The Truth About Credit Scores and Buying a Home
Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.
The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal
When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.
Focus on Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market
Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a big question on many people’s minds today. And while what timing is right for you will depend on a lot of other personal factors, here’s something you may not have considered.
The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today
Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates, rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes, there’s a lot to consider. But, there's one way to avoid getting tripped up..
Why Buyer Representation Should Matter So Much to Sellers
What value does a seller receive if the buyer has professional representation? Let us list the ways:
The Truth About Down Payments
Home prices are expected to keep appreciating over the next 5 years – meaning your future home will likely go up in price the longer you wait. Keep in mind that you don't always need a 20% down payment to buy a home. Here’s why...
Why You May Want To Seriously Consider a Newly Built Home
Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move? If so, it may be time to consider a newly built home and the benefits that come with one. Here’s why.
The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership
Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life. While there are financial reasons to become a homeowner, it's essential to think about the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just a place to live. Here are some of the top non-financial reasons
Buying a Second Home
Second homes offer several options to homeowners seeking to expand their property portfolios.
Is Marry the House, Date the Rate a Good Homebuying Strategy?
Is now the right time to buy a house? If you utilize the strategy of "marry the house, date the rate," the answer could be yes.
Explaining Today’s Mortgage Rates
If you’re following mortgage rates because you know they impact your borrowing costs, you may be wondering what the future holds for them. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer that question because mortgage rates are notoriously hard to forecast.
Owning Your Home Helps You Build Wealth
There are lots of good reasons to become a homeowner. Homeownership builds wealth regardless of income level and you may be surprised to learn homeowners across various income levels have a much higher net worth than renters who make the same amount.
Buying a Fixer-Upper
For some home buyers, a fixer-upper is their idea of a dream home. However, the process of buying a fixer-upper comes with additional responsibilities compared to properties in better condition or new construction homes.
A Smaller Home Could Be Your Best Option
Many people are reaching the point in their lives when they need to decide where they want to live when they retire. If you’re a homeowner approaching this stage, you have several options to explore.
Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership
No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide.
7 Housing Market Predictions
The percentage of homes with price cuts jumped from 7.1% in December to 13.6% this year. So we asked 7 economists and real estate pros: Is now the time to buy before the spring rush hits?
More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households Today
If you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living may be for you.
3 Trends That Are Good News for Today’s Homebuyers
As the market has cooled this year, some of the intensity buyers faced during the peak frenzy of the pandemic has cooled too. Here are just a few trends that may benefit you when you go to buy a home today.
Is A Seller Paid Buydown The Right Move?
With a recent rise in interest rates and appreciating home values, many buyers have been priced out of the market. With a seller paid buydown, you can help lower the buyer’s monthly payment without lowering the seller’s sales price.
More Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Than Ever Before
Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth year in a row, but more Americans selected it than ever before.