What is the Talk Around Towne?
A Guide to Getting your Home into Selling Shape
We’ve finally turned the corner on Winter, which means longer and warms days are ahead. It also means it’s the busiest season of the year for buying and selling homes. Are you thinking about putting your home on the market? When it comes to selling your home, it can be overwhelming just thinking about where to start. But there’s no need to panic. We’ve put together a Home Seller’s guide to help you get your [...]
5 Reasons to Check Your Credit Annually
March is Credit Education Month, and while credit isn’t always the most exciting topic to talk about, it’s important to understand where you stand with your credit history. After all, your credit has a huge impact on your financial future and well-being. Your credit can affect where you can live, what jobs you’re eligible for, how much money you can borrow, the interest rate you will pay, and might even have an effect on aspects of [...]
Your Guide to New Tax Law Changes
With the new Tax Law (TCJA) or Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, millions of Taxpayers are wondering which tax breaks they will still be able to use in 2018, and which ones have been eliminated. To help answer some of these questions, Chris Bufis, Loan Officer with NewTowne Mortgage in Norfolk, created a guide to help taxpayers understand how they will be affected by the new tax law. 2018 Federal Income Tax Bracket This will affect [...]
Home Décor Fit for a President
One of the best benefits of homeownership is the ability to put your own personal touch on your home by decorating or renovating it however you want. While the Presidents and First Ladies of the U.S. don’t technically own the White house while living there, they are given the freedom by Congress to renovate, decorate or maintain the living quarters however they see fit. In honor of President’s Day, here are some fun facts about how [...]
Cut your Bills with these Energy Saving Tips
In the New Year, many of us are setting resolutions to save money, or be friendlier to the environment. One great way to do both is to cut down on your energy usage. But with temperatures dropping below freezing, it can be hard to cut down on your usage without feeling the effects. In honor of National Cut your Energy Costs day, here are a few low hassle ways to cut down on your energy costs [...]
Home Sweet Home Loans
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” -Confucious Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, and we’re celebrating our one true love—the mortgage industry. It may sound cheesy, but we love that we have the opportunity to help thousands of home buyers each year, and we’re proud to provide the secure financing they need to purchase their dream homes! Although going through the mortgage process [...]
Before Kick Off, You Can Cook Off
How will you be watching the game this year? No matter where you are, it’s likely that you’ll be surrounded by friends, fans and food! Every year before kickoff, our TowneBank Mortgage team gets together for the Annual Chili Cookoff. The competition gets pretty heated, and not just because the chili is spicy, and we’ve got talented chefs creating recipes too good not to share. Whether you enjoy it with cornbread, rice, noodles, or even serve [...]
Get Your Mortgage at the Speed of Life
When you’re going through the homebuying process, you want a lender that can work at the “speed of life.” That means technology and communication that allow you to easily apply for a mortgage anytime, anywhere, and alerts that keep you constantly updated on the status of your loan throughout the process. That’s why we created our TowneBank Mortgage Mobile app, available in the Android and Apple App Store. With our app, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art [...]
Could You Qualify for Downpayment Assistance?
Are you having trouble saving up enough money for a downpayment? You're not alone. In fact, saving for a down payment is the largest obstacle to homeownership, according to a recent Zillow Housing Aspirations Report. While there are several mortgage programs available that offer little or 0% down such as the no money down USDA Loan, no money down VA loan, or the 3.5 percent down FHA Loan, saving up for all the costs associated with [...]
Realtor’s Guide to Crushing your 2019 Resolution
Instead of piling on the ambitions from the get-go, why not try this New Year’s Resolution Monthly Challenge? Try to develop one good habit per month for the entire year, and see how it helps move your business forward! January- Get organized: Take the time to organize files and documents in your office and at home. Digitize as much as possible. Don’t forget to clean up and organize documents and files on your computer as well. It’s [...]
What determines your interest rate?
What determines your interest rate? While interest rates are still considered “historically low,” you might have noticed that they have been rising slowing over the past year. So, what exactly causes interest rates to fluctuate? We spoke with Mario Gomez, Vice President of Capital Markets at TowneBank Mortgage, to find out. “There’s a lot of factors that could cause rates to move,” Mario said. “Some of the main factors for long-term rate changes are inflation or [...]
