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	<title>Clear Mortgage &#187; Uncategorized</title>
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		<title>5 Ways to Buy A Home Before You Sell</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/5-ways-to-buy-a-home-before-you-sell/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/5-ways-to-buy-a-home-before-you-sell/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:17:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>5 Ways to Buy A Home Before You Sell</h1>
<p>Our friends over at Consilio (https://www.consiliowealth.com/insights/buy-house-before-selling) posted 4 Ways to Buy a House Before You Sell.  Unfortunately, they left out a very good option &#8211; Clear Mortgage!  We can provide short term, asset backed financing for these transactional situations.  Often, we help someone who is moving here from another state.  They do not want to sell their primary residence until they have found something here.  It is a very good solution because it is asset backed, super quick and simple, and very low transactional costs.  No bank statements.  No tax returns.  No income verification.  Etc.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This is the original article Chris published as 4 Ways to Buy a Home Before You Sell &#8211;</p>
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<div class="blog-item-author-date-wrapper" data-animation-role="date"><time class="dt-published blog-meta-item blog-meta-item--date" datetime="Apr 17" data-content-field="published-on">Apr 17 </time></p>
<div class="blog-meta-item blog-meta-item--author p-author author" data-content-field="author">Written By <a class="blog-author-name" href="https://www.consiliowealth.com/insights?author=608b04158d568e6b2c6921ca">Christopher Kaminski, CFP®, RICP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CLTC®</a></div>
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<div class="reading-time">7 min read</div>
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<p class="">Spring is a popular time to consider moving – the weather is nice, there’s more movement in the market, and plenty of time to settle in before the next school year.</p>
<p class="">But buying a new primary residence always comes with its own complications. If you already own a home, you’ll have to find a way to fund your purchase without first cashing out on your existing property. How will you fund your new home without selling into a down market or triggering massive taxes?</p>
<p class="">Financial planning for buying a house requires some mental gymnastics to come up with the right solution for your wallet. Raising capital is a complex issue but not impossible. Here are four top tips to be a savvy home shopper.</p>
<h2>The Problem with Buying Before You Sell</h2>
<p class="">If this isn’t your first home purchase, you’re in a position that leaves you strapped for cash. All of your equity is tied up in your current property, making it hard to come up with the necessary capital for a new purchase. Sure, you could take out a mortgage on the new property and write a contract with a contingency for the sale, but this could hinder your purchasing power. Buyers don’t like everything hinging on a contingency.</p>
<p class="">The seller of the property you are interested in is likely inundated with offers in this competitive housing market. It’s difficult to compete with all-cash and no contingency offers if you still have a house that you need to sell first.</p>
<p class="">However, you can still make a competitive offer on a house and get your dream home with a bit of planning.</p>
<h2>4 Smarter Ways to Raise Capital</h2>
<p class="">Here are our top four ways to raise capital for your home. If you consider any of these tactics, you might want to talk to a financial advisor first.</p>
<h3>1.     Margin Loan</h3>
<p class="">Many people have capital tied up in the stock market and their investment portfolio. While you may not want to sell your positions in order to buy a home, you could take out a margin loan that allows you to borrow against your investment portfolio. This allows you to make an offer that will be treated like cash, which can help you win bidding wars more handily.</p>
<p class="">The benefit of a margin loan is that there are no credit checks and no credit reporting, and you get fast access to your cash in just one to two weeks. If you intend to make a full-price, fast-close offer on the new property, this is one method you may pursue.</p>
<p class="">You can also deduct interest that you&#8217;re paying on your margin loan against income generated from your portfolio. This is called the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=murYv35drNs" target="_blank">investment interest expense deduction</a>. There are limits and a few rules to keep in mind, but it can be a valuable deduction.</p>
<p class="">Then, once you sell your current home, you repay the loan. It’s perfect for short-term bridge financing until your current home sells.</p>
<p class="">This is generally a better option than <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEtbBkrJT6Q" target="_blank">401(k) loans</a>, which take you out of the market.</p>
<h3>2.     Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)</h3>
<p class=""> If you’ve built up equity in your existing home, a <a href="https://www.consiliowealth.com/insights/heloc-vs-reverse-mortgage" target="_blank">home equity line of credit</a> (HELOC) might be the right move for you. This allows you to tap into the money you have already paid toward your principal and use the funds to secure a new home. Much like a margin loan, a HELOC can be paid off when the home officially sells.</p>
<p class="">However, the process to secure a HELOC is typically slower and can be more expensive than your typical margin loans. Interest rates are often variable, which can be good if interest rates are low but can rapidly change in the future. It also contributes to your debt-to-income ratio and requires your bank to do a full underwriting process.</p>
<h3>3.     Selling Stock</h3>
<p class="">Don’t want to take out a loan? You still have options! Potential homebuyers can opt to liquidate some assets to free up capital for a down payment or a full cash offer. Selling stock positions can fund your full down payment.</p>
<p class="">The downside here is that it could trigger some tax pitfalls. The sale of your stock can trigger large federal and state capital gains taxes, <a href="https://www.consiliowealth.com/insights/how-the-new-capital-gains-tax-in-washington-state-could-affect-you" target="_blank">especially in Washington</a>.</p>
<p class="">This may result in a double whammy if you also sell your home in the same tax year.</p>
<p class="">Selling stock is not ideal in a down market when you may not get the full value of your sale. This ultimately reduces your purchasing power.</p>
<p class="">In other words, choosing this option should depend on market conditions. You may want to wait until stocks are up to sell, even if it will trigger those capital gains taxes. Instead, a smart strategy is to consider selling high-basis assets first.</p>
<h3>4.     Use a Combination of the Above</h3>
<p class="">Of course, you do not necessarily have to choose between the three strategies. For example, you can combine a margin loan and a stock sale for a powerful short-term cash strategy. Focus on the home you want to purchase now, sell your existing home later, and then repay the loan when it officially sells.</p>
