05
Dec
By Fred Gruber
Mortgage Tips

You Ask, We Answer: How to Choose Between Expanding Your Current Home and Buying a New One

Does your home feel like it’s starting to burst at the seams? Many homeowners across the country can relate to this feeling having bought a home only to run out of space due to a growing family or for other reasons. Let’s take a quick look at a few questions that will help you to determine whether buying a new home or expanding your current home is the best choice when you’re in need of some extra space.

Why Are You in Need of More Space?

The first question you’ll need to answer is… “why?” Are you running out of space because you’ve decided to start a family and have another child on the way? Or perhaps you’ve decided to start a business out of your home and you’ve outgrown the small room you had set aside as your office? Whatever the case, a major renovation or a move to a new home are both major decisions and ones that shouldn’t be made lightly. Sit down with your family and consider why you need more space and what you would do with a larger home if you had one.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Once you understand the why, the next step is figuring out how much space you really need.

If you’re only missing a single bedroom or want to finish the basement, renovating may be the more reasonable and cost-effective option. But if you’re wishing for multiple new rooms, a larger garage, or more storage than an addition could realistically offer, it may be time to start browsing new listings.

Keep in mind that renovations can solve short-term space issues but may feel limiting down the road if your family—or your lifestyle—continues to grow. If your needs are trending upward, buying a larger home could save you from repeating this decision in a few years.

Other Factors for Consideration

Expanding your current home doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Adding one room often sparks the desire to update others, especially if you’re trying to maintain a cohesive layout or style. Ask yourself:

  • Will this renovation lead to additional projects throughout the house?

  • Is the cost of those potential upgrades worth it?

  • Or would it make more sense to start fresh in a newer home with the features you want already in place?

The true cost of “just one more room” can escalate quickly once you factor in time, disruption, and ripple-effect improvements.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing between expanding your home and moving into a new one depends on your long-term goals, budget, family needs, and how much disruption you’re willing to take on.

Take the time to reflect, weigh your options, and choose the path that sets your household up for comfort and growth in the years ahead.

04
Dec
By Fred Gruber
Mortgage Tips

Understanding Why You Don’t Need to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Many homeowners feel pressure to pay off their mortgage as quickly as possible but faster is not always better. In many real-life situations, directing your money toward other financial steps can offer more growth, more protection, and more flexibility. Understanding when early payoff is helpful and when it is not can give you greater confidence in your long-term plan.

Your Mortgage Rate Matters More Than You Think
A major factor in this decision is your current mortgage rate. Many homeowners secured low rates in recent years that are far below the interest charged on credit cards and other consumer loans. When your mortgage rate is low, your money may produce a greater impact if you place it toward higher interest balances or long-term financial goals instead. A low rate reduces pressure and gives you the freedom to use your cash in ways that create a stronger financial future.

Strong Cash Flow Protects You
Extra mortgage payments may feel productive, but they reduce your accessible cash each month. Maintaining strong cash flow helps you handle emergencies, medical bills, unexpected repairs, or temporary income changes. Once money goes into your mortgage, it becomes home equity and is no longer easy to access. Keeping a cushion supports stability and prevents stress during uncertain moments.

Investing Often Beats Early Payoff
Long term investing can be one of the most powerful wealth building tools available to homeowners. The average long-term market return is often higher than the interest you pay on a low-rate mortgage. When this is the case, investing extra funds may grow your net worth faster than paying off the loan ahead of schedule. Slow and steady investing also supports retirement plans and creates long-term financial confidence.

Tax Benefits Add Value
Even with recent tax law changes, many homeowners still benefit from mortgage interest deductions. These deductions lower the true cost of your loan and keep your overall financial picture healthier. While not the only factor, tax advantages contribute to the bigger picture of why keeping your mortgage can be a smart choice.

Your Home Builds Equity Without Extra Payments
You gain equity simply by making your scheduled payments. Home values also typically grow over time, which increases your equity without any extra effort. You do not need to rush this process. Consistency and patience can lead to strong long-term results.

Choose the Strategy That Supports Your Goals
Paying off your mortgage early is not wrong, but it is also not required for financial success. A balanced plan that protects cash flow, supports investments, and reduces high interest debt often creates better long-term results. You can build wealth with confidence without racing toward a zero balance.

02
Dec
By Fred Gruber
Mortgage Tips

When and How to Save Money by Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing can be a smart way to lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, or tap into equity for financial goals. Many homeowners wait too long to reconsider their loan, but the right timing can put real money back into your pocket. Understanding when to refinance and how the process works helps you make a confident decision.

Understanding Why Refinancing Matters
Refinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a new one that may offer better terms. Homeowners often refinance to secure a lower rate, shorten their loan term, remove mortgage insurance, or consolidate high interest debt. Even a small rate improvement can add up to thousands of dollars saved over the life of the loan.

Ideal Times to Consider Refinancing
There are moments when refinancing becomes especially valuable. If interest rates drop below the rate on your current mortgage, it may be time to run the numbers. A refinance can also make sense if your credit score has improved since you purchased your home, or if your income has increased and you want to pay off your loan more quickly. Homeowners who purchased with a small down payment may also qualify to remove mortgage insurance once their equity has grown.

How the Refinancing Process Works
Refinancing follows a process similar to buying a home but often feels simpler. You start by reviewing your financial goals and pulling together documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements. Next, your lender reviews your credit and income, orders an appraisal if needed, and confirms that the new loan provides tangible benefits. Once approved, you sign closing documents, and your old mortgage is paid off with the new one. Most refinances close within a few weeks.

How to Decide If Refinancing Is Worth It
Before moving forward, it is important to look at the full picture. Consider how long you plan to stay in your home, the cost of refinancing, and how long it will take to break even. A refinance should provide meaningful monthly savings or help you reach long term financial goals. If the numbers make sense, refinancing can be one of the smartest financial moves a homeowner can make.

Ready to Explore Your Options
If you are wondering whether refinancing can save you money, now is the perfect time to review your situation. With the right strategy and guidance, you can take advantage of the best loan options available today.