Financial Fitness Tips for the 2019 Homebuyer
Just like getting into top physical shape, getting into homebuying shape takes time and determination. The best strategy to prepare: get organized and create a plan that will help you improve your financial fitness over time. It won’t happen overnight, but if your goal is to purchase a home in the new year, it’s never too early to get started. SHAPE UP YOUR CREDIT Just like stepping on a scale, checking your credit score might be [...]
FHFA Announces Increased Loan Limits for 2019
Beginning in 2019, the Federal Housing Finance Agency will raise the amount that home buyers can borrow on conforming loans to $484,350, up from the current limit of $453,100. That means homebuyers can borrow up to $31,250 more toward their home purchase without having to qualify for a Jumbo Mortgage. So, what are some of the benefits of a conforming loan? Often have less strict qualifications Often have a lower interest rate Can put as little [...]
Financial Fitness Tips for the 2019 Homebuyer
Just like getting into top physical shape, getting into homebuying shape takes time and determination. The best strategy to prepare: get organized and create a plan that will help you improve your financial fitness over time. It won’t happen overnight, but if you’re goal is to purchase a home in the new year, it’s never too early to get started. Here to coach you through the homebuying fitness plan is TowneBank Mortgage Loan Officer Sydney Comisky. [...]
Credit do’s and don’ts: Holiday edition
‘Tis the season to shop til you drop! With blow out deals and gifts galore, you might be tempted to put it all on the credit card this holiday season. But before you swipe and land yourself on the naughty list, consider how your shopping habits could affect your credit score. Keep your credit in check with these tips: Don’t max out your credit. Credit utilization—or the amount of money you spend compared to your available [...]
Deck Your Halls: Home Decorating Tips
Whether you're hosting or just looking to get into the holiday spirit, it’s always fun to make your home feel warm and festive. Its always smart to save on for sale items in store or online. The best deals are right before Christmas, or even the days right after Christmas if you want to get an early start on next year’s decorations.Here are a few more tips to make your home magical for the holidays, while [...]
Holiday treats from our family to yours
No matter how you celebrate, chances are that food will be part of the tradition. Here are a few tried-and-true dessert recipes from our TowneBank Mortgage family to yours. No-Bake Christmas Tree Cookies Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter 2 cups powdered sugar 3 tbsp. milk 3 cups coconut, sweetened 1/2 tsp. vanilla or mint extract Green food coloring 3/4 cup white chocolate chips 1 tsp. butter 1 tbsp. milk Mini M&M’s Recipe from Michelle ArseneaultTowneBank Mortgage, Virginia Beach [...]
WORK HARD, GET REWARDED
Work Hard, Play HardRewarding top quality work and excellence in production is part of our culture. Our Chairman's Club, hosted in the spring every year, is one no one wants to miss. It's an opportunity for us to celebrate our top loan officers and all they have achieved in the past year. For a few days, they take a break from the daily grind and enjoy beautiful beaches, once in a lifetime experiences and extravagant dinners. [...]
INNOVATION THROUGH MARKETING
At TowneBank Mortgage, we believe that the more we can support our sales team through innovative technology and marketing, the more loan officers will be able to grow their personal brands, strengthen partnerships and feel more confident in their plan for growth and success in their own career paths. Our marketing team works with loan officers to create strategies and offer resources that make an impact in their local communities. Some of our marketing resources include: Towne [...]
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR ALL
At Towne, we understand that no borrower is the same. It's our vision to think outside the box and provide the best products to match the unique needs of each individual. Our customer journey allows for the borrow to do business exactly the way they want, from application to closing.Learn more about our customer experience: Download the Mortgage Mobile App- check out our mobile mortgage application and easy-to-use mortgage calculators. Click here to download! Visit our [...]
TOP QUALITY IN SECONDARY
Who is Towne? Throughout the mortgage process, our customers interact regularly with their loan officer for updates and information about their loan and to answer any questions that come up throughout the process. But behind that loan officer is a support system that's working tirelessly to enhance the overall experience for each and every one of our customers and partners, as well as keep your loans on track, and get you to closing as quickly as [...]
