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Category: Purchasing a Home

Choosing between buying or renting a home in Columbia, South Carolina, is a major decision that requires you to weigh the pros and cons carefully. For most people, one of the biggest reasons to buy is to gain a sense of security and stability that renting cannot bring.

At Assurance Financial, we can help make your dream of buying a home a reality. We offer a range of loan options and are happy to work with you to find a financing option that works best for your needs. Trust us to make the process of finding financing for your home as stress-free as possible.

3 Reasons for Buying Over Renting in Columbia

While both renting and buying a home offer several benefits, one of the main reasons to buy a home over renting is it enables you to build equity. For example, each mortgage payment you make is an investment in your home. Some other benefits of buying over renting include:

1. Buying Can Increase Your Financial Stability

Unlike renting, in which you may be subject to yearly rent increases, once you pay all of the initial housing fees, the cost will stabilize, allowing you to save money for:

  • Retirement
  • Vehicles
  • Travel
  • Home improvements
  • College funds
  • Medical needs
  • Emergencies

2. It Can Be Less Expensive to Buy

While many people consider renting to be a more affordable housing option, recent spikes in inflation have caused this to no longer be the case for many properties. Over the last decade, the price of rent has seen a dramatic increase, making it more affordable to buy instead of rent in many areas. Many employers have also begun offering permanent work-from-home and hybrid work schedules, giving you the freedom to find a home in a more affordable location.

3. Owning a Home Offers Numerous Tax Benefits

Buying a home in Columbia allows you to take advantage of many tax breaks, like:

  • Mortgage interest payments
  • Property taxes
  • Mortgage points
  • Energy-efficient improvements

Let Assurance Financial Help You Buy a Home in Columbia

people looking at a computer

If you want to make Columbia, South Carolina, your home, Assurance Financial is here to help. We have many different loan options, so anyone from a first-time buyer to a vacation home buyer can find the financing they need.

With over a decade of experience under our belts, our full-service in-house team has seen and done it all when it comes to home loans, and we’re happy to use our knowledge to help you find the right financing option to fit your needs. Take the first step toward homeownership by starting our online application or contacting a team member today!

Shreveport is the third-largest city in Louisiana. Its low cost of living compared to many other cities of its size makes it a popular location for new homebuyers to consider moving to. The city is also a great middle point for trips between Dallas, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Below are some of the top neighborhoods in Shreveport to consider if you want to move to the area.

Caddo Heights, South Highlands

The Caddo Heights and South Highlands neighborhoods are a 10-minute drive south of downtown Shreveport. The suburban area is home to historic homes built in the 20th century and remains surrounded by plenty of trees for shade while walking around town. The community has several churches and plenty of parks, restaurants, cafes, shopping centers and entertainment spots nearby, such as art galleries and museums.

You can also easily access medical centers and pharmacies to keep yourself and your family healthy.

Broadmoor, Anderson Isle, Shreve Isle

If you want to live in a walkable neighborhood, consider the Broadmoor, Anderson Isle and Shreve Isle area. The community is close to the Shreveport Regional Airport and the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. You will have many opportunities to engage in the nightlife with multiple bars and lounges in the area. The neighborhoods are also a short distance from grocery stores, diverse restaurants and cafes, gyms and entertainment spots like museums, theaters and music venues.

Jenkins, Pinecroft Subdivision

The Jenkins, Pinecroft Subdivision offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere for homeowners. The many trees surrounding the homes provide fresh air, and there are many parks, schools, restaurants and grocery stores nearby. The subdivision provides a small-town feel while being part of a bigger city.

Southern Hills

Another increasingly popular area to live in is the Southern Hills neighborhood. It is known for its cleanliness and safety, making it ideal for families. The neighborhood is also close to the Shreveport Regional Airport, shopping centers and restaurants. As many residents are pet owners, you may also see many dogs while walking around town.

Benefits of Living in Shreveport

Relocating to Shreveport will allow you to experience the Southern charm of Louisiana. Besides the city’s benefit of low living costs compared to the rest of the country, Shreveport also offers a great community aspect. Residents have described the area as a big small town because people are friendly and have created strong friendships over the years thanks to the many activities and gatherings.

Consider living in Shreveport when you want to gain opportunities for lasting connections and potentially have a lower cost of living.

Partner With Assurance Financial to Buy Your Home in Shreveport

Interested in purchasing a home in Shreveport? Let the expert loan advisers at Assurance Financial help you discover what loans you qualify for and get you pre-qualified so you can move one step closer to your new home. We are The People People with technology. Trust us to keep your information safe. As an independent lender and full-service residential mortgage banker, we complete the entire loan process in-house.

