Financial and Lifestyle Resources for Vermont

We all lead busy lives and the thought of getting all our tasks done can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to home maintenance. With spring coming, you may be wondering what projects you need to tackle around the house. The pandemic has spurred a lot of home projects, which means contractors’ schedules are filling quickly (some may already be filled). So, now is the time to start planning and reaching out!

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make, if not the largest. As a result, it can be a complicated, time-consuming, and stressful process. Though it might not feel like it during your search, eventually the right home will appear, your offer will be accepted, and you’ll find yourself in contract to buy a house. (Having just become a first-time homeowner after a year-long search, this is a promise I feel comfortable making.) While it is a relief to finally be under contract, you’re not quite out of the woods. Here is what you can plan to do between going into contract and closing on your new home.

We are still in the midst of winter, but now is the time to start planning for spring upgrades, repairs, and projects. Warmer weather will be here soon (I promise!), so it is best to be prepared to take advantage of our limited warm months. Preparation and planning now can make any project go smoother.

Debt can be a complicated or sensitive topic, but it’s important to discuss because it’s crucial to our personal finances. Your credit score is impacted by the amount of debt you have, whether you are paying off your debt on time, your credit card balance(s), and more. Debt can also have you spending significant sums on interest alone.  According to financial data from Zillow, Forbes, and TransUnion, the average American will pay just under $900 a year in interest on their credit card debt.  However, not all debt is bad. Sometimes debt can help to improve your credit score, make a sound investment in your future, and more. Understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt can help you determine what debts to pay off first or avoid going into certain types of debt.

Starting September 4, tenants will be protected from eviction until the end of 2020. This new government order comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and applies to renters who make less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for joint filers).

COVID-19 has caused financial and job loss for millions of Americans, including tens of thousands of Vermonters filing unemployment insurance claims and wondering about their financial futures. For many, this includes worrying about how they can continue paying their mortgage—and continue owning their homes. Thanks to new federal legislation, accommodating lenders, and grant funding, there are several ways you can keep from falling behind on your mortgage amid the financial uncertainty of COVID-19.

Home ownership is incredibly rewarding, both financially and personally. Building equity in your home puts you on the path towards a sound financial future, while pride of ownership can be immensely gratifying. Now that spring is arriving, a lot of homeowners finally have a chance to begin planning a renovation or tackling a repair that was put on hold during winter’s harsh weather.

Buying a home is complicated. Finding a home that meets your needs as well as your budget is a challenge to begin with. Then you will need to navigate the maze of visits, inspections, negotiations, and documents as you work toward the closing. Your real estate agent, mortgage originator, and lawyer can answer many of your questions and will help you through much of the process, but you’ll have a better chance of getting what you need (along with some additional perks) if you educate yourself on the process first.