4 Reasons to Use a Local Lender
When you’re searching for a mortgage, it can be difficult to know where to start. As a modern-day consumer, you’re probably starting your search online, and you’ve researched various options and companies for your home loan. While there will be several factors lead to your decision—the most important factor should be the level of customer service provided throughout the mortgage process, says Laura Cooper, President of Towne First Mortgage in Richmond, Virginia. “When you’re getting a [...]
TowneBank Provides $200,000 in Grants for Florence Relief
TowneBank, which has banking, insurance, mortgage and other operations from the Outer Banks to Charlotte, North Carolina, has provided $200,000 in emergency assistance to three key entities working to help residents impacted by Tropical Storm Florence. They are: North Carolina Governor’s Relief Fund ($100,000) American Red Cross – Eastern North Carolina Chapter ($50,000) Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina ($50,000) “We are fortunate that our company is able to quickly respond with funding to [...]
5 Signs You’re Ready to Become a Homeowner
So, you’re ready to stop making your landlord rich and start building equity through homeownership. But are you ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a home? Despite what you’ve heard, buying isn’t just a financial decision. There are many factors, including your professional and personal situation that should impact your decision. We sat down with TowneBank Loan Officer Dex Auer for his advice on how to decide when it’s time to buy. Here are [...]
EXCELLENCE IN OPERATIONS
Who is Towne? “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist Throughout the mortgage process, our customers interact regularly with their loan officer for updates and information about their loan and to answer any questions that come up throughout the process. But behind that loan officer is a support system that's working tirelessly to enhance the overall experience for each and every one of our [...]
VHDA Introduces New Homeownership Program
In an effort to offer down payment assistance to more homebuyers, the VHDA has created a new second mortgage program, known as the VDHA Plus Second Mortgage. The program, which went into effect August 15, replaces the FHA Plus Loan Program. The VHDA Plus Second Mortgage, a VHDA-financed and FHA-insured home loan, allows eligible first-time buyers to finance down payment or closing costs. Under program guidelines, qualified buyers can borrow a percentage of their home’s purchase [...]
10 Steps to Homeownership
Buying a home should be an exciting milestone! But if you’re a first-time homebuyer, or even if you’ve bought a home in the past, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the entire process. That’s why we sat down with loan officer Chace Cooper, to give you a break down on exactly what happens throughout each step of the homebuying process. “Obtaining a mortgage is a sophisticated process,” Chace said. “The earlier you start preparing, the smoother [...]
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
Since our founding in 2001, TowneBank Mortgage has experienced growth in all areas, including the overall number of employees and geographical footprint, as well as total loan volume, making us one of the top residential mortgage lenders:Over 800 employeesLending footprint of 13 states across the East Coast, from PA to FLMore than $3.5 billion in loan volume in 2017Ranked #48 in Top Volume in the NationBut there's more to know about Towne than numbers alone. Local [...]
Jean Brackins Passes on Her Son’s Passion
Growing up, Lee Terrell spent the school year living on Virginia’s Northern Neck with his father, and summers in Virginia Beach with his mom and stepdad, Jean and Brian Brackins. The summer after Lee’s 13th birthday, he had his first experience surfing at a local camp. He fell in love with the sport immediately. The next summer, Lee decided he wanted to live with Jean and Brian year-round. “I would love to say it was because he [...]
#ReadySetGrow with TowneBank Mortgage
At TowneBank Mortgage, our mission is to better the communities where we live and work. From helping people achieve their dream of homeownership to supporting local organizations, we’re always looking for new ways to inspire and appreciate our employees, as well as our neighbors. That's why we’ve announced the #ReadySetGrow campaign. #ReadySetGrow is designed to inspire each other to experience new and exciting opportunities and make other people feel good through our words and actions. We have chosen the [...]
All-American Recipes for Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start preparing for a day full of festivities! Independence Day is a day to celebrate all the freedoms we are afforded as Americans. No matter how you decide to celebrate this year, we hope you enjoy a day filled with fireworks, family, friends, and food! In honor of the holiday, we put together a few of our favorite easy, all-American summertime [...]