<p class="">You can take a tailored approach depending on your liquidity and tax situation.</p>
<h2>Which Strategy Is Right for You?</h2>
<p class="">Determining which strategy is right for you depends on your financial portfolio. It will ultimately be determined by the amount of liquidity you have outside of your retirement accounts, the size of your current home equity, current market conditions, and your overall tax picture and timeline. You need to take a more comprehensive look at your finances to pinpoint the right money move.</p>
<p class="">Selling stock can be great when markets are high – especially if it aligns with other goals you might have, like reducing concentration risk. You can sell off enough of your concentrated stocks to reduce the risk, then cover the rest with a margin loan or HELOC. When your previous home sells, you can reinvest those funds into a more diversified portfolio.</p>
<p class="">Generally speaking, we like margin loans if they’re available to you. Fast access to cash means you can make a powerful, all-cash offer and close on a house you like quickly – without impacting your long-term financial outlook.</p>
<p class="">Everyone has a different situation, so consult with your financial advisor to model your unique path forward.</p>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/5-ways-to-buy-a-home-before-you-sell/">5 Ways to Buy A Home Before You Sell</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Taylor Swift and Hard Money Lending</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/taylor-swift-and-hard-money-lending/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/taylor-swift-and-hard-money-lending/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Mar 2024 21:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com/?p=5984</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2 class="" data-sourcepos="1:1-1:76"></h2>
<h2 class="" data-sourcepos="1:1-1:76"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5985" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/03/samuel-myles-h1e1HtLcR-4-unsplash-200x300.jpg" alt="samuel-myles-h1e1HtLcR-4-unsplash" width="639" height="959" /></h2>
<h2 class="" data-sourcepos="1:1-1:76">What do Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes have to do with hard money lending?</h2>
<h2 class="" data-sourcepos="1:1-1:76">They are winners with a winning mindset and you can be too.  Touchdown for Profit:</h2>
<h2 class="" data-sourcepos="1:1-1:76">Demystifying Hard Money Lending for Fix and Flips</h2>
<p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:132">Just like the Kansas City Chiefs&#8217; relentless pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy, house flipping requires a winning mindset. You gotta be strategic, have an &#8220;Always Be Closing&#8221; (ABC, but not that ABC) mentality, and remember, there&#8217;s no &#8220;I&#8221; in &#8220;team&#8221; – even if your team is just you, a hammer, and a can-do attitude. But let&#8217;s face it, buying a fixer-upper, rehabbing it in lightning speed, and scoring a touchdown of a sale takes more than just hustle. You need the right financing, and that&#8217;s where hard money loans come in – a perfect tool for the ambitious fix-and- flip investor.  Taylor Swift and Hard Money are winners.</p>
<p data-sourcepos="5:1-5:81"><strong>Hard Money Loans: The Basics (and Why They&#8217;re Not Your Traditional Bank Loan)</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="5:1-5:81"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5986" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/03/Patrick_Mahomes_snapping_the_ball_51615688573-200x300.jpg" alt="Patrick_Mahomes_snapping_the_ball_(51615688573)" width="423" height="635" /></p>
<p data-sourcepos="7:1-7:284">Forget the stuffy suits and endless paperwork of traditional lenders. Hard money loans are from private investors who are more interested in the potential of the property than your credit score. They move faster than Patrick Mahomes on a scramble drill, meaning you can snag that hot property before someone else does.  Clear Mortgage can fund in 24 hours!</p>
<p data-sourcepos="9:1-9:41"><strong>Advantages: Speed is King (and Queen)</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="9:1-9:41"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5987" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/03/Travis_Kelce_51616130199-200x300.jpg" alt="Travis_Kelce_(51616130199)" width="615" height="923" /></p>
<p data-sourcepos="9:1-9:41"><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5988" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/03/taylor-swift-300x200.jpg" alt="taylor swift" width="620" height="413" /></p>
<p data-sourcepos="11:1-11:301">Just like the Chiefs&#8217; quick-strike offense, hard money loans are all about speed. Approvals can happen in hours, not weeks, so you can seize fleeting opportunities and outmaneuver slower-moving competitors. This is crucial in a hot market where deals can vanish faster than Travis Kelce down the field.  Taylor Swift likes the Chiefs.  We like the Chiefs.  We are Hard Money lenders.  She is a winner, the Chiefs are winners, we are winners, we want you to be a winner.  Ask Clear Mortgage about Cash Offer Financing.</p>
<p data-sourcepos="13:1-13:38"><strong>Flexibility: Your Plays, Your Game</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="15:1-15:273">Traditional lenders have playbooks thicker than Andy Reid&#8217;s playbook. Hard money lenders, on the other hand, offer more flexibility with loan terms and structures. Need financing for a rehab that might raise some eyebrows at a bank? Hard money might be your Hail Mary pass.  Clear Mortgage can provide 100% of rehab funds.</p>
<p data-sourcepos="17:1-17:48"><strong>Considerations: Every Play Comes with a Risk</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="19:1-19:215">There&#8217;s no free lunch (well, maybe after a Chiefs win), and hard money loans come with higher interest rates than traditional mortgages. Think of them as going for it on 4th down – potentially high reward, but also a chance for a fumble.  But really, a little higher interest rate ends up being a much cheaper solution than the high transactional costs associated with most lenders.  Just like the Chiefs Super Bowl winning Corn Dog play, speed and timing are key.  You will want to accelerate your capital every chance you get.</p>
<p data-sourcepos="21:1-21:37"><strong>Collateral: Your Skin in the Game</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="23:1-23:310">Since the loan is based on the property&#8217;s value, the property itself is the collateral. This means if things go south and you can&#8217;t repay, you could lose the house. So just like the Chiefs protecting their star quarterback, you need a solid plan and a realistic budget to avoid getting sacked by foreclosure.</p>
<p data-sourcepos="25:1-25:48"><strong>Conclusion: Building Your Championship Team</strong></p>
