er you pass away. Individuals may not know how to make charities bene ciaries in their wills. A nancial planner, attorney or accountant can answer the more complex questions individuals have about naming charities as bene ciaries in a will. In the meantime, this general guide can serve as a solid foundation for individuals who want to give back in their wills.
Most people think of bene ciaries as loved ones, but a bene ciar y can be any person or
entity one chooses to leave money to, including nonpro t organizations. It’s relatively the same process to name a charity as a bene ciary as it is an individual. According to the resource Trust & Will, rst identif y the charity that will be supported, including getting its Employer Identi cation Number or Taxpayer Identi cation Number. Next, determine which type of gi to make, which may be a predetermined nancial contribution, a gi of property, or other assets like stocks. For large donations like real estate or cars, it may be best to contact the charity in advance to ensure they are able to accept such gi s. Finally, be sure to include your wishes in an estate plan. A quali ed attorney can help clients dra a will that spells out their wishes in detail.
Keep in mind that charities also can be named as bene ciaries on life insurance policies or
individual retirement accounts. ey also can be listed on bank accounts. Again, people are urged to discuss all options with estate planners to ensure their plans fully re ect their wishes.
When naming a charity as a bene ciary, it can be wise to inform family members and other bene ciaries so no one is caught o guard upon your death. is way the charitable gi is not held up by delays in executing the will.
3375 Wellsleigh Place, Rockingham
An intrinsic commitment to detail has created this exquisite home! On over 2 tranquil acres sited away from the street for privacy, this offering will please the most discerning buyer. 7 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths. MLS #618993 $1,075,000
3350 Argyle Court, Rockingham
THE PERFECTCOMPLIMENTOF
QUALITYAND WISDOM! One level living and bathed in natural light, the open foyer, dining room and living room with high ceilings offer inviting possibilities.4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. MLS #631544, $839,900
475 Eagle Lane, Harrisonburg
FAIRWAYHILLS - On the golf course with over an acre of park-like well maintained grounds, this home is designed for living! 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS #624942 $700,000
3078 Preston Lake Blvd, Rockingham
Neighborhood living at its finest! Sidewalks throughout invite strolls to the nearby park. Take in the mountain views from the stunning front porch or enjoy a cookout & your favorite beverage on the back deck. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS #632988 $599,900
201 Bartley Street, Dayton
Elegant home with lovely views located in desirable South Breeze Estates! Upon entering the front door you will be immediately impressed with the overall attention to detail and the quality of craftsmanship. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS# 635969 $535,000
202 Bartley Street, Dayton
Nestled in the town of Dayton in a wellestablished South Breeze Estates! This beautifully landscaped and immaculately maintained home has so much to offer both inside and out. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS #635195, $519,000.
This beautiful home sits on a 2.08 acre partially wooded lot on a cul-de-sac in Boundary Run subdivision. As you enter the home, light fills the open floor plan making it the perfect space to entertain guests. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. MLS #635667 $465,000
62 Fleetwood Road, Staunton
COMES WITH ATWO YEAR HOME WARRANTY! This hillside home sits on .72 of an acre and has splendid year ‘round views! 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS #632533 $369,000.
13365
Beautiful recently built end unit at Preston Lake is just what you’ve been looking for. Nestled on the edge of the subdivision. Provides a front porch and patio and has a large greenspace area in the back. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath. MLS#: 630887 $345,000
TBD Sunset Ridge Drive, Rockingham
This lot is calling out for a wraparound porch to “set awhile” and take in the 180 degree views while enjoying coffee in the mornings and your favorite wine under the stars at night! 9.62 acres. MLS #620031 $214,900
Individuals looking to grow their money ha many options at their disposal. For example, real estate is o en cited as a wise investment, as the value of property has historically increased by a signi cant margin over t course of a lifetime, providing a substantial return all the while ful lling the basic need for housing that ever yone has. But buyin property is not the only potentially lucrati long-term investment strategy.
A small percentage of investors may have skill, savvy and iron stomach to excel wi short-term investments. But most peop feel more comfortable with less risky, lo term investments. For such individuals, one strateg y worth considering is passi investing.
Passive investing utilizes a buy-and-hold approach to gradually build wealth. Shor term uctuations in stock prices do not a passive investors, as one of the principles of passive investing is that markets will post positive results over time. So passive investors do not react with alarm when prices temporarily drop, even if they drop by a considerable margin.
Index funds are one of the most recognizable forms of passive investing. e investment experts at Vanguard, the company that rst started o ering index funds, note that an index fund contains a preselected collection of hundreds or even thousands of stocks or bonds or a combination of both. e theory behind this is that, even if one stock or bond is performing poorly, another within the portfolio is doing well, thus minimizing losses and saving investors the time and e ort of tracking, as well as buying and selling, individual stocks or bonds.
Conventional investment wisdom has long touted the bene ts of diversi cationwhen investing. When investors put all of their eggs in one basket, they could then lose all of their investments if the value of that investmentgoes south. Aspreviously noted, index funds include a collection of stocks, bonds or both, thus providing investors with su cient diversi cation that can ser ve as something akin to a safety net when the values of certain stocks or bonds within the portfolio dip. ough no investment strategy can claim it is free of risk, passive investing through a vehicle such as an index fund can be a low-risk way to grow wealth over time.
e investment resource Investopedia cites lack of exibility and smaller potential returns
as two signi cant drawbacks of passive investing. Passive investment funds are limited to a predetermined set of investments that don’t o en vary, if at all. at might be not sit well with individuals who prefer a more active and exible approach to investing. Big returns also are less likely with passive investment funds, as these funds are designed to track the market, not beat it by a wide margin. Individuals with long-term investment strategies likely won’t be turned o by this, though those looking for bigger rewards (which, notably, carr y bigger risk) may be under whelmed by the returns on passive funds.