Announcing HPW Towne Mortgage
June 4, 2018 For Immediate Release Raleigh, NC- North Carolina-based Towne Mortgage of the Carolinas and Coldwell Banker HPW are pleased to announce their joint venture as HPW Towne Mortgage, effective immediately. HPW Towne Mortgage, a subsidiary of TowneBank Mortgage, provides a variety of conventional, government-insured and niche mortgage products and programs to clients throughout the Triangle-area of North Carolina and beyond. The mortgage company produced over $157 million in residential loan volume in 2017. Under [...]
Events to Add to your Summer Bucket List
School’s almost out for summer, which means it’s time for some fun in the sun! No matter where you live, it’s always exciting to get out there and experience something new! So, whether you’re taking a road trip or enjoying a staycaction, here’s a resource list to help you plan your summer fun! Here's a list of some local's favorites in Hampton Roads: When What June 1-3 Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of our Military June [...]
Nick Russo’s Rules to Live By
As the weather continues to heat up, so does the housing market—which means if you’re a real estate or mortgage professional, you’re gearing up for a busy season of helping clients buy, sell and finance homes. The challenge of serving the needs of your clients while continuing to market and grow your pipeline can be overwhelming, but we’ve got some tips that can help you “Light Your Business On Fire.” Nick Russo is a highly successful [...]
Avoid these Homebuying Fouls
Preparing to qualify for a home loan is like preparing for a playoff game. During the season, you work to improve your credit score, save enough for a down payment, gather and organize all the necessary documents and search for homes within your budget. Once you’ve finally been approved, you might think the season is over and victory is yours! But, before you can take home the championship, there are still a few things that stand [...]
Could You Qualify for Downpayment Assistance?
Are you having trouble saving up enough money for a downpayment? You're not alone. In fact, saving for a down payment is the largest obstacle to homeownership, according to a recent Zillow Housing Aspirations Report. While there are several mortgage programs available that offer little or 0% down such as the no money down USDA Loan, no money down VA loan, or the 3.5 percent down FHA Loan, saving up for all the costs associated with [...]
Master Your Credit Score
You may not know the ins and outs of what makes up your credit score, but we can all agree on one thing, your credit score is extremely important. Not only can you be denied a home loan if your score is too low, but poor credit could also lead to difficulty being approved when you’re renting an apartment, higher insurance premiums, being denied on a job application and it determines what types of loans you [...]
Here’s How to Finance a Fixer Upper
You’ve seen it on HGTV shows like Property Brothers or Fixer Upper—experts take an outdated home and make it into the buyer’s dream home—all at a fraction of what it costs to buy new. But is it possible to live out your HGTV dreams in reality? “Absolutely,” says Chris Busching, renovation loan specialist with TowneBank Mortgage in Virginia Beach, who has over two decades of experience specializing in renovation loans. “With an abundance of rundown or [...]
“Semper Gumbi” (Always Flexible)- Mantra of the Military Spouse
Real Estate Agent Leah Pommerer knows the challenges of moving for the military because she’s lived it. She’s packed up her home, her children and her life, and moved across the country. However, when she talks about moving, the very real challenges of military deployment and leaving her friends and family for a new place, she isn’t complaining, she’s smiling. She says her mantra, “Semper Gumbi” or Always Flexible is how she stays positive. “Bloom where [...]
Fast-talking Dana Dudley draws on experience
Dana Dudley might be the fastest speaking loan officer you’ll ever meet. That’s because when she’s not helping her clients purchase or refinance their homes, she’s working as a benefit auctioneer for various non-profits and auction houses around the Frederick County, Maryland area. “My friend convinced me that I would be a great auctioneer because I talk so fast,” Dana said. “I decided to do it because I always enjoyed going to auctions, and there was [...]
Fast-talking Dana Dudley draws on experience
Dana Dudley might be the fastest speaking loan officer you’ll ever meet. That’s because when she’s not helping her clients purchase or refinance their homes, she’s working as a benefit auctioneer for various non-profits and auction houses around the Frederick County, Maryland area. “My friend convinced me that I would be a great auctioneer because I talk so fast,” Dana said. “I decided to do it because I always enjoyed going to auctions, and there was [...]
