Category: Mortgages

4 Ways New Homeowners Can Save on Their Taxes

Home owners

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting and trying time in your life. Once all the papers are signed, and the keys turned over, it all seems worth it. That is until a pipe bursts, lightning knocks out the tree, and your dog decides to burst through the screen door. Not all hope is lost however. In return for your endless work, and commitment to a never ending to-do list, the U.S. Government has provided four tax-based ways to reward you for home ownership. See how to take advantage of these four tax breaks, and make the most of your new home purchase:

  • Early IRA Withdrawal: For many new homeowners, securing the initial down payment can be the first hurdle in their real estate journey. If you’re a first-time home buyer and have an IRA, or Roth IRA, the IRS will allow you to withdraw up to $10,000, penalty-free, to aide in the cost of your new dwelling!
  • Valuable Deductions: Between your mortgage interest, mortgage insurance, and real estate taxes, your home deductions could make a big dent in your taxable income. When preparing your taxes as a new homeowner, be sure to bring any mortgage documents, and escrow account information, to your tax professional to gain the full benefit of the deductions.
  • Renewable-Energy Tax Credit: Did you upgrade your home appliances to more efficient and environmentally-friendly options? Did you install a geothermal system in your home? If so, this helpful tax credit may be able to take a portion of that improvement cost out of your deductible income!
  • Tax-Free Profit on Sale: When you go to sell your home, the IRS allows you to avoid the capital gains tax on the profits you generate from the sale. This means that if your home’s value goes up $35,000 in the two or more years you live there, you are then able to retain the additional $35,000 your home is sold for without having to pay any taxes on those funds. One other major stipulation of this benefit is that in order to avoid the capital gains tax, you must purchase a new home as your primary residence within the next two years.

With these key homeowner tax breaks, the next thing to put on your to-do list is to make a plan for those tax refunds! If you have questions on how to best budget for your new home, don’t hesitate to stop in. We’d love to talk taxes, financing, or other improvement ideas you have for your home!

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

The Top 10 Things That Add Value to Your Home

home renovations

Just like purchasing your home, selling it is a journey all its own. Whether you’re aiming to sell your home in one year or five, you can make a number of small changes that offer a big return on your home’s value. Try these key improvements and see the effect on your next home assessment.

  1. An eye-catching entrance. As the gateway into your home, your front door will set the tone for what’s within. Update your door bell, paint the front door, and hang a spring wreath to tie it all together.
  2. Energy-efficient updates: Updating appliances, windows, and fixtures, to their more green counterparts can set your home apart with the attractive promise of future savings.
  3. Low-maintenance landscaping: While flowers are eye-catching, shrubs and drought-resistant greenery make great visual impact with the promise of less hassle.
  4. A thorough clean. A deep clean of carpets, curtains, and corners will make your home sparkle and create a positive first impression. Hiring a professional cleaning service may also help to remove hard-to-clean grime and overlooked areas.
  5. De-cluttered rooms. A tidy house doesn’t always feel open. Heavy curtains, overstuffed couches, and rooms devoid of sunlight can make buyers cautious of square footage. Rid the room of nothing but bare essentials and simplistic furniture to maximize the area of the space.
  6. Extra mirrors. To double the feel of any room, strategically place mirrors to create an illusion of extra space.
  7. Small updates to big places. Kitchens and bathrooms are focal points in the selling process. Without the time and cost of a major remodel, small updates like new lighting, fresh paint, or modern accessories can add value to your home on a budget.
  8. Revamped flooring: Thin or threadbare carpets can raise alarms for buyers as they visualize the daunting need to replace the tired flooring. As your budget allows, replace your home’s carpet beginning high-traffic areas and working outwards.
  9. Modern lighting. Updating light fixtures to a timeless and simple feel, help to elevate a home’s design and gives the potential buyer a blank canvas to imagine life in their new home.
  10. A professional opinion. In under an hour, a trained interior designer can provide suggestions for small tweaks, such as furniture arrangement or paint color adjustments, which can increase your home’s value with limited investment.

While improvements are not a guarantee of improved value, they can make all the difference when drawing in interested buyers. If some of your home-improvement projects require a bigger investment than your budget expected, our lending officers at Peoples Bank & Trust can work to help you secure the Home Equity Line of Credit you need.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

 

Renting v. Buying a Home

mortgages

Jumping into the ring of homeownership is an exciting milestone! There are many ways owning a home can impact you and your family. How do you know when to rent and when to make the move to purchasing your home? Peoples Bank & Trust is here to help with our handy guide to the pros and cons to renting and owning a home.