<p data-sourcepos="27:1-27:434">Hard money loans are a powerful tool for fix-and-flip investors, but they&#8217;re not for the faint of heart. Remember, a winning team has the right players – a great contractor, a solid renovation plan, and the financial muscle of hard money lending (used strategically!). So, channel your inner Mahomes, assess your resources, and with the right team and financing in place, you too can score a touchdown in the world of fix and flips.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/taylor-swift-and-hard-money-lending/">Taylor Swift and Hard Money Lending</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Fix and Flip Checklist</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/fix-and-flip-checklist/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/fix-and-flip-checklist/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 23:31:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com/?p=5975</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Fix &amp; Flip Loan Checklist: A Smooth Ride to Renovation Riches</strong></span></p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5977" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/01/treasure-300x169.jpg" alt="treasure" width="604" height="340" /></p>
<p>So you&#8217;ve spotted that diamond in the rough, a fixer-upper primed for profit in the sizzling fix &amp; flip market. Excitement crackles in the air, but before you dive headfirst into demolition and drywall, there&#8217;s one crucial step: securing the right financing. Hard money loans, with their swiftness and flexibility, are often the fuel that propels fix &amp; flip projects to success. But navigating the loan application process can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics. Fear not, intrepid flippers! This comprehensive fix and flip checklist will be your Rosetta Stone, guiding you through the necessary documents and property requirements to land the perfect fix &amp; flip loan.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5978" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/01/checklist-300x200.jpg" alt="checklist" width="606" height="404" /></p>
<p><strong>Fix and Flip Checklist, Gather Your Arsenal of Document</strong>s (not so much with Clear Mortgage, we are &#8220;document lite&#8221;)</p>
<p>• Proof of Identity: Government-issued photo ID, driver&#8217;s license, or passport.</p>
<p>• Proof of Income: Recent tax returns, W-2s, or bank statements demonstrating your financial stability.</p>
<p>• Experience in Flipping: If you&#8217;re a seasoned flipper, provide documentation of past projects, including purchase agreements, renovation invoices, and sales contracts. Newbies can showcase relevant construction or real estate experience.</p>
<p>• Business Plan &amp; Project Budget: A detailed breakdown of your renovation costs, timeline, and projected sales price. The more meticulous, the better!</p>
<p>• Property Appraisal: A recent professional appraisal of the property&#8217;s &#8220;as-is&#8221; value. Remember, lenders need collateral!</p>
<p><strong>NOPE! Just kidding. Not with Clear Mortgage. Generally, that is all good information to share, but we do not need any proof of income and we do not require an appraisal. Just give us a call and walk us through what you are thinking. We have worked on thousands of deals. We would like to be your trusted resource. </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Property Prowess: What Your Fix &amp; Flip Must Possess: </strong></p>
<p>• Location, Location, Location: Choose a property in a desirable area with strong resale potential. Think curb appeal, proximity to amenities, and a thriving local market.</p>
<p>• Rehab Rehabilitatable: While distressed diamonds are alluring, ensure the property&#8217;s rehab scope falls within your budget and timeline. Major structural issues or hidden horrors are renovation red flags. We are involved in a flip project that ended up having a failing basement wall. An entire new, structural wall had to be constructed. Also, all the exterior cmu walls had to be injected with grout due to stability issues. So, be careful. Do your due diligence.</p>
<p>• Market Matchmaker: Research comparable property sales in the area to determine a realistic post-renovation sales price. Your loan amount hinges on the property&#8217;s profit potential. We are more than happy to help with this exercise. Like we said, we have done thousands of deals.</p>
<p>• Exit Strategy Savvy: Have a clear plan for selling the property once renovations are complete. Consider traditional listings, auctions, or even partnerships with cash buyers.</p>
<p>Bonus Tip: This is the typical jargon – “Pre-qualification! Before diving into the full application process, consider getting pre-qualified by your chosen lender. This gives you an estimate of your borrowing capacity and helps tailor your property search accordingly.” This is not the case with Clear Mortgage. Just give us a call, and let’s talk about your project. Remember, a complete and well-organized application speaks volumes about your preparedness and professionalism.</p>
<p>By following this checklist and presenting a rock-solid plan, you&#8217;ll be well on your way to securing the financial fuel for your fix &amp; flip masterpiece. So, channel your inner Indiana Jones, gather your documents, and prepare to unearth that loan-approval treasure! We are just goofing a little to keep you reading. Actually, it is so easy a caveman can do it. Just give us a call. With the right preparation and resources, your fix &amp; flip journey can be a thrilling adventure paved with profit and renovation prowess. Please do not hesitate to lean on Clear Mortgage as your trusted resource. Fill your team with all the expertise you can muster to avoid a fix and flop moment.</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5979" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/01/plumbing-300x200.jpg" alt="close-up. the master clamps the nut. fasten the tap to the wall." width="614" height="409" /></p>
<p>Now go forth, get your hard money lender lined up, and transform that fixer-upper into a flipping fantastic masterpiece!</p>
<p><img class="alignnone  wp-image-5976" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2024/01/win-300x200.jpg" alt="win" width="614" height="409" /></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/fix-and-flip-checklist/">Fix and Flip Checklist</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Investment Playbook for 2024</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/investment-playbook-for-2024/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/investment-playbook-for-2024/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:48:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com/?p=5967</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>Investing Playbook 2024</strong></span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/compassimage.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5968" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/compassimage-300x199.jpg" alt="compassimage" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>This probably does not constitute, technically, an SEO worthy blog post, but these are some notes that I came across and would like to share.  I came across a few quotes that might provide a little guidance in your 2024 investment strategies &#8211;</p>
<ul>
<li>Lock in high yields &#8211; &#8220;High-quality debt continues to provide attractive yields, especially against the risk to reward trade-offs of other assets&#8221; &#8211; Morgan Stanley</li>
<li>Don&#8217;t get stuck in cash &#8211; &#8220;2024 will likely deliver a backdrop of falling rates and improving earnings, in which cash will work less well&#8221; &#8211; J.P. Morgan</li>
