Mortgage rates are still a hot topic – and for good reason. After the most recent jobs report came out weaker than expected, the bond market reacted almost instantly. And, as a result, in early August mortgage rates dropped to their lowest point so far this year (6.55%).While that may not sound like a big deal, pretty much every buyer has been waiting for rates to fall. And even a seemingly small drop like this reignites the hope we’re finally going to see rates trending down. But what’s realistic to … [Read more...]
Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?
If you’ve been skipping over newly built homes in your search, you might be doing so based on outdated assumptions. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths, so you don’t miss out on a solid opportunity.Myth 1: New Homes Are More ExpensiveIt’s easy to assume a new build will cost more than an existing home, but that’s not necessarily true, especially right now.Data from Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the median price of a newly built home today is actually lower than a home that’s … [Read more...]
What You Need To Know About Concessions
Some HighlightsNow that there are more homes for sale, buyers have more options. And sellers need to be more flexible to close the deal.That's why almost half of homeowners are making some type of concession. This can include covering closing costs, paying for repairs, or dropping the price.Not sure which concessions to offer? Connect with a local agent so you know what’s working for sellers in your market. … [Read more...]
Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High
Believe it or not, there are clear signs buyer interest is heating up again.Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems. Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove ItOne of the clearest ways to measure what people are thinking about is to look at what they’re searching for online. And according to Google Trends, searches for phrases like “home for sale” have been climbing steadily this year.The graph below shows an index of two … [Read more...]
Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think
Cutting out the agent might seem like a smart way to save when you sell your house. But here’s the hard truth.Last year, homes that sold with an agent went for almost 15% more than those that sold without one.That gap is pretty hard to ignore. And with more homes on the market to compete with right now, selling on your own is a mistake that’s going to cost you.This Isn’t the Market for DIY SellingA few years ago, you might’ve gotten away with a “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) sign in your yard, navigating the process on … [Read more...]
A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan
Are you wondering if you’re on track to retire someday?According to Intuit, 69% of people say today’s financial environment makes it tough to plan for the future, and 68% aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to retire. That’s why many people are exploring new ways to build stability and long-term income.And that’s where real estate comes in.Why Real Estate? Here’s What It Can Do for YouIf you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a second home can be a powerful tool for your future retirement. It could help … [Read more...]
3 Advantages of Buying a Newly Built Home Today
Some HighlightsPrices, rates, and finding the right home are three of the biggest challenges for buyers today. You may find better luck with all 3 if you look at newly built homes.There are more available. Builders are more flexible on prices right now. And people who buy new homes tend to get lower rates in this market thanks to the incentives builders can offer.Connect with an agent if you want to see the new builds available in and around your area. … [Read more...]
The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)
Buying a home is exciting… until you start thinking about the down payment. That’s when the worry can set in.“I’ll never save enough.”“I need a small fortune just to get started.”“I guess I’ll just rent forever.”Sound familiar? You’re not alone. And you’re definitely not out of luck.Here’s the thing: a lot of what you’ve heard about down payments just isn’t true. And once you know the facts, you might realize you’re a lot closer to owning a home than you think.Let’s break it all down and bust some big down payment … [Read more...]
The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High
When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it's a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.Overpricing Comes at a CostAnd more sellers are finding that out … [Read more...]
What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?
According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed.Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you think buying a home is out of reach for you right now, even if that’s not necessarily true. So, let’s look at what the data really says about credit scores and homebuying.There’s No One Magic NumberThere’s no universal credit … [Read more...]
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