Bill Weakley’s Big Break
When you ask Loan Officer Bill Weakley what led him to his career as a loan officer, the answer might surprise you. His initial search for a new job after a 15-year career in the restaurant industry began when he and his wife decided to start a family. But it wasn’t until the first ultrasound appointment when the doctor showed two heartbeats instead of one, that Bill knew he knew he had to make a change [...]
Tips to take your home to the next level this holiday season
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year, full of parties, gifts, LOTS of food and, of course time spent with family and friends. As you prepare to host your loved ones this year, don’t panic! We’ve got a secret weapon. Here to help you transform any size space on a budget is Design Consultant Lorraine Carter with Summit Construction. Lorraine can make any room look like it’s straight from your Pinterest board dreams. Right now, she’s working [...]
Tips for a Harmonious Home
Whether you’re putting your house up for sale or just looking to give your home a fresh look, it can be difficult to know where to start! As a seller, staging can help your home to stand out among the competition. To help you get started, we met with Design Consultant Lorraine Carter, who gave us some insider tricks of the trade she uses for staging. In her role, Lorraine helps to create user friendly floorplans [...]
Here’s what you need to know about a VA loan
If you’re a veteran, active duty or reserve military member in the United States, you’re probably aware that you’re entitled to a number of benefits. But are you aware of all of the advantages of a VA Loan? It’s a loan program unlike any other and is one of the few loan programs that allow you to purchase or refinance a home with no money down. A Veterans Affair (VA) Loan is a home loan designed [...]
Are Homebuying Fears Haunting You?
Are home buying nightmares keeping you up at night? If so, then we have good news for you. Most first-time homebuyer fears are unfounded and completely avoidable! Sure—it can be downright scary making a decision as big as purchasing your first home. But don't let these fears spook you—they’re not as frightening as they seem! Fear Number 1. I don’t have enough money for a down payment. This fear is built upon the misconception that you [...]
TowneBank Mortgage Inspires Others to #LiveLikeBeth
On October 8, over 200 Towne employees gathered on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach to “Stomp Out ALS” at the 10th annual JT Walk and Country Music Beach Party. The JT Walk is a charity event that raises proceeds to fund ALS research. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a degenerative motor neuron disease that reduces muscle functionality. The walk also raises money for community projects such as JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park & [...]
How To Prep Your Home For a Hurricane
Hurricanes are a major source of concern—not only for the health and wellbeing of your family and friends—but for your home as well. With heavy winds and long periods of rain, hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to your home. There are, however, preparations that can be made upfront that can save money and heartache in the long run. We spoke with Towne Insurance Agent Chandler Fulton, who gave us some great insight for during, and after [...]
Karyn McAlpin Delivers a Modern Mortgage with Customer Service
At Towne, we’re proud to have an array of knowledgeable and professional loan officers who help thousands of clients purchase or refinance their homes each year. In our Loan Officer Spotlight Series, we will be sitting down with a different loan officer each week to talk about their unique experience in the mortgage industry. This week, we sat down with Charlotte-based loan officer Karyn McAlpin, a 25-year veteran in the mortgage industry. When Karyn McAlpin took [...]
TowneBank Mortgage Loan Officer Rides to Raise Autism Awareness
On July 28, Senior Loan Officer Maria Foster will participate in a bike ride from Washington DC to Dewey Beach, Delaware to raise awareness and money for autism. A total of over 100 grueling miles on a hot summer day and Maria couldn’t be more excited. “I signed up for the race back in April after hearing about it from a co-worker, and I’m excited to have my sons riding with me,” says Maria. This “Bike [...]
Can You Qualify for a Mortgage with Student Loan Debt?
If you recently graduated from college, chances are you have some student debt. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to qualify for a mortgage, even while paying off your debt. Fitzgerald Financial Loan Officer Matt Sines says this scenario is actually very common. “Over the past few years, the mortgage industry has taken steps to address student loans including more flexible guidelines and even special programs geared toward first-time homebuyers that are typically straddled with student [...]
Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream?