<li>Lock in elevated yields &#8211; &#8220;expect yields to fall in 2024.  This speaks in favor of limiting cash allocations and locking in yields in quality bonds.&#8221; &#8211; UBS</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/clear-choice-primary-color.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5969" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/clear-choice-primary-color-300x118.jpg" alt="clear-choice-primary-color" width="300" height="118" /></a></p>
<p>Our fund, Clear Choice Fund is offering 9% on a two year Note and 8% on a one year Note.  Obviously, I am a fan of this type of investment.  These CCF investments are General Obligation Notes secured by 70% loan to value Deeds of Trust on non owner occupied residential real estate.  I won&#8217;t get into the details here, but generically, we are talking about high yield debt instruments secured by residential real estate.  I like this space.  If you would like to chat on any of this, please reach out.  I love to brainstorm this stuff.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/investment-playbook-for-2024/">Investment Playbook for 2024</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>History of Mortgages</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/history-of-mortgages/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/history-of-mortgages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Dec 2023 23:20:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com/?p=5962</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><strong>The History of Mortgages: A Fascinating Journey</strong></span></p>
<p>Clear Mortgage has been around for a bit.  Established in 2009, we have done over 5000 loans and over $1B.  The concept of borrowing money has been around for a bit longer, centuries, with roots stretching back to ancient civilizations. Today, we&#8217;ll embark on a captivating journey through the history of mortgages, exploring their evolution from simple pledges to the complex financial instruments we know today.</p>
<p>Early Beginnings:</p>
<p>Our story begins in ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 B.C. Here, farmers seeking to expand their land would borrow seeds or livestock from wealthy individuals, pledging their future harvests or offspring (offspring!  really!  That is the direct opposite of helicopter parenting.) as collateral. This practice, known as a “mortuum vadium,” (or child abuse) laid the foundation for the concept of secured loans for land acquisition.  Clear Mortgage will not take children or livestock as collateral.  We are looking for talented professional real estate folks and good, make-sense projects and want to develop win-win solutions.</p>
<p>Ancient Rome:</p>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5963" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/trevi-300x200.jpg" alt="trevi" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@cristina_gottardi?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Cristina Gottardi</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-concrete-house-I1Lv2yX67GI?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>Fast forward to the Roman Empire, where the legal framework for mortgages began to take shape. The concept of a &#8220;hypotheca&#8221; emerged, allowing borrowers to pledge their property as collateral without surrendering ownership. This innovation paved the way for more widespread access to loans and facilitated a thriving real estate market.</p>
<p>Medieval Europe:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/cathedral.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5964" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/cathedral-200x300.jpg" alt="cathedral" width="200" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@heytowner?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">JOHN TOWNER</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/empty-cathedral-interior-X48hkTT1qQc?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>During the Middle Ages, the concept of mortgages continued to evolve in Europe. The Church played a significant role in facilitating loans, often offering mortgages to finance the construction of cathedrals and other religious buildings. Additionally, the legal concept of &#8220;dead pledge&#8221; emerged, where the property would be forfeited to the lender if the loan was not repaid.</p>
<p>The Rise of Modern Mortgages:</p>
<p>The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed a surge in economic activity, leading to a growing demand for mortgages. This period saw the development of standardized mortgage instruments and the establishment of specialized institutions dedicated to mortgage lending. The Dutch played a crucial role in this development, with their innovative &#8220;hypotheek&#8221; system influencing mortgage practices worldwide.</p>
<p>The United States:</p>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/farm-house.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5965" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2023/12/farm-house-300x200.jpg" alt="farm house" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@joshstyle?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">JOSHUA COLEMAN</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-gray-house-between-two-green-tall-trees-under-gray-clouds-forming-swirl-during-daytime-Mbn9oZkQ3ow?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>In the United States, the early mortgage market was characterized by short-term loans and high interest rates. However, the establishment of the Federal Home Loan Bank System in 1932 and the creation of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in 1934 significantly transformed the landscape. These institutions provided long-term, low-interest mortgages, making homeownership more accessible to the average American. Clear Mortgage specializes in providing short term financing for the professional real estate fix and flip market.  Clear Mortgage specializes in “asset based” lending, looking at the value of the collateral.  Clear Mortgage does not provide owner occupied financing or in the industry, Qualifying Mortgage.</p>
<p>Federal Housing Administration advertisement</p>
<p>The Modern Mortgage Market:</p>
<p>The modern mortgage market is a complex and dynamic landscape. New technologies and financial instruments have emerged, offering borrowers a wider range of options and lenders the ability to manage risk more effectively. Today, mortgages are an essential component of the global economy, facilitating homeownership and contributing significantly to economic growth.</p>
<p>Looking Ahead:</p>
<p>The future of the mortgage market remains uncertain. Technological advancements and changing demographics will likely continue to shape the way mortgages are originated, serviced, and financed. However, one thing remains constant: the enduring desire for homeownership and the critical role mortgages play in achieving this dream.</p>
<p>Conclusion:</p>
<p>Our journey through the history of mortgages reveals a fascinating story of innovation, adaptation, and the ever-evolving relationship between finance and real estate. From the ancient pledges of Mesopotamia to the complex financial instruments of today, mortgages continue to serve as a cornerstone of the global economy and a key driver of individual prosperity. So, the next time you consider taking out a mortgage, remember the long and fascinating journey this financial instrument has taken to reach your hands.</p>