Renting

Cons:

  1. No wealth creation. As your payments go directly to your landlord and not the specific property, you are unable to build equity and reap the return on investments from the home’s growing value.
  2. No tax benefits. While homeowners can deduct property taxes and mortgage interest payments from their federal income tax, renters can’t claim deductions for housing costs.
  3. Dependent on the landlord. For everything ranging from utilities, to paint, to the rent dollars themselves, your landlord makes the majority of the decisions when it comes to renting a home. Depending on your lease, your landlord can increase the rent each year, or month!

Pros:

  1. Accommodates flexible lifestyles. If you travel frequently for work, leisure, or medical care, you may not have the time or availability to take care of a home. Renting allows an affordable accommodation without any hassle of renovations or repairs.
  2. Freedom in allocating finances. For renters, expenses such as mortgage insurance, real estate taxes, and home maintenance costs, can instead be funneled into savings, stocks or discretionary funds after the monthly rent and utilities are paid.
  3. Reduced insurance costs. Apart from renters insurance that covers the interior of a home, costly homeowners insurance and unexpected repairs belongs to the landlord, not the tenant.

Buying

Cons:

  1. Unexpected costs. Leaky roofs, backed-up pipes, and cracking foundations create thousands of dollars worth of unplanned repairs that stretch your budget to the limit.
  2. You’re locked in. Once you sign on the dotted line the house is yours, and so are the payments.
  3. Fluctuating home value. Despite your best efforts, your home can become less marketable based on circumstances out of your control. A declining neighborhood, housing surplus, or unstable market can decrease the value of your home despite well done renovations.

Pros:

  1. Fixed monthly payments. Homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages can trust that their mortgage payment will stay consistent each month, enabling the creation of a stable monthly budget.
  2. Financial gains. From tax credits to equity building, home ownership offers buyers a number of monetary perks and freedoms they wouldn’t receive as tenants.
  3. Freedom in expression. A kitchen remodel, a four-season porch addition, and other decorative transformations are all up to a homeowner’s discretion with no strings attached to a lease agreement.

Still on the fence? Our experts at Peoples Bank & Trust can sit down with you to help make a guided decision that suits both your lifestyle and your financials. Call and set up an appointment with us today!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

 

Taking Baby Steps to Eliminate Your Debt

Eliminating Debt

As of 2015, the average American with credit card debt owes $15,762 – and that’s just credit. Auto loans, student loans, and mortgages add thousands of dollars and years of repayment to your personal finances. However, debt doesn’t have to be a life sentence. Once you and your partner have made the commitment to work towards financial freedom, follow these steps from Peoples Bank & Trust to begin eliminating debts:

  1. Establish an emergency fund immediately. Unexpected events can take a harder hit on your savings than unbudgeted spending habits ever could. Even if you’re juggling a current debt or two, work to set aside $1,000 as soon as you can in a separate emergency checking account. As you chip away at remaining debt, this cushion can protect repayment plans from being flattened by a faulty car battery or flooded basement.
  2. Adopt the Debt Snowball method. Instead of listing them highest to lowest by interest rates, arrange debts from smallest to largest. Paying off a handful of small debts in the same time it’d take to chip away at a large one eases burdens, yields immediate results, and provides motivation to continue saving.
  3. Reduce your rates. Refinancing your mortgage and negotiating lower interest rates on credit cards can make a huge impact. Reevaluating your health, life, and auto insurance policies may reveal services you don’t need, or it can spur you to shop around for providers with lower rates.
  4. Chop extraneous expenses. Create a list of unavoidable monthly expenses – rent, utilities, gas, food, etc. Then create a second list of leisure expenses – gym memberships, cable, eating out, clothing. After budgeting for the necessities, pick a few discretionary categories you’d like to keep with reduced spending, but cut the rest. Putting your spending on a diet is easier when you allow yourself a few modest outlets.
  5. Evaluate progress monthly. Creating a multi-year financial plan for eliminating debt is the first step, not the only one. Perform a monthly check-up on your plan to continue spending within your budget. It can also provide a boost of encouragement when you see progress, and you might spot ways in your new financial routine to make your budget even more cost-effective.

It may be a long road to eliminate debt, but it’s within your ability to travel it. Don’t go it alone – contact Peoples Bank & Trust Co. today to help you create and stick to your financial plan.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

 

Make the Most of Your Spring Projects with a Cash-Out Refinancing!

Refinance

How do you decide if cash-out refinancing is for you? Do you like your home? Do you need more funds for repairs or renovations? Do you have a portion of your mortgage already paid off? If you can answer yes to all these questions, then refinancing your mortgage with a cash-out may be the best fit for you!

How does it work?