With Independence Day around the corner, we’re reflecting on what it means to be American. There is so much to be thankful for as we celebrate our freedom on the 4th—such as the dream that America was founded on. The American Dream stands for democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality. It is the idea that every American should have the same opportunity for success, and upward mobility for themselves and their family. An overwhelming majority of [...]
Home Improvement Projects to Put on Your Summer To-Do List
What’s on your to-do list this summer?? If you have a home improvement project in the works, it could actually pay off in the long run. “Doing needed (or desired) renovations in your home can help bring its value up,” said Chris Busching, National Renovation Manager for TowneBank Mortgage. “If your kitchen that has appliances and cabinets from the 80’s is being compared to a kitchen that has been upgraded in the last few years, you can [...]
Investment Property or Vacation Home? Which One is Right for You
So, you’re thinking about finally investing in that beach house up for sale in your favorite resort town. But will it be your vacation home? Or will you use it as a rental property? Maybe you’re planning on doing a little of both. Either way, purchasing a property can always be seen as a good long-term investment, whether you plan on generating rental income or not. However, mortgage lenders and the IRS will define your home [...]
What You Need to Know About a Reverse Mortgage
What comes to mind when you think about a reverse mortgage? Many people have developed an opinion without first gathering the facts. To help separate the facts from the fiction, we sat down with Reverse Mortgage Consultants Mike Poole and Sue Haviland. A reverse mortgage, also known as a home equity conversion mortgage, allows homeowners 62 years and above to access the home equity they have built in their homes and defer any payments until they [...]
How to Get a Mortgage if You’re an Entrepreneur
There are lots of perks to being your own boss. Freedom to create your own schedule, finding new challenges and opportunities and, of course, the satisfaction of watching your business grow. In fact, more than 50% of millennials say they are interested in entrepreneurship, and more than a quarter of millennials are already self-employed, according to the U.S. Chamber Foundation. But if you’re an entrepreneur looking to secure a mortgage, things can get a little tricky. [...]
A Backyard Barbecue Fueled by TowneBank Mortgage Marketing
Last week, the marketing team at TowneBank Mortgage hosted an epic BBQ. From sliders, and snacks, to yard games and ice cold drinks, our party had all the ingredients for the perfect backyard bash. But, this was no ordinary cookout! Our event doubled as a creative networking event, focused on educating our sales people on the importance of video, social media, and content marketing in their marketing plans. Below are 5 digital marketing tips from [...]
Don’t Believe these Downpayment Myths
In most cases, your parents know best. But when it comes to buying a house and your down payment, you may not want to follow every word of advice (sorry, dad). It's one of the questions most frequently asked by clients, and apparently, our parents are to blame! In many cases, putting 20% down is an old rule of thumb in real estate. People know they need to save money to buy a home, but there [...]
5 Mortgage Myths Debunked
It’s time to set the record straight. If you’re going through the mortgage process, there’s a chance you’re trusting google with answers to questions like, “How much should I put down on my home?” or “Do I need to hire a home inspector?” But you can’t always trust what the internet has to say, so we called Loan Officer Kenny Fryman in Richmond, VA and his partners to give us the facts on these five common [...]
Tax Benefits of Owning a Home
Unless you’re hiding from the IRS in some undisclosed safe house right now, chances are you’re reading this feeling pretty good about the fact that you filed your taxes in time, and made it through the stress and uncertainty for another year. Way to go! You’re #adulting. But, 2017 tax season will be here before you know it, and if you’ve bought a home or are considering buying one this year, you should know there are [...]
5 Signs You’re Ready to Become a Homeowner
So, you’re ready to stop making your landlord rich and start building equity through homeownership. But are you ready for the responsibility that comes with owning a home? Despite what you’ve heard, buying isn’t just a financial decision. There are many factors, including your professional and personal situation that should impact your decision. We sat down with TowneBank Loan Officer Dex Auer for his advice on how to decide when it’s time to buy. Here are [...]
5 Steps to a Greener Lawn This Spring
There’s more to achieving green grass than just giving it a bit of water every now and then. Why not make this the year that you have a plush, green lawn that all your neighbors will envy! A green lawn can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and can make spending time in your yard much more enjoyable. Follow these instructions for a nice, green lawn: Seed your lawn with a variety of grass seeds [...]