<p>As the story suggests, financing may have evolved into “complex financial instruments”.  Please note, it is very, very simple and straight forward at Clear Mortgage.  We are not complex folks and we do not like “complex financial instruments”.  Everything is very simple here – interest only payments, pay interest only on the amounts you borrow for the days you borrow, minor documentation, information required is not a lot more than name and address.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/history-of-mortgages/">History of Mortgages</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Big Government &#8211; Did you know</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/big-government-know/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/big-government-know/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jul 2022 15:57:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com?p=5696</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>BIG GOVERNMENT &#8211; DID YOU KNOW<img src="https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/66864f2f-3e48-4e9c-acd8-570451a504ab.b9988403847882d2f6f3fb92e139b60d.jpeg?odnHeight=612&amp;odnWidth=612&amp;odnBg=FFFFFF" alt="Similac Advance Infant Formula with Iron, Powder, 12.4-Ounce Tub" /></p>
<p>I have raised three fantastic children. They are beautiful, happy, independent adults. I am grateful that I did not have to deal with Covid type issues while raising them. Now, this formula shortage is putting an unbelievable stress on young families. I am also grateful that I did not have to deal with something like that.  I am thinking, wow, this shortage is scary. How can this system be so fragile? This Covid thing is really messing stuff up.</p>
<p>Here comes the, &#8220;did you know&#8221; part.<br />
* There are only four manufactures of formula for the US market.<br />
* US government heavily regulates formula production<br />
* US government program, WIC limits competition<br />
* US government, WIC program buys half of all formula!<br />
* US Government requires that each State choose <strong>one supplier</strong>!</p>
<p>Competition is good. Competition drives creativity and innovation. Be careful when choosing big government, centralized solutions. The unintended consequences may be difficult to initially foresee.</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/big-government-know/">Big Government &#8211; Did you know</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Important Things to Be Prepared to Answer When Flipping a Home</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/important-things-to-be-prepared-to-answer-when-flipping-a-home/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/important-things-to-be-prepared-to-answer-when-flipping-a-home/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2022 16:48:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com?p=5505</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5516" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2022/02/pic-1.jpg" alt="pic 1" width="500" height="332" /></p>
<p>House flipping is back in season now that the freeze on production of construction materials is over! Because of that, many first-time flippers are coming face to face with their first buyers.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This can be daunting, especially if you don&#8217;t have a background in sales, so it&#8217;s important to know how to steer a conversation and how to answer questions so that they&#8217;ll trust you. These are some of the most common questions you&#8217;ll get asked in this role: and why it&#8217;s important to answer as honestly and thoroughly as possible.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Old is the Roof?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The age of the roof will sway them on whether or not they think buying this property is worth it solely because many buyers don&#8217;t want to have to invest the capital in replacing a roof so soon after purchasing a house. It&#8217;s a good idea to replace your roof before you list a home, but sometimes it&#8217;s not necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be honest with buyers, and if they ask, tell them the material of the roof, how long that material usually lasts, and then the roof&#8217;s age. Doing it in any other order can leave them worried and not listening to you. For instance, if you start by saying the roof is thirty years old, they might panic: lead with the fact that it&#8217;s a terracotta roof, which on average can last fifty to seventy years. That gives them twenty to forty years to ignore that the roof is even there.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Much Does it Cost to Change the Driveway?</span></h2>
<p><strong><strong><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5517" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2022/02/Pic-2.jpg" alt="Pic 2" width="500" height="333" /></strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If they don&#8217;t like the driveway, or it&#8217;s cracked, they may ask, &#8220;</span><a href="https://www.truegridpaver.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-gravel-a-driveway" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How much does it cost to gravel a driveway</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">?&#8221; They may be worried that it&#8217;ll cost them a lot and might try to talk you down on the value of the home. The average cost is between $1,500 to $6,000: about $2 to $5 per square foot.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let them know it&#8217;s an inexpensive project to complete: and their response will likely depend on the market. In a buyers&#8217; market, they may ask you to achieve that work or to take it off the house&#8217;s value. If you&#8217;re in a sellers&#8217; market, they may try to haggle with you, but you&#8217;ll have the upper hand and won&#8217;t necessarily need to do this.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can This House Handle the Local Storms?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stormy weather is scary, especially in the modern-day when you can never tell what&#8217;s going on with the weather. Because of this, it&#8217;s a good idea to have the home already outfitted with</span><a href="https://wincowindow.com/products/hurricane-resistant" target="_blank"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">hurricane-grade windows</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> or other items that can protect it against the gusting wind and rain. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If they ask what&#8217;s going on with the home&#8217;s weather protection, be honest. Some states require you to disclose flooding, while others don&#8217;t, but it&#8217;s generally better for your trustability, to be honest if it has flooded.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Type of Siding Does the House Have?</span></h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5518" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2022/02/Pic3.jpg" alt="Pic3" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Siding is as large of a question for homes as the roofs are. Buyers want to know that the siding is waterproof, air-tight, and helps block out everything from noise pollution to insect life. Be clear on what type of siding the home has, how much time is left on it, and sell them on why that&#8217;s an awesome type of siding. The longer amount of time left on the siding, the better, since that means the buyer doesn&#8217;t have to struggle with the idea of possibly replacing it any time soon.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If your siding is out of date, flip the script and let them know this gives them the chance to get whatever type of siding they want, in any color or style, which allows them to customize their home a little bit when they finally move in. This turn of phrase can sometimes help. Otherwise, walking through the</span><a href="https://www.nichiha.com/pricing" target="_blank"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">cost to install fiber cement siding</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Was Liquid Flashing Applied?</span></h2>
