Home Ownership: Determining Your Borrowing Capacity

Home Ownership: Determining Your Borrowing Capacity

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Embarking on the journey of homeownership is a significant milestone, especially in New York State’s dynamic real estate landscape. Understanding how much you can borrow is a crucial first step in this process. This guide outlines the steps to assess your borrowing capacity and navigate the home-buying process effectively. Step 1: […]

Who Gets the House in a New York State Divorce?

Who Gets the House in a New York State Divorce?

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. One of the most contested issues in a New York divorce is determining who gets the house. Since a home is often a couple’s largest asset, its division can be complex, especially when children, financial investments, and emotional attachments are involved. New York follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property—including a […]

Reverse Mortgages in NYC

Reverse Mortgages in NYC

A reverse mortgage is a financial product that allows homeowners, typically aged 60 or older, to convert part of their home equity into cash while retaining ownership of their property. This option can be particularly appealing to seniors who are “house rich” but “cash poor,” providing them with additional funds to support their financial needs. […]

Boomers Beware: The Hidden Risks of Using Home Equity to Pay for Long-Term Care

Boomers Beware: The Hidden Risks of Using Home Equity to Pay for Long-Term Care

For many baby boomers, retirement and aging bring significant financial considerations, particularly when it comes to long-term care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, some retirees look to their biggest asset—their home—as a financial resource. Using home equity to pay for long-term care may seem like a viable option, but it carries serious financial and […]

How to Use Home Equity If You Have To: An In-Depth Analysis

How to Use Home Equity If You Have To: An In-Depth Analysis

As older adults navigate financial planning, one of the most significant assets they own is their home. In situations where additional funds are needed—especially to cover long-term care costs—home equity can be a valuable financial resource. However, accessing home equity requires careful consideration, as different financial products come with varying risks and benefits. The three […]

Buying a House After Divorce

Buying a House After Divorce

Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging life events anyone can experience, and it often comes with significant changes in many aspects of life, including housing. If you’re considering buying a house after divorce, it can feel like a daunting task. However, with careful planning, understanding your financial situation, and a clear […]

What I Should Know About Buying a Home in New York City

What I Should Know About Buying a Home in New York City

By Brian Figeroux, Esq. Buying a home in New York City is a milestone achievement, but it can also be one of the most complex real estate transactions in the country. The city’s unique real estate market, combined with its competitive demand and high costs, requires prospective buyers to be well-prepared and well-informed. This article […]

How the Second Trump Administration Could Affect the Housing Market

How the Second Trump Administration Could Affect the Housing Market

By Equity Smart Realty Inc | www.equitysmartrealty.com The American Dream has long been defined by two core aspirations: entrepreneurship and homeownership. Yet, in recent years, the dream of owning a home has become increasingly difficult for many Americans. Whether you’re trying to buy a house or rent an apartment, rising costs and stagnant wages have […]

32% of Black Homeowners Believe Their Home’s Value Was Unfairly Appraised

32% of Black Homeowners Believe Their Home’s Value Was Unfairly Appraised

By Denny Ceizyk, Lending Tree  Black Americans frequently face challenges achieving homeownership, even in areas with large Black populations, according to a 2021 LendingTree study. Those fortunate enough to overcome financial hurdles to become homeowners may face a different obstacle: appraisal discrimination. The newest LendingTree survey finds that more than 1 in 5 Americans who’ve […]