10 Cybersecurity Tips to Stay Safer Online
With so many different forms of cyber crimes and criminals, it's hard to protect yourself online. Each time you log on, you're exposing yourself to identity theft, financial fraud, information privacy and forgery, and more. Each time we use the internet, we make choices that affect our cyber security. The first step to protecting yourself from cyber-attacks is realizing that it can happen to you. Keep these 10 cyber security tips in mind each time you go [...]
Thinking of Buying into a Homeowner Association? Here’s What You Need to Know
A Homeowner Association (HOA) is a private association created by a real estate developer to market, manage and sell homes and lots in planned developments. These can include, houses, townhouses, and condominiums. If you buy a house in the subdivision or condominium, you are generally obligated to become a member of the homeowner association and pay monthly or annual fees. The HOA manages the common areas and amenities and enforces the rules and bylaws. HOA fees [...]
How to Spot a Credit Repair Scam
If your credit is down the drain, you might feel desperate to repair it. The marketplace is saturated with companies that promise to repair your credit. If you're looking for credit repair help, be aware that not all parties promising to repair your credit are legitimate. Make sure you recognize credit repair schemes before you become a victim. Be suspicious if a company: Insists that you pay upfront before services are provided to you. Under the federal [...]
How to Give Your Home the Best Spring Clean
Ever wonder why we spring clean? Spring cleaning is a tradition rooted in thousands of years of history. Many civilizations would take advantage of the spring’s light and warmth, using this time to clean all the soot that piled up during the long, cold winter. Although the majority of us don’t heat our homes with fire, it's still commonplace to take advantage of the warm weather and give your home a deep clean after the long [...]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Check Out These Tips to Help Your Home Go Green
Did you know going green can actually save you money? There are simple steps you can take to help you save, all while protecting the Earth.
5 Ways to Improve Your Bad Credit
If you have bad credit, you might feel like doors are constantly being closed on you. It could lead to difficulty being approved for an apartment, paying higher insurance premiums, being denied a job, or being denied for a loan. Credit scores reflect your payment patterns over time and almost all major lenders use them. Your credit indicates to people how trustworthy you are, and indicates to lenders how likely you are to pay back your [...]
5 Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom without Remodeling
Your bathroom should be one of the most peaceful and relaxing rooms in your house. If you’re tired of your outdated bathroom, then give it a makeover! It’s not as complicated as you might think. Since its one of the smallest rooms in the house, you can make significant changes to the look and feel of your bathroom without taking on a big renovation project. Your bathroom can take on many different looks. Whether you want [...]
Need to Establish Good Credit? Here’s How
It’s March, which means it's credit education month! While most of us know what a credit score is, a lot of consumers do not fully understand what factors impact your credit score. Credit scores reflect your payment patterns and credit history over time and almost all major lenders use them. So why is your credit score so important? Your credit indicates to lenders how likely you are to pay back your loan. In the eyes of [...]
Fun Staging Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Selling Potential
Most homeowners spend weeks, if not months, preparing their home to sell. From repainting walls, fixing leaky plumbing, to waxing floors, it can be a lot of hard work. Should staging your home be part of that process? Staging your home might not always make it sell for more money, but it will likely help it sell faster and for the home’s market value. Hiring a professional to stage your home could cost you hundreds, if [...]
5 Reasons to Buy a Newly Built Home
Buying a home is an exciting, yet complicated process. As a homebuyer, you will make countless decisions about what you want—and don’t want—in your dream house. One decision you will make is the age of your house. Although no one can make that choice for you, here are some reasons why many homebuyers choose to buy a newly built home.
Three Reasons to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Serious homebuyers should consider starting the homebuyer process in the office of a loan officer rather than a real estate agent. Potential home buyers benefit in a variety of ways by obtaining a letter of pre-approval before finding a home, including a feeling of confidence when you’re ready to bid on your dream home.
Home Improvement Projects you can knock out over the weekend
Don’t have the time and money for major renovations? Try some of these mini but mighty home improvement projects. They might not cost a lot, but they’ll make a major difference in the look and feel of your house!