<p><a href="https://polyguardproducts.com/2021/08/liquid-flashing/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Liquid flashing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is an awesome way to seal the home fully. It&#8217;s generally good practice to apply this, although not every house flipper or construction team does. Be honest about it, and if they want it and you&#8217;re in a buyers&#8217; market, consider giving it to them. If you&#8217;re in a sellers&#8217; market, offer to up the price of the home to cover it so that they can have it done before they move in.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Was the Biggest Issue With the Home?</span></h2>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5519" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2022/02/Pic4.jpg" alt="Pic4" width="500" height="332" /></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is a question that can be stressful if you’ve never sold a property before. Right now if you’re selling and you were held up by the supply chain: you can be honest about that! That saves you from naming a problem with the home. Otherwise, try to pick an issue that is easy to fully resolve and has no risk of any lasting problems with the property.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Buyers Will Ask Dozens of Questions</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Although you put tons of work and time into this property, it can feel belittling when someone starts picking it apart and asking you dozens of questions. Be attentive, answer every question honestly, and you’ll close the sale in no time.</span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brian Jeffries is the content director for the </span></i><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Innovative Building Materials</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value. </span></i></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/important-things-to-be-prepared-to-answer-when-flipping-a-home/">Important Things to Be Prepared to Answer When Flipping a Home</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Why Now is a Great Time to Flip a House</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/why-now-is-a-great-time-to-flip-a-house/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/why-now-is-a-great-time-to-flip-a-house/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2021 22:38:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.clearaz.com?p=5422</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1>Why Now is a Great Time to Flip a House</h1>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/demo.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5423" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/demo-300x200.jpg" alt="demo" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>House flipping may have been most popularized by the many HGTV shows that have come out in the last twenty years, but it&#8217;s taken on a life of its own. Not only does flipping homes give you a chance at a major income, but it also allows you to create livable spaces where families can skip the work and start their lives.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re eager to see how this industry could be something that will benefit you: these are the top things, you need to know.</p>
<h2>Profits Are Higher than Ever</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/bedroom.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5424" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/bedroom-300x200.jpg" alt="bedroom" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The average home is currently selling for almost double what it was worth just ten years ago, and many properties are continuing to sell at record-breaking numbers. In addition, the pandemic reminded people of the importance of having their own space, which encouraged plenty of people to make the leap and purchase a home while they could.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the beginning of 2020, house prices dipped momentarily as people sold to move to more rural areas, but by the end of the year, the market got hot. In 2021, we&#8217;ve been seeing homes sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars more than they would have pre-pandemic.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’re a house flipper, this is a clear opening to make major returns.</p>
<h2>The Materials Are Finally Available Again</h2>
<p>In 2020 and early 2021, most of the USA was in a major shortage of building materials.  A lot of this came down to the pandemic slowing the creation of these products, but some of it also came from how much people were buying to try and do house repairs while they were stuck indoors so much.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This lack of availability, and high demand, caused the price of construction produced to skyrocket and made common products like a <a href="https://heartlandpergolas.com/add-flair-to-your-homes-look-with-garage-pergola-kits/">garage door pergola kit</a> to become incredibly hard to come by.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Materials are becoming available again, which means there’s finally an opening for those who want to make repairs or flip homes.</p>
<h2>Many Properties Are Inexpensive Right Now</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/trellis.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5425" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/trellis-300x201.jpg" alt="trellis" width="300" height="201" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are plenty of properties that are selling for less than expected. These properties need a lot of work, show their age, and need improvements that the average buyer doesn&#8217;t want to take on. Sellers of these properties are getting desperate, and you can see that in how low they&#8217;re going for.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Although there are some areas this is more prevalent in; you can find project properties in nearly every city. It&#8217;s important when looking at these properties that you know how much you can handle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking up <a href="https://romandecoratingproducts.com/repairing-drywall-after-wallpaper-removal/">how to repair drywall after removing wallpaper</a> is something anyone can do. Still, if you have to worry about <a href="http://www.rollex.com/blog/how-to-install-aluminum-soffit-on-a-home/">installing an aluminum soffit</a> and you’ve never done it before, you need to make sure you can either afford a professional or afford to make a mistake.</p>
<h2>Doing Renovations Yourself Will Save Money</h2>