Learn more about our home purchasing services by contacting us today.

Birmingham is the biggest metropolis in Alabama. Although it is a big city, its cost of living is relatively lower than other big cities around the United States. You could benefit from moving to The Magic City if you’re coming from an area with a high cost of living. When considering moving to Birmingham, be aware of the city’s costs so you can plan accordingly.

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Average Cost of Living in Birmingham

Birmingham’s average cost of living is 8% lower than the national average. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the median personal consumption expenditures (PCE) in Alabama equated to around $42,400, which is one of the lower PCEs compared with the rest of the country.

Alabama is one of the more affordable states to live in compared to others. Nationally, the median price for a single-family home is about $274,000. While housing prices differ based on neighborhoods, buying or renting in Birmingham is about 20% lower than the national average. The median listing price for homes in the city is about $168,000.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Living in Birmingham

Besides average PCE and housing costs in Birmingham, other factors also influence the cost of living, including:

  • Utilities
  • Groceries
  • State income tax
  • Sales tax
  • Property tax
  • Health care

Why Move to Birmingham?

Birmingham offers community and fun activities for individuals and families moving to the area. The lower cost of living compared to the national average can help you enjoy the city’s offerings. Some reasons why you may want to move to Birmingham include:

  • Job market opportunities: The city has a diverse job market, with jobs available in many industries, such as health care, technology, finance, retail, education and manufacturing.
  • Southern charm and culture: Living in the South, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience the state’s Southern charm, culture and history. Birmingham played a leading role in the iron and steel industry in the late 1800s and the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Living in the city gives you more opportunities to learn about its history and culture through the various entertainment and educational establishments.
  • Outdoor recreation: If you enjoy spending time outdoors year-round, you have plenty of chances to visit the parks and recreation areas. Birmingham has over 100 parks you can visit and spend time in when the weather is nice.
  • Climate: Birmingham’s southern location allows residents to experience relatively moderate or warm weather all year. The climate often has humid summers and mild winters, making it an excellent place to live if you prefer warmer weather. During the summer, Alabama is also subject to tropical storms.
  • Community and diversity: The city’s population is diverse, with various communities, colleges and universities, businesses and schools in the area. You can get involved in various activities or groups to meet new people.

Partner With Assurance Financial for Mortgage Assistance

Moving to a new city offers new perspectives and experiences. Birmingham boasts a rich culture and is an excellent place to live when you want a low cost of living. Assurance Financial is your trusted independent lender when you need to pre-qualify for a home loan. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your home-buying process.

Purchasing a home in Aiken, South Carolina, is an exciting experience, whether you’re moving to start anew or have a bigger house for your family. Your life in the city will open up more opportunities and experiences for you.

To help you through the home-buying process, we’ve compiled a list of tips for purchasing a home in Aiken.

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1. Determine Your Needs and Wants in a Home

The first step to buying a new home is defining what you need and want it to have. Decide on the property type, whether an apartment, condo, townhouse, single-family or multi-family home. Consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want, what kind of neighborhood you prefer and your ideal home layout.

Determining what features you desire for your home is crucial to setting a budget and learning what kind of house you can afford.

2. Review Budget, Financial Preparations and Mortgage Options

Once you know what kind of home you can afford according to the specifications of your needs and wants, you can review and prepare your finances to plan a budget and discover mortgage options. Some things to consider as you assess your finances:

  • Income stability
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Monthly expenses
  • Savings funds
  • Emergency funds
  • Credit score
  • Insurance costs
  • Taxes
  • Down payment

Reviewing your life’s financial aspects will help you better prepare for home-buying. You will be more aware of how money flows in and out of your accounts, helping you plan a budget that will meet your home ownership goals. While figuring out your payment options, you could use a mortgage calculator to predict and estimate your monthly mortgage payments based on your input numbers.

3. Find a Home

Now that you know the kinds of homes you can afford and what price ranges to consider, it’s time to find a house. Work with a Realtor or real estate agent or on your own to discover homes in Aiken that meet your specifications and budget. Use property listing sites and drive around neighborhoods to see if any homes are for sale. You could also seek help from your network, such as friends, family, co-workers or business contacts, to see if anyone they know is selling their home.

4. Partner With a Trusted Financial Lender

During your home-buying process, make sure you partner with a financial lender and adviser like Assurance Financial. Working with a mortgage lender you feel comfortable with helps you receive a loan that works for your situation. At Assurance Financial, we can help you get pre-qualified in 15 minutes and teach you about the mortgages you can afford. If you’re happy with your loan options, you can pick one, and one of our advisers will verify and process it.