Passive investing is a sound investment strategy for individuals who want to grow their wealth over the long haul.
wild ride in recent years. Sellers have cashed in on record-breaking pro ts, and buyers have had to compete against many others — sometimes in bidding wars — for a limited number of properties. Once listed, homes are selling fast. As interest rates rise and inventory increases, things are likely to change, thoughfor some it did not come soon enough.
Individuals who were lucky enough to nd a new home this year may discover they now have little money to out t those homes. Shoppers with new homeowners on their holiday shopping lists may want to help those loved ones out t their homes this season. e following are some home-related gi ideas to get shoppers started.
• Video/smart doorbell: Although the smart doorbell market began with only a handful of options, there’s now a bevy of manufacturers who make video and smart home doorbells. ese doorbells serve the dual purpose of alerting
he
door, while providing sur veillance of the comings and goings outside of the home. Depending on the product,asubscription maybe needed to access video history. Doorbells range from $50 to $200 and more depending on features and resolution.
• Furniture gi card: ere’s a good chance new homeowners will need to furnish new rooms in a home, particularly if they’re coming from an apartment or a smaller place. Many people also like to update furnishings when they move into new places. A gi card to a popular furniture store in the area will provide the head-start new homeowners need to secure sofas, dining sets, lamps, rugs, and more.
• Household tool kit: What better way to prepare new homeowners for the do-it-yourself projects and household repairs than with a tool kit? Home improvement retailers o en package common tools needed in carr ying cases orsets, but shoppers can grab separate items
they think will be used and group them together into one gi Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, a level, and measuring tape are good starter tools.
• Customized doormat: Give that new home additional curb appeal with a doormat customized with a special message or the new homeowners’ names, such as Welcome to the Smith Home. Other customizeable products include cutting boards and wall plaques.
• Programmable thermostat: A programmable or learning thermostat will help new homeowners save on their energy
bills. Many thermostats now pair with smart home systems and phones and automatically adjust the temperature as needed to reduce energy consumption.
• Linens: A high thread count sheet set or plush Turkish cotton towels may not be something new homeowners think to get for themselves. But these luxurious gi s can make life at home more comfortable.
Moving into a new home is an exciting yet expensive endeavor. Carefully curated gi s can tap into what new homeowners need the most.
Good opportunity to own a beautiful contemporary/log mountain home. Great Room with exposed log beam structure, rec room with vaulted ceilings, two stone fireplaces, one with gas logs, one wood burner. Hot-tub , screen porch, 5-bedrooms 3 baths, large 23 x 17 workshop in the walkout basement too. $459,900 call/text Chris Whitelock 540-820-4492 online www. MassanuttenRealty.com
Spacious
text Bette Thomas 540-860-1591 to view. Online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
MOVE in ready, new home never been lived in! Great floorplan vaulted ceilings in the great room, 3-bedrooms 2 baths, granite countertops, stainless appliances, all on one level with easy access! $249,900 call/text Gary Mitchell 540-578-0178 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
Good opportunity for you to have a new home at an affordable price. Why pay rent? New home, new home warranties, spacious floorplan on one accessible level! Nice views, close to restaurants, the Shenandoah River Boat ramp, will make a wonderful primary home, second home or getaway for you. $249,900. Call/text Gary Mitchell 540578-0178 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
Home Sweet Home! Take a look at this 3-bedrooms 2 bath cape cod styled home in the town of Elkton. Golf Cart friendly community, location close to good restaurants, access to the River, breweries and more. Don’t miss the fenced yard, detached garage and workshop. $259,900. Call or text Gary 540-578-0178 online www.MassanuttenRealty. com
Serenity Dr. says it all. . . Nestled in the valley, beautiful views, 7.23 acres to enjoy. Stacked stone exterior, craftsman styling, beautiful stone fireplace, great room, and gourmet kitchen. 3-bedrooms (all suites) 4 full and 2 half baths! Butlers pantry, outdoor kitchen, theatre & game room, 3-car garage, barn for your horse, wonderful location. $1,199,000. Call/text Gary Mitchell 540578-0178 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
Outside the town on
handicap accessible doublewide
wonderful floorplan. Updated in 2019, including HVAC windows & doors, new well too. In addition there is a wonderful “SHE SHED” that offers many possibilities as well as an additional storage building. Blacktop driveway, home ready to move into! $285,000 call/text Shelia 352-817-0737 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
Beautiful setting minutes from Harrisonburg, close to dining, schools, parks and Sentara Hospital! Take a look inside this 4-bedroom 2.5 bath home, beautiful hardwood flooring and tile on the main floor. Fabulous sun room, cooks kitchen with stainless appliances, private back deck, large over ½ acre lot. $509,900 call/text Jeff Konstant 540908-1877 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com
Get ready for SKI SEASON and Winter sports! Look at this beautiful contemporary. 3-bedrooms 3 baths and room for expansion in the lower level. Backing up to the GWNational Forest, views of the Mountain Greens and Ski slopes from your front deck, combined with the spacious 576 sq. ft screened porch for year round outdoor enjoyment, look at this opportunity! $699,900. Call/text Gary 540-578-0178 online www.MassanuttenRealty.com