<p>If you&#8217;re handy and can do renovations yourself, you&#8217;re going to save a lot of money. Unfortunately, many construction and building workers have raised their rates by a large amount, making house renovation projects incredibly expensive for anyone who wants to take part in them. Fortunately, if you can handle yourself around the <a href="https://www.zar.com/inspiration/blog/what-are-the-best-interior-wood-stain-and-sealer-options">best interior wood stain and sealer</a>, you can handle most projects a home will send your way.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Every professional knows that every house flipping project will throw a couple of surprises at you, so be aware that you may still have to hire a professional to step in and complete some construction work, but if you&#8217;re handy and know what you&#8217;re doing, you should be able to cover most projects.</p>
<h2>You Can Sell In the New Year</h2>
<p>The best part of buying a home right now to flip is that you&#8217;ll be ready to sell in the early spring. This is always the wildest time of the year in the housing market since people are fresh from their tax returns, with their eyes on buying and moving before either a new school year starts for their children or the heat starts in southern states.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Buying a property and fixing it up at the end of the year will give you the chance to sell quickly and for a larger profit once the weather warms up again.</p>
<h2>Flipping Houses Can Be a Great Source of Income</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/lamp.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5426" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/12/lamp-300x200.jpg" alt="lamp" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Whether you&#8217;ve flipped dozens of homes before, or this is going to be your first foray into the world of real estate: if you do it right, you can make major money in this industry. Above all, ensure that you buy low, don&#8217;t bite off more than you can take, and create a home that you would want to live in. The money will follow.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Brian Jeffries is the content director for the </em><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/"><em>Innovative Building Materials</em></a><em> blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value. </em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/why-now-is-a-great-time-to-flip-a-house/">Why Now is a Great Time to Flip a House</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Great Things Happening in Arizona</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/great-things-happening-in-arizona/</link>
		<comments>https://www.clearaz.com/great-things-happening-in-arizona/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Nov 2021 00:07:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mike@clearaz.com]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>GREAT THINGS HAPPENING IN ARIZONA</p>
<p><a href="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/11/photo-9.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5406" src="https://www.clearaz.com/wp-client_data/22429/2911/uploads/2021/11/photo-9-300x225.jpg" alt="photo (9)" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<ol>
<li>Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., one of the world’s leading private jet manufacturers, announced it will build a new aircraft service center at the Arizona Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. <a href="https://go.azcommerce.com/e/629661/facility-planned-for-mesa-html/2p84bb/483759853?h=d4RI2EY7JzfZ-jrezEZZHo4drmLExpMTzQsaedjE-lE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="2">The facility, which will expand Gulfstream’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in the region, is expected to open in 2023 and house hundreds of jobs</a>.</li>
<li>Recent projections by the Office of Economic Opportunity show Arizona is estimated to add 721,689 new jobs over the next decade, three times higher than the national average. <a href="https://go.azcommerce.com/e/629661/ed-to-reach-over-700-000-in-th/2p84bd/483759853?h=d4RI2EY7JzfZ-jrezEZZHo4drmLExpMTzQsaedjE-lE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="3">A KTAR interview with ACA staff details gains across all private sectors and 15 counties in the state</a>.</li>
<li>Arizona Mesa-based Atlis Motor Vehicles, a manufacturer of electric work trucks and fast-charge batteries, has partnered with EAVX to integrate its automotive chassis and accessories into the Atlis EV platform. <a href="https://go.azcommerce.com/e/629661/j-25557719-senddate-2021-11-02/2p84bg/483759853?h=d4RI2EY7JzfZ-jrezEZZHo4drmLExpMTzQsaedjE-lE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">The agreement includes the development of the next generation of service and utility vehicle platforms; commercial work truck accessories; and commercial freight and dump vehicle platforms for the North American market</a>.</li>
<li>Moov Technologies, a startup that runs an online marketplace for used semiconductor manufacturing equipment, recently raised $41 million in series A funding to build out its team and expand its service offerings. <a href="https://go.azcommerce.com/e/629661/aises-41-million-series-a-html/2p84bj/483759853?h=d4RI2EY7JzfZ-jrezEZZHo4drmLExpMTzQsaedjE-lE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">Moov was founded in San Francisco and moved its head office to Arizona earlier this year</a>.</li>
<li><em>Az Inno</em> reported Phoenix Arizona and Tucson Arizona are among the country’s top clean technology and innovation hubs. <a href="https://go.azcommerce.com/e/629661/-among-top-cleantech-hubs-html/2p84bl/483759853?h=d4RI2EY7JzfZ-jrezEZZHo4drmLExpMTzQsaedjE-lE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="6">According to a recent report, the Phoenix metro ranked No. 22 and Tucson ranked No. 39 in the Cleantech Innovation Hubs Survey from Colorado-based venture capital and research firm Saoradh Enterprise Partners</a>.</li>
</ol>
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<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/great-things-happening-in-arizona/">Great Things Happening in Arizona</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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		<title>Top 7 Features to Look For in a New Home in 2021</title>