TowneBank Mortgage Introduces #SpreadTheLove
What does it mean to #SpreadTheLove? It means sacrificing your time to do something that will benefit those in your community who need it the most. It means getting together with friends, family, and coworkers to do something that makes others feel good.
Eight Tips for Buying your First Home
Buying your first home can be an overwhelming process. These eight tips from our mortgage professionals will help take the stress out of home buying and make it an enjoyable experience.
Should you hire a home inspector?
It’s not mandatory to hire a home inspector before purchasing a home, but neglecting to do so could blindside you to issues in the house that are undetectable to the untrained eye. When you’re touring a home, you’re most likely going to notice that the walls need a fresh coat of paint and that the appliances could use an update. But you might not realize that there’s an issue with the electrical wiring throughout the house—one that could start a dangerous fire if left unfixed.
How to Create a Killer Man Cave
Nowhere to watch the big game? Need a space where you can relax and chill out after a long day at work? It might be time to think about creating your very own “man cave.”
Get Ready for The Big Game with These Tasty Treats
Having people over for the Big Game this Sunday? No matter who you’re rooting for, you’ll be sure to win your guests over with these delicious, football inspired treats!
Light the Fire: A Motivational Night to Remember
Calling all Richmond Area real estate agents! Lacking the motivation you need to take your sales to the next level? Join us on Thursday, February 9th for Light the Fire at the Salisbury Country Club for a motivational night with professional speaker Denise Ryan. At the event, Denise Ryan will share 6 critical steps to keep yourself motivated and fired up! It doesn’t matter what life throws your way—these six steps will keep you driven to make that million dollar sale.
9 Easy tips to prepare your home to sell
Before you list your house on the market, it is important to prepare your home to be viewed by potential buyers. Thankfully for you, this doesn’t mean renovating your kitchen and adding a pool. Just a few minor fixes can go a long way in wooing potential buyers. Getting your house in tip-top shape will ensure that it sells quickly and for the best price possible.
The Ultimate Moving Checklist
There’s no doubt about it—moving isn’t a fun process. It requires you to box up your life, only to unpack it in a new location. For those of us who are more unorganized than others, it can require days sorting through forgotten belongings.
9 Ways to Save for a Down Payment
Saving enough for a down payment is the hardest obstacle to overcome while trying to achieve the dream of homeownership. If you’re aiming to save for a down payment, try using these 9 tricks.
11 easy ways to make a small room look bigger
Everyone has a room in their house that’s a little too small for their liking. It’s easy for a tiny room to feel cramped, cluttered, and unorganized. But a small space doesn’t mean you have to feel like the walls are caving in on you. Here are some tips on how to make your small space feel bigger, brighter and more functional.
About TowneTalk
We’re thrilled to debut our new, mobile-friendly blog! The TowneTalk blog is your new go-to source for mortgage and real estate industry news. At TowneBank Mortgage, we strive to educate our borrowers, and empower them to make smart financial decisions. Our blog is dedicated to that goal, and aims to inform readers by providing helpful mortgage advice, tips and best practices on home buying and homeownership.
Your Ultimate Guide to Mortgage Terms
Are you thinking about buying a home? Check out your ultimate guide to mortgage terms to help you decipher through the jargon.
New Year’s Resolutions for the Future Homebuyer
Are you looking to buy or invest in a home in 2016? Check out our New Year’s Resolutions to help get you to the closing table this year.
10 Ways to cut your heating costs this winter
It’s that time again. Trees are bare, and temperatures are dropping below freezing. In the new year, many of us are setting resolutions to save more money. Here are a few low-investment ideas to help keep your house warm, and save you money on your monthly heating bill. 1. Bundle up. If you’re serious about saving money, this should be the first step. Instead of cranking up the heat, put on a winter sweater or sweatshirt, thick [...]
Nine things to know about VA loans
A Veterans Affair (VA) loan is a home loan partially guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and was designed to help finance homes for eligible members of the military, veterans and some surviving spouses. A VA loan is a great option for military members who qualify, because these mortgages do not always require a down payment and are often easier to qualify for than conventional loans.
How to choose the right listing price for your home:
Choosing a listing price is one of the first steps in selling your home. Some up-front research and careful deliberation will help you expedite the selling process while still getting your money’s worth.
