So many complex steps make up the process of buying a home and settling in. Once the hard work is done, homeowners can relax and enjoy the feeling of owning a new home, while working to make it theirs. Recently, our team talked about home maintenance and advised you on how to keep your home in tip-top shape so you can avoid costly and time-consuming repairs. However, it is just as important to talk about...
There are few moments in your life that will be as monumental as buying a home. Your new home is where you will build a life with your partner and eventually raise a family. That home will bear witness to the many changes that will happen in your life over the coming years, so it’s more important than ever to keep your new investment safe and functional. Amidst all the excitement over closing on...
With the summer months on the horizon and the perfect window for summer vacations fast approaching, families are currently in the midst of planning their ideal getaway where they can relax and enjoy a break from the stresses of everyday life. Yet, while planning their vacations, homeowners might let their home’s security fall by the wayside or give it minimal thought. In truth, having peace of mind regarding your home’s security while on holiday is...
The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To...
Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022 You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why. Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this year. Pre-approval from a lender is...
Home Features That Millenial Home Buyers Love By Liz Chojnacki Brand millennials as educated, tech-savvy, curious, goal-oriented, financially astute, eco-conscious, and trendy. When it comes to real estate, these buyers present a formidable force and know exactly what they want. This generation also makes up the majority of today’s homebuyers. If you want to sell your home fast, spotlight these features that millennials love. Think Green Energy-efficient appliances appeal to millennials....
How Much Do You Need for Your Down Payment? As you set out on your homebuying journey, you likely have a plan in place, and you’re working on saving for your purchase. But do you know how much you actually need for your down payment? If you think you have to put 20% down, you may have set your goal based on a common misconception. Freddie Mac says: “The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops...
Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says: “Achieving this goal can create a sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates both for the buyer and those closest to them, including their...
If you’re a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, or a renter with a strong desire to become a homeowner, you may be hoping that waiting until next year could mean better market conditions to purchase a home. To determine whether you should buy now or wait another year, you can ask yourself two simple questions: Where will home prices be a year from now? Where will mortgage rates...
There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great time to list if you’re ready to make a change. But if you do sell your house right now, you may be wondering where you’ll go when you move. With so few homes available to buy right now, you might be considering building a new home as one of your options. But you may be unsure if that’s the way...