		<link>https://www.clearaz.com/top-7-features-to-look-for-in-a-new-home-in-2021/</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:46:55 +0000</pubDate>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Top 7 Features to Look For in a New Home in 2021</span></h1>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Searching for a new home can be overwhelming because there are so many options. Homes have evolved over the years and now have long lists of features. However, you may be asking yourself what features you should really be looking for. This article is here to answer that question. Though everyone has different needs, here are seven features to look for in a new home in 2021.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. Upgraded Flooring </span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Upgraded flooring is a great feature in a new home. For one, it is a pain to have to replace flooring throughout the house, but additionally, we spend a lot of time walking around on our floors. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because of the time we spend on our floors, they take a lot of wear and can be an annoyance if you don’t like them. For instance, cold floors can be frustrating since you will always have to wear socks or shoes. Though these things might be trivial, you would be surprised at the difference it can make when you have quality flooring. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Look for homes with </span><a href="https://www.warmup.com/blog/radiant-floor-heat-insulation"><span style="font-weight: 400;">radiant floor heating systems</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with radiant floor heat insulation, durable flooring materials like vinyl, and neutral colors and patterns so that they will always work with your decor. These flooring features are a big benefit in a new home. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">2. Energy Efficient Elements</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Energy efficiency elements in a new home are another top feature to look for. The energy costs of homes are one of the largest ongoing costs of homeownership and they often rise over time. Homes that have energy-efficient windows, appliances, lighting, faucets, and HVAC systems should always be highly considered to save you money in the long run. Additionally, looking for a well-insulated home will aid in energy efficiency as well. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">3. Steel Siding</span></h2>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Steel siding is becoming a popular top home feature because of its many benefits. Steel siding is durable, has a long lifespan, and looks modern. </span><a href="https://www.trulogsiding.com/steel-siding-colors/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Steel siding color options</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are vast so you’ll often see a lot of diverse colors; however, if the steel-sided home isn’t a color you prefer, it can be painted as long as you use proper methods.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">4. Convenience Upgrades</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Convenience upgrades are a rather vague term but are still something to look out for in a new home. Everyone’s life is different so everyone might have a different view on which convenience upgrades are at the top of their list. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Convenience upgrades or amenities are features in a home that make your daily life more convenient. These are things like an indoor, large laundry room, walk-in pantries, a large kitchen sink, double vanities in the bathroom, and walk-in closets. Regardless, any home that has upgrades that will make your life easier is a top feature to look for. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">5. A Pool or Outdoor Space</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the world staying home more, more emphasis has been put on what homes have to offer as far as entertainment. A pool and outdoor space is a great feature to look for as it gives homeowners more to do at home. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pools are an excellent feature for both entertainment and aesthetics. They often have a pool deck around them which is great for relaxing, grilling, and more. However, keep in mind that if the home has a pool and deck, you’ll want to ensure that it has a </span><a href="https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/pool-deck-drain"><span style="font-weight: 400;">pool deck drain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> so that there are no standing water problems. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and gardens are a way to enjoy your surroundings and the weather while providing a place to retreat from the confines of your house. They are also great for entertaining.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">6. Smart Home Accessibility</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several products have come to market in the last decade to make homes smarter, convenient, and intuitive. However, not all homes are smart home accessible. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having smart home accessibility is a top feature to look for in a new home in 2021. You’ll want to look for preset wiring for cameras and alarm systems, exemplary wireless connectivity, and pre-installed smart devices. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many home cameras and alarm systems require hardwiring which has to go behind the walls which means that when this is already installed and can just be connected, it is a top feature to have. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not all homes are conducive to good wireless connectivity. Always look to see what the highest level of Wifi is that can be run to the house. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finally, new homes may have some smart devices already installed like a smart thermostat which is another stellar feature of a new home in 2021. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">7. A Well-Designed Garage</span></h2>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When searching for new homes, not many people think twice about the garage. However, a well-designed garage is an excellent feature because it becomes a more usable space giving you more bang for your buck. A well-designed garage could include a lot of things, but some examples are garage window inserts, additional storage space, and temperature regulation. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/garage-door-window-inserts/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Garage door window inserts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> allow light into the garage brightening up the space. Storage space is helpful for all of the seasonal decor and recreational equipment that homeowners accumulate. It’s even better if the storage space has pre-installed organizational elements like built-in shelves. </span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are a few ways temperature regulation can be implemented in a garage including extra insulation, small air conditioning units, and heaters. Garage temperature regulation is an underrated feature because the space can then be used any time of year for a wider variety of activities. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discover What Features Are Most Important</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, not every feature on this list will be important to you and your family and they certainly might not all be found in the same home, but you should consider these features in a new home as you come across them. Discover which features are most important from these ideas and you’ll find a new home you love in 2021.</span></p>
<p><strong><strong> </strong></strong></p>
<p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Brian Jeffries is the content director for the </span></i><a href="https://innovativebuildingmaterials.com/"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Innovative Building Materials</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value. </span></i></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com/top-7-features-to-look-for-in-a-new-home-in-2021/">Top 7 Features to Look For in a New Home in 2021</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.clearaz.com">Clear Mortgage</a>.</p>
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