Home Ownership

6 Tips for Saving for Your Down Payment

Before making the transition from renting your home to owning your home, it is important to start saving for a down payment, typically 5 to 20 percent of the home’s value. Check out some helpful tips from the  American Bankers Association on how to save for it. 

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What’s the difference between a mortgage refinance and a HELOC?

Homeowners have several things to consider when it comes to finding needed funds for financing a project or consolidating debt.   Two popular lending options are refinancing an existing mortgage or tapping into the equity in your home with a home equity line of credit.  Let's explore the difference between the two! 

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Improvement Projects to Boost Your Home's Value

If you are thinking about starting some home improvement projects, you can be strategic about which ones to tackle first. There are some projects that net better returns than others. Learn about three home improvement projects that add plenty of value to your home. 

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Navigating the Mortgage Process when Purchasing your First Home

Searching for your first home can be an exhilarating, yet overwhelming time in your life. If you are having trouble with where to start, you are not alone.  With some guidance and organization, German American can help you be on your way to owning your first home. Here are some simple steps to get you started.

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Prepare Your Home For Winter With Energy Saving Tips

Heating your home uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, making up about 29% of your utility bill.  Read on to find helpful tips to prepare your home for cold winter temperatures from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

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Five mistakes to avoid as a first-time home buyer

Searching for your first home can be exciting and sometimes a little scary. It’s generally the largest expense most people will ever make, so it really pays to do your homework, and arm yourself with knowledge and a team of professionals who can help you avoid the pitfalls some first-time homebuyers find themselves making. Read on for some other missteps to avoid on the path to homeownership.

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How to Safeguard Your Home from Water Damage

Rain, rain, go away...

We can't control the weather, yet we can prepare for it, which is key to prevent potential water damage to your home. Follow the suggestions below to ensure your home is rain ready.

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Coverage For Renting Out Your Home

There are many reasons you might want to rent out your home on either a short- or long-term basis. Depending on the rental scenario, your standard homeowners policy may not cover losses incurred while your home is rented out, and you may require a more specialized insurance policy.

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