Steps to Decrease Everyday Home Costs – Austin Mortgage - At Austin Mortgage, we understand that home owners are looking for mortgages with the best rates and lowest fees. Our team of expert mortgage professionals are here to provide you just that along with additional ways you could save on your everyday home costs.

1. local (512) 518-5200
toll-free (800) 234-0907 www.austinmortgage.com
Austin Mortgage - Steps to Decrease Everyday Home Costs
At Austin Mortgage, we understand that home
owners are looking for mortgages with the best
rates and lowest fees. Our team of expert mortgage
professionals are here to provide you just that
along with additional ways you could save on your
everyday home costs.
1.) Refinance
The first step towards decreasing your everyday
home costs is to take a look at your largest expense,
your mortgage. With mortgage rates at an all-time low, there is a chance you could refinance your cur-
rent residence and lower your monthly mortgage payment. Contact Austin Mortgage today to see if
refinancing is a good option for you.
2.) Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is likely to be another large piece of your home costs pie. It is important to
check in with your insurance agent annually to determine whether or not you are getting the right
amount of coverage at the absolute best price.
3.) Real Estate Taxes
Another way to cut back on everyday home expenses is to check out your real estate taxes. As the as-
sessed value of your property increases, as do your real estate taxes. If your city of town is about to
conduct another reassessment and you believe that they have placed too high of a value on your home,
ask for an abatement. In order to win, you must do your homework. Before requesting an abatement,
research the assessments of homes similar to yours in your neighborhood. Usually found at the tax as-
sessor’s office, the home assessment records are available for public use.
Copyright © 2012 Advocate Financial Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
The information provided in this marketing material is for information purposes only. A thorough investigation has not been conducted. The information here should not be
used for any real purpose. This material is not a committment to lend.

2. local (512) 518-5200
toll-free (800) 234-0907 www.austinmortgage.com
Page 2 - Austin Mortgage - Steps to Decrease Everyday Home Costs
4.) Monthly Expenses
A big way to reduce the amount spent on home costs is to reduce your recurring monthly expenses.
While sewer and homeowners’ association costs are generally fixed expenses, water usage can be con-
trolled. Small changes like turning the water off while brushing your teeth and running the washing
machine only when you have a full load can make a big difference on your next water bill.
Even if you are happy with current house keeper, lawn and gardening services, or private trash collec-
tor, never stop shopping around for a cheaper rate. Many times, if you inform your current supplier
that you saw that their competitor’s rates were cheaper, they will often provide the service at their com-
petitor’s cost to keep your business.
Do not keep renewing your same cable and internet packages every year. If you know that your renewal
time is coming up, check out other companies to ensure that you are getting the best deal. If you find a
better deal than what you currently have, switch providers.
You can manage your electric bill in ways similar to that of your water bill. The most important way to
watch your electric costs are to remain aware of your usage. Set a sleep timer on your TV instead of let-
ting it run all night and turn your air conditioning unit up or off when you leave the house. Just as with
the water utility bill, simple solutions to conserve electricity can have a huge impact on your monthly
expenses.
5.) Basic Home Maintenance
It is always easier and cheaper to fix issues when they first arise than to wait until they spiral out of
control. Simple home maintenance can save you the headaches and costly expenses in the long run.
economy regains strength and home prices begin to rise. At that time, sellers and home builders will
not be as eager to negotiate and could take back the upper hand.
Copyright © 2012 Advocate Financial Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
The information provided in this marketing material is for information purposes only. A thorough investigation has not been conducted. The information here should not be
used for any real purpose. This material is not a committment to lend.

3. local (512) 518-5200
toll-free (800) 234-0907 www.austinmortgage.com
Page 3 - Austin Mortgage - Steps to Decrease Everyday Home Costs
6.) Major Home Renovations
Renovating and remodeling your home will increase its value and give you a greater return on your
investment. However, major home renovation projects can easily drain the wallet. If you know that you
want to remodel your kitchen, bathroom, etc. get a price quote for the renovation first. Take notes on
what material you would like used as well as cost of new appliances. Total up everything for a rough
estimate of what the renovation will cost. You may want to add on some extra cushion to your budget
at the end just in case there are a few surprises or unexpected costs once the renovation begins. If you
wish to begin the project in X amount on months, then divide your budget by that number and put
aside that amount of money every month until the project begins.
To contact an Austin expert, visit AustinMortgage.com or call (800) 308-8503.
Copyright © 2012 Advocate Financial Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
The information provided in this marketing material is for information purposes only. A thorough investigation has not been conducted. The information here should not
be used for any real purpose. This material is not a committment to lend.