Refinancing is a strategic and beneficial financial tool. By utilizing the equity built into a home, owners are able to negotiate new rates of their loan, and potentially borrow additional funds. These funds are typically limited to the amount of the original mortgage, minus the current outstanding loan. The difference between these numbers is the amount home buyers may be able to use for renovations and other current financial needs.

What’s the benefit?

Once you receive the funds you are not tied to any one project. So whether you want to build a new deck, remodel a bathroom, or pay for another planned purchase, the options are endless. With a home equity loans however, borrowers are required to take on an additional monthly payment on top of their existing mortgage. Unlike a home equity line of credit, a cash-out mortgage refinancing offers a specific amount that is tied within your mortgage, typically offering a lower comparable interest rate. This lending option also allows the home owner to replace their existing mortgage with updated rates, so they have one affordable monthly payment instead of two!

Get started today!

In 2015 the average kitchen remodel cost between $11,261-$28,716, and the average bathroom remodel totaled $9,285. With spring time approaching, now is the perfect time to look at the benefits of refinancing your home! With other projects such as a new deck, pole building, or landscaping project, spring is the perfect time to start evaluating your home refinancing to see what your equity is capable of.

We’d love to help get you started, call us at (636) 528-7001 or check us out online today!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

How-To Make Your Spring Renovations with a Home Equity Line of Credit

Home Equity

Remodels can be an exciting and trying experience. If you’re looking to make some updates to your home, a Home Equity Line of Credit is the perfect way to use the equity you have already built in your house. Here at Peoples Bank & Trust we offer both Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit, let us show you which may work best for you!

Home Equity Loan: Using your home as your collateral you are able to borrow funds in addition to your mortgage to complete home projects or unexpected repairs. After speaking to a Peoples Bank & Trust loan officer, a loan amount will be determined along with a loan term for repayments. The funds from this loan are presented in one check to use as needed.

Home Equity Line of Credit: Also utilizing your residence as collateral this option allows you to obtain a line of credit, with an agreed upon loan amount. Accessed through the use of a checkbook, a credit line allows you to access funds as you need them instead of receiving one lump sum at the loan closing. With a designated cap there is a limit to your available funds.

Regardless of which loan type you choose, the loan amount will be determined by the current value of your home, your individual financial history and other factors.  If your home appraises for more than you anticipated, that’s great news; but remember, it is always recommended to secure a loan only for the amount you need, ensuring you don’t overextend your budget!

If you’re interested in beginning the process for your next home renovation, start the journey with Peoples Bank & Trust and our Home Equity options!

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

Home Buying in 5 Easy Steps

Mortgage

So you’ve decided to buy a home. Congratulations! You are about to embark on one of the most important purchases of your life. With so many options and financial decisions ahead of you, here are some key tips we want to share to help determine your ideal path to home ownership.

  1. Evaluate your Financial Readiness

There are many factors in determining your current financial capabilities when considering the purchase of a home. Add up your current monthly expenses, except for your current rent payment, and see if a mortgage payment can effectively be added without diminishing your overall monthly budget. If the answer is yes than it’s time to check your credit history! Every bank, and the individual loan types they offer, have various requirements. Take the time to research these programs and determine which suits your specific needs.

  1. Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Once you know your ideal lending option, it’s time to get pre-approved! By speaking with one of our experienced lenders you can determine if you qualify for various loan offerings, and at what amount and terms.

  1. Determine Your Overall Budget

Even if you qualify for more, it may be beneficial to cap your budget at a smaller amount. This will help you prepare for any unforeseen expenses, or higher than anticipated utility bills. Other factors to consider in setting your budget are savings goals, planned future expenses, additional costs to commute, and any unplanned repairs or renovations to the home.

  1. Find Your Perfect Home

Take your time while searching for your perfect home. Most home buyers stay in the same home for nine years before moving again, so you want to make sure this new house has everything your family needs. By working with a trusted local realtor you can ensure that you see all available properties within your budget, and act on new listings quickly!

  1. Close the Deal

Once you’ve made an offer on your dream home it’s time to make the purchase official! Work with your realtor to sign the purchase agreement, and close the transaction. Your mortgage lender at Peoples Bank & Trust will work to ensure the funds for your home mortgage arrive quickly and hassle-free. Once the t’s are crossed and the i’s are dotted, you are officially a home owner!

After becoming an official home owner it’s time to celebrate! You did it! At Peoples Bank & Trust we want to help guide you through your home buying adventure! Give us a call at (636) 528-7001 or apply online today to get started.

