• Escrow
• Insurance
• Building and using equity
• Refinancing
• Selling

To contact our First Home Concierges, visit ardentcu.org/newbuyer

• Mortgage types (FHA vs. conventional, etc.)
• Fixed-rate vs. Adjustible
• Points
• PMI
• And more

• Components of an offer
• How much to offer (appraisal vs. price)
• Pre-approvals
• Negotiating
• Appraisals and inspections
• And more

RESOURCES

• First Home Concierge: https://www.ardentcu.org/newbuyer

• Different home types
• Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
• Finding a real estate agent
• Buyers vs. Sellers market
• And more

RESOURCES:

• Ardent First Home Concierge: https://ardentcu.org/newbuyer
• HomeAdvantage: https://ardentcu.myhomeadvantage.com/

On the first episode, Homebuying 101, Damien and Alishia will give an overview of the homebuying process, including:

• Your credit score and why it’s important
• First-time homebuyer education resources
• Budgeting – How much can you afford?
• Pre-approvals and why they matter
• Down payment, closing and other costs
• And more

This episode is on the longer side, but it’s packed with great tips.

RESOURCES:

Ardent’s First-Time Homebuyer program: https://www.ardentcu.org/newbuyer

• • Car Warranties including bumper to bumper, powertrain, maintenance plans, extended warranties and CPO programs.
  • GAP Coverage can help cover your auto loan balance if your car is totaled and you owe more than it’s worth.
  • Optional extras including etching, wheel locks and paint protection

For this final episode of the Ardent Exchange featuring the Auto Buying Concierges, learn learn how to make informed decisions about which add-ons are right for you, if any.

• • Price it Right: Use multiple tools to research values and set a fair price.
  • Choose the Right Platform: Explore options like Facebook Marketplace, AutoTrader or even parking it in a high-visibility area.
  • Create a Killer Listing: Take high-quality photos and include all the key details.
  • Stay Safe: Meet in public places, bring a friend and be cautious during test drives.
  • Avoid Scams: Insist on safe payment methods and transactions in secure locations.

Tune in and learn how to sell your car privately with confidence and ease.

Resources:

• • JD Power: https://www.jdpowervaluesonline.com
  • Kelly Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/whats-my-car-worth
  • Carfax: https://www.carfax.com
  • Autotrader: https://www.autotrader.com
  • Cars.com: https://www.cars.com
  • CarGurus: https://www.cargurus.com

• The key reasons to consider a trade-in (think convenience, potential tax breaks and avoiding scams) and reasons not to trade in (pricing and market conditions)
• What to do and what not to do before you head to the dealership (Should you detail your car first?)
• Dealership negotiation strategies and avoiding the devaluation trap to secure a fair trade-in price

The trade-in process is often an afterthought for many car buyers—But in this episode, our hosts will explain why it deserves more attention.

Resources:

• • Auto Buying Concierge: https://www.Ardentcarbuying.com
  • Kelly Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/
  • J.D. Power: https://www.jdpower.com/
  • Dealerrater.com: https://www.dealerrater.com/

• Winging it: Not researching the car you want, pricing and even the dealerships you’ll visit can be costly. Instead, learn how to blend different metrics to identify the right car for you.
• Oversharing: Many shoppers unconsciously give away verbal and nonverbal clues about themselves that salespeople may use to their advantage. Learn what sales staff look for when potential buyers step onto the lot.
• Negotiating: If you don’t control the flow of the sale process and learn to respectfully negotiate, you could end up paying more than you need to for a car. Get tips for how to evaluate pricing offers and countering.
• Leasing: This option might sound tempting, but depending on the market conditions, it might not be the best option compared to purchasing.

Pete and Steve kick things off by breaking down the pros and cons of various options for where to buy your next car, from online retailers to traditional dealerships:

• Discover why online car buying might not always be as convenient as it seems, and whether huge deals from rental car return programs are worth it.
• Learn the ins and outs of purchasing through big-box dealerships, small used car lots and private sales.
• Get Pete and Steve’s thoughts on pricing at each of these options, the risks of buy here-pay here financing and more.

If you want free expert advice on how to navigate the car buying process, start here. To learn more about how Ardent’s car guys can help you find your next car, visit ardentcarbuying.com.