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Prequalification vs. Pre-approval: What’s the Difference?
By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp Searching for your dream home doesn’t have to remain just a dream. Knowing in advance how much money you have available to purchase a home can go a long way in turning that dream into reality. One...
Homeownership Affordability: Know Your Numbers
By Charlestien Harris One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home is affordability. Affordability can look different for each person considering homeownership. Homeownership affordability is defined as the ability to purchase and maintain a...
Homebuyer Education: What Is It, and Why Do I Need It?
By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp Now that you’ve decided you’re ready to purchase a home, it’s time to learn more about the home buying process. A Homebuyer Education Course is designed to educate potential buyers about the steps...
Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp June is commonly known as National Homeownership Month – a time to celebrate the American dream of owning a home and to promote the benefits of homeownership. National Homeownership Week began in...
Planning on Tying the Knot? Say ‘I Do’ to Saving!
By Charlestien Harris June is a very popular month for weddings – often considered the third most popular month after September and October! You’ve probably heard the phrase “tying the knot” used to describe a wedding ceremony. This week, I want to share some thrifty...
Money-Saving Moves for National Moving Month
By Charlestien Harris May is National Moving Month, which kicks off one of the busiest moving seasons of the year. It’s also when home sales begin to rise, and people start making big changes. Moving can be a hassle and a chore, and it often brings more change than...
Make Every Penny Count in May and Every Day!
By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Counselor at Southern Bancorp Some people may look for pennies – especially if they’re on the ground – and pick them up. Others may carry a found penny for good luck or put the first penny they receive in their pocket. Either...
Seniors and Their Money in May
By Charlestien Harris Here’s a little-known fact: May is nationally recognized as Older Americans Month. Established in 1963, this observance honors the legacies and contributions of older Americans and supports them as they transition into the next stage of life....