5. Make an Offer and Complete Home Inspections

If you want a specific house, consider the estimated closing costs in addition to the home price and make an offer if it falls within your budget. To better ensure you get the most from your new home purchase, hire a trained professional for a complete home inspection and use the information to negotiate with the seller.

6. Close on the Property

When all deals are done and you’re happy with your home, you can close on it, which involves the final sale and property ownership transfer paperwork.

Partner With Assurance Financial for Your Mortgage

Ensure you have a trusted mortgage adviser to help you move to Aiken, South Carolina. Assurance Financial is ready to help you get pre-qualified and make the loan process seamless. Learn more about our mortgage services by contacting us today.

Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and the heart of the state. With over 300 years of history to explore and many modern amenities, Baton Rouge is perfect for future homeowners looking for a mix of the past and present. Homes in Baton Rouge reflect this city’s unique heritage, and as you look for your future residence, you’ll see many buildings with plenty of authentic Southern charm.

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The housing market in Baton Rouge is competitive, with most homes selling in a few months. Single-family homes and condos have both seen a decline in sales, while townhouses have seen an increase in sales. Overall, the housing market trends in Baton Rouge show a decrease in the number of homes sold and their selling prices.

Market Demand

Since the housing market in Baton Rogue is competitive, most homes receive multiple offers. The average home sells for slightly less than its listing price. Popular listings, however, often sell for their asking prices and are typically only on the market for a few weeks.

Resident Migration

The Baton Rouge housing market has seen significant fluctuations in recent years, with many homeowners moving both in and out of the city. Most people looking to move to Baton Rogue are from Lafayette, Louisiana, a city about an hour away. Other top locations people move to Baton Rouge from include Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta.

Many homeowners also moved out of Baton Rogue. While the majority of homeowners stayed in the city’s metropolitan area, other popular destinations include Las Vegas and Nashville.

School Districts

Numerous school districts make up the Baton Rogue area, giving parents ultimate flexibility when choosing the right school for their child. Some school districts in the Baton Rogue area include:

  • Broadmoor-Sherwood
  • Highland-Old South
  • Mid-City
  • North
  • Southeast
  • Transitional

Climate

Before moving to Baton Rogue, you may want to consider how the weather will affect you and your new home. The main concern for homeowners in Baton Rouge is hurricanes, which can contribute to a high risk of flooding and extreme winds. Given Baton Rogue’s southern location, it’s also at risk for severe heat, with the number of days over 100 degrees Fahrenheit increasing in upcoming years.

couple holding house keys

Partner With Assurance Financial Today!

If you’re ready to buy a home in Baton Rouge, Assurance Financial is here to help. Since creating our business in 2001, we have made the home-buying experience seamless. Contact us to learn more or apply for a loan today!

Just 20 miles outside bustling Baton Rouge, Prairieville, Louisiana, is a growing city thanks to the petrochemical industry in Baton Rouge that has brought many new jobs to the area. This charming city offers newly built suburban housing with direct access to the 18-mile Bayou Manchac.

Before calling this beautiful southern city home, you may want to do some research on current Prairieville housing market trends to ensure you have the best chance of finding and buying your dream home:

Market Trends

Housing market trends in Prairieville have experienced some fluctuations over the years, but most homes sell in Prairieville after a month or two on the market. The most common houses sold in the area are single-family homes.

Housing Demand

Given Prairieville’s competitive market, most homes receive multiple offers. The average home sells for just below the list price. Popular homes often sell in less than two weeks and for the list price.

Resident Migration

Prairieville has seen many of its residents come and go over the past year. However, most people remain in the Prairieville metropolitan area when they move. Many people looking to move to Prairieville are from major cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington, DC.

Some homeowners also looked to move away from Prairieville and the metropolitan area and move to cities like Las Vegas, New Orleans and Tampa.

School Districts

Prairieville is part of the Ascension Parish School district, with international accreditation from Cognia or AdvancED. Students have multiple options for elementary and middle school before they go to one high school for the entire district.

Climate

Like many southern cities, Prairieville has the environmental risk of hurricanes, which cause flooding and extreme winds. However, Prairieville’s flood risk is lower than the national average. Prairieville is also at severe risk from heat due to increased “feels like” temperatures. Like many areas in the region, Prairieville will see an increase in days with temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the next 30 years.

couple standing in front of their dream house

Make Your Dream of Owning a Home in Prairieville a Reality With Assurance Financial

At Assurance Financial, we’re more than the mortgage people — we’re “The People People.” From simplifying the process to offering numerous lending options, we make applying for and obtaining a mortgage the easiest part of buying a home. Our team has years of experience helping lenders find the right borrowing option. Contact a team member today to learn more about our mortgage options or apply for a mortgage!