People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.The Census Bureau recently released their third quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today:As you can see, rents have steadily increased and are showing no signs of slowing down. If you are faced with the decision of whether you should renew your lease or not, you might be … [Read more...]
4 Reasons to Buy Your Dream Home This Winter
As the temperature in many areas of the country starts to cool down, you might think that the housing market will do the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Here are 4 reasons you should consider buying your dream home this winter instead of waiting for spring!1. Prices Will Continue to RiseCoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next … [Read more...]
New Home Sales Race to Keep Up with Demand [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:Many buyers who are searching for their dream homes are turning to new home construction after 10% of all new home buyers sighted a lack of inventory of existing homes as their reason for purchase.The median home price decreased slightly from September’s high of $314,100 to $304,500 in October.The West saw the largest month over month jump in sales at 28.7%. … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Homeownership Is a Good Financial Investment
According to a recent report by Trulia, “buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 37.7%.” That may have some thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension. But, does that make sense from a financial perspective?In the report, Ralph McLaughlin, Trulia’s Chief Economist explains:“Owning a home is one of the most common ways households build long-term wealth, as it acts like a forced savings account. Instead of paying your … [Read more...]
Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?
There is no doubt that mortgage credit availability is expanding, meaning it is easier to finance a home today than it was last year. However, the mortgage market is still much tighter than it was prior to the housing boom and bust experienced between 2003 - 2006.The Housing Financing Policy Center at the Urban Institute just released data revealing two reasons for the current exceptionally high credit standards:Additional restrictions lenders put on borrowing because of concerns that they will be forced to … [Read more...]
Mortgage Interest Rates Just Went Up… Should I Wait to Buy?
Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Along with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.This has caused some purchasers to lament the fact they may no longer be able to get a rate less than 4%. However, we must realize that current rates are still at historic lows.Here is a chart … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying & Selling!
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey; you need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but rather have been strengthened, due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to pick up … [Read more...]
Existing Home Sales Surge Forward Through Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report.First-time homebuyers made up 33% of all sales in October.Homes are selling quickly with 43% of homes on the market for less than a month.A limited supply continues to drive up prices for the 56th consecutive month. … [Read more...]
Why Are Mortgage Interest Rates Increasing?
According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate jumped up to 3.94% last week. Interest rates had been hovering around 3.5% since June, and many are wondering why there has been such a significant increase so quickly. Why did rates go up?Whenever there is a presidential election, there is uncertainty in the markets as to who will win. One way that this is noticeable is through the actions of investors. As we get closer to the first Tuesday of … [Read more...]
You Can Never Have TMI about PMI
When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have Too Much Information (TMI) about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?Freddie Mac defines PMI as:“An insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It's a monthly fee, rolled into … [Read more...]
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