4 Companies Making Home Ownership Easier

Every year, millions of people take the plunge and buy homes. However, buying and maintaining a home comes with its own set of challenges.

From deciding where to look for a property to figuring out how to keep it in great shape, first-time homeowners are faced with plenty of new considerations. Indeed, the process can feel more than a little frustrating and confusing. And since most people only buy a couple of homes in a lifetime, it’s not an everyday occurrence that gets more intuitive.

To make the home buying (and home upkeep) experience more satisfying and less nerve-racking, some forward-leaning companies are offering innovative solutions. Their services and products are aimed at streamlining and untangling the innate complexities of purchasing and owning a private home. By patronizing these companies, people who are ready to buy property can enjoy their investments rather than continuously feel like they’re making decisions without any guidance.

1. HVACDirect.com: Making Comfort More Affordable

A home is more than just a collection of walls, doors, windows, and a roof. It’s a self-supporting environment that needs the right equipment to remain properly heated and cooled and ensure that it’s comfortable, healthy, and protected. Yet upgrading or replacing HVAC equipment through a third-party provider can be pricey.

HVACDirect.com makes it possible for homeowners to take a more hands-on approach to their heating and cooling needs. HVACDirect.com’s business model is as straightforward as it is unique: Provide an online marketplace that offers wholesale HVAC systems directly to the public. This means any homeowner can explore and purchase HVAC equipment and parts.

Homeowners who use HVACDirect.com have access to installation assistance as well. For instance, after researching buying a ductless mini-split directly through the brand’s website, a customer can speak with an expert team member. At HVACDirect.com, all sales representatives have a background in the HVAC world, and they’re ready to provide their tips and insights. This industry-leading differentiator helps the company stand out as a must-try for all owners who want to update their homes without draining their cash reserves.

2. My Home By Freddie Mac: Pulling Back The Curtain On Financial Questions

It’s not unusual for home buyers to be surprised at all the costs associated with going through the steps of owning a home. For example, having a down payment isn’t enough, which can be a surprise. Plenty of other fees and financial realities of home ownership come into play when a home transfers ownership.

This is where comprehensive calculators can come in handy, and My Home by Freddie Mac has them all in one place. Whether a consumer wants to get a snapshot of all their potential housing expenses or see a lay out of closing costs, the My Home by Freddie Mac platform has a way for them to get quick, accurate answers.

The My Home by Freddie Mac site isn’t limited to calculators, though. It includes other educational resources and downloadable tools. Consumers are encouraged to become better informed, which improves their chances of having the outcome they want — a home they can afford and love.

3. Planet Home Lending: Putting Sustainability Into Lending

It’s not difficult to find digital lenders that offer a variety of mortgage types to home buyers. That said, it’s unusual for lenders to have a strong and compelling sustainability focus.

Planet Home Lending was founded as an alternative lender that appeals to consumers who want to work with environmentally friendlier companies. Their business model extends beyond simply providing financial products; they actively contribute to green organizations. Plus, they issue corporate responsibility reports so their customers can review the ecological and social impact the lender is making.

Consumers who have already purchased a home can move their loans to Planet Home Lending. Through refinancing, they may be able to negotiate lower rates or pay off their home (and gain equity) faster. At the same time, they can work with a financial company that’s dedicated to a greener future.

4. Redfin: Making It Simpler To Evaluate All Home Ownership Risks

There are a few standout websites that list all the homes that are available within a geographic territory. To be honest, most of them have the same information for each home.

One of the exceptions to this rule is Redfin. At Redfin, home buyers can browse at their leisure. At the same time, they can get a better snapshot of the climate risks of every home’s location. This is critical information, particularly for homeowners who want to live in areas that are prone to wildfires, flooding, and related natural disasters.

Why does climate forecasting matter? Homeowners insurance covering is going to be statistically higher — and sometimes nearly impossible to get — in areas where the weather is more apt to cause property damage. Consequently, having that knowledge upfront allows would-be home buyers to make data-backed investments.

The promise of home ownership holds quite a bit of appeal for individuals and families that want to stay in an area for years and build their net worth. But consumers who are ready to become property owners but new to the process aren’t relegated to reinventing the wheel. Instead, they can rely on all the companies out there that are designed to give them the exceptional and rewarding home buying and owning experience they deserve.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.

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