Recently two U.S. Census Bureau researchers released their findings on the biggest determinants of household wealth. What they found may help shape your view on building your family’s net worth. Many people plan to build their net worth by buying CDs or stocks, or just having a savings account. Recently, however, Economist Jonathan Eggleston and Survey Statistician Donald Hays, both of the U.S. Census Bureau, shared the biggest determinants of wealth, “The biggest determinants of household wealth [are] … [Read more...]
What FICO® Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?
It’s common knowledge that your FICO® score plays an important role in the homebuying process. However, many buyers have misconceptions regarding what exactly is required to get the loans they need. While a recent announcement from CNBC shares that the average national FICO® score has reached an all-time high of 706, the good news for potential buyers is that you don’t need a score that high to qualify for a mortgage. Let’s unpack the credit score myth so you can to become a homeowner … [Read more...]
62% of Buyers Are Wrong About Down Payment Needs
Contrary to common misconception, a down payment is often much less than many believe. According to the ‘2019 Home Buyer Report’ conducted by Nerdwallet, many first-time buyers still believe they need a 20% down payment to buy a home in today’s market: “More than 6 in 10 (62%) Americans believe you must put at least 20% down in order to purchase a home.” When potential homebuyers think they need a 20% down payment to enter the market, they also tend to think … [Read more...]
5 Homebuying Acronyms You Need to Know [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: Learning the lingo of homebuying is an important part of feeling successful when buying a home. From APR to P&I, you need to know the acronyms that will come up along the way, and what they mean when you hear them. Your local professionals are here to help you feel confident and informed from start to finish…and this infographic will help you as you go. … [Read more...]
Homeowners Are Happy! Renters? Not So Much.
When people talk about homeownership and the American Dream, much of the conversation revolves around the financial benefits of owning a home. However, two recent studies show that the non-financial benefits might be even more valuable. In a recent survey, Bank of America asked homeowners: “Does owning a home make you happier than renting?” 93% of the respondents answered yes, while only 7% said no. The survey also revealed: More than 80% said they wouldn’t go back to renting 88% agreed that … [Read more...]
Are You Ready for the ‘Black Friday’ of Real Estate?
According to a new study from realtor.com, the week of September 22 is the best time of year to buy a home, making it ‘Black Friday’ for homebuyers. Every year, ‘Black Friday’ is a highly anticipated event for eager shoppers. Some people prepare for weeks, crafting and refining a strategic shopping agenda, determining exactly when to arrive at each store, and capturing a wish list of discounted must-have items to purchase. But what about buying a home? Is there a ‘Black Friday’ … [Read more...]
One of the Top Reasons to Own a Home
One of the benefits of homeownership is that it is a “forced savings plan.” Here’s how it works: You make a mortgage payment each month. Part of that payment is applied to the principal balance of your mortgage. Each month you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity. If your home has appreciated since the time you purchased it, that increase in value also raises your equity. Over time, the equity in your home could be substantial. … [Read more...]
What Buyers Need to Know About HOAs
When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you. According to a recent article on realtor.com, “In a nutshell, an HOA helps ensure that your community looks its best and functions smoothly…The number of Americans living in homes with HOAs is on the rise, growing from a mere 1% in 1970 to 25% today, according to the Foundation for Community … [Read more...]
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage
Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan. Below is a list of Things You Shouldn’t Do After Applying for a Mortgage. Some may seem obvious, but some may not. 1. Don’t … [Read more...]
6 Graphs Showing the Strength of the Current Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: Keeping an eye on the current status of the housing market is one of the best ways to make powerful and confident decisions when buying or selling a home. Mortgage rates remaining near historic lows and houses selling in an average of only 29 days are just two key elements driving the strength of today’s market. With the national data shown here, make sure to also determine what’s happening in your local market so you are fully informed when you’re ready to make your next move. … [Read more...]
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