 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

NMLS# 407724

Equal Housing Lender

Member FDIC

Building Your Dream Home in 10 Steps!

construction

It’s almost spring, which means it’s construction season! In a time where anything can bloom, learn the ins-and-outs for how to grow your dream home into reality. Discover how to navigate the home building waters with these 10 easy tips to constructing your ideal home:

  1. Budget

No matter if you’re building the city’s largest mansion, or a humble abode out in the country, you’ll need proper financing to make it happen. To secure your home lending you’ll need a plan, and a budget. Sit down with your family and decide the bare bones of what you’re looking for and what it will cost. Be sure to account for potential problems, additions, and upgrades.

  1. Find your ideal land.

With so many options, sizes, locations, and other factors, be sure the price tag on your ideal plot is factored into your budget. Working with a realtor and your financial lender can help determine what factors to consider when choosing.

  1. Get a home mortgage from Peoples Bank & Trust

Now that you know your price point, you can get a pre-approved mortgage from Peoples Bank & Trust. Make the search for your future contractor easier by having quick and easy access to your designated financing.

  1. Hire a contractor.
    Ask your realtor to provide some contractor recommendations, and be sure to research companies before investing in a signed contract. Contractors are like any other company, they want your business, so shop around and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
  2. Set Timeline and stick to it

Work with your contractor to establish a goal for both the big picture, and all the little projects to get there. Speak with your provider and if you’re handy, there may be projects that you can complete to save on labor, such as speaker wiring or painting.

  1. Adjust Financing if needed.

Building a home is a process, and along the way there may be aspects of construction that change. We’ll help work with you and your budget to adjust your financing as needed, or work to include an option for a line of credit.

  1. Complete the Home Building Process

Ta-da the day is finally here! Now that you have your keys in hand it’s time to start making your house a home. Decorating, and adding those family details will help make your new construction feel like a familiar family retreat.

  1. Reorganize Finances

After the building process is complete it’s time to take another look at that budget. Did you stick to your financial goal, spend more or less than you planned for? If you’ve spent less than planned for congratulations! You can now lower your principal amount by paying off a portion of your mortgage with the surplus of funds. If you’ve spent more than budgeted for, just be sure to look into your finances and see if you need to adjust your spending or if you have the cushion to continue with larger payments.

 

  1. Make a New Household Budget

With a new home, come new expenses. Be sure to keep your eye on the prize by tracking monthly expenses and creating a strategic spending plan including utilities, mortgage payments, insurance, and any home owner association fees.

  1. Enjoy Your New Home

After all the time and effort that goes into creating a home it’s time to enjoy it! Have a house warming get-together or just sit back and relax, but be sure to celebrate because this is surely an accomplishment!

We know home building can be a hectic process, and that’s why we’re here to help you along the way! Stop by or call us today to learn about all of our home financing options! We can’t wait to see your dream home come to life.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS#407724

Choosing Your Ideal Mortgage Lending

Mortgage Lending

Mortgage Options

Winter is the ideal buyers-market for purchasing your next home. With motivated sellers, bargain prices, and available professionals, the chilly months offer the perfect opportunity to find your ideal home at an ideal price. When it comes to searching for your next abode be sure to begin by securing an approved mortgage. At Peoples Bank & Trust we offer a variety of mortgage options to suit every family and circumstance:

FHA Loans: Popular among first time homeowners and those rebuilding credit, the Federal Housing Administration backed loan, enables buyers to obtain a mortgage with little down, even if they have a lower credit score. Mortgage insurance is required for FHA loans, which adds an additional monthly cost that is included in your mortgage payments.

USDA Loans: For those looking to move to rural areas, the United States Department of Agriculture offers loans to aid low or moderate income families in buying, repairing, and renovating homes. There are three categories of loans for various incomes and buying intentions.

VA Loans: For those who have served in the military, or are currently serving, Veteran Affairs offers home loans in conjunction with local lenders. This loan requires no money down or mortgage insurance.

Once you’ve spoken with one our helpful lenders, the hunt is on for the perfect home! Be sure to keep these simple steps in determining the ideal home for you and your family.

  1. Look at homes only within your budget.
  2. Decide your ideal area, and your potential commute.
  3. Plan for the future, if your family is growing, additional bedrooms may a something to consider.
  4. Think for the seasons. Make sure that if Mother Nature throws some bad weather your way the house will remain safe and stable.
  5. Work with a realtor who knows the area.
  6. If you have questions, ask! Whether it’s about searching for your home, or extending your financing, make sure you’re educated in all of the options in front of you.

At Peoples Bank & Trust we are here to assist you with all of your home financing needs. Learn more about our mortgage lending options or visit your local bank branch. No matter the season, we’re here to help you on your way to home ownership.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS #407724