The National Association of Realtors recently released their 2016 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey. The survey revealed many characteristics of both vacation home purchasers and investors. Today, we want to concentrate on the vacation real estate market. The survey found that vacation home sales last year declined to an estimated 920,000, down 18.5% from their most recent peak level of 1.13 million in 2014. However, this is still the second highest number of vacation sales since 2006. Lawrence Yun, … [Read more...]
The Top Reasons Why Americans Buy Homes
Last week, the inaugural “Homebuyer Insights Report” was released by the Bank of America. The report revealed the reasons why consumers purchase homes and what their feelings are regarding homeownership. Consumer Lending Executive, D. Steve Boland, explained: “Homebuyers today are motivated by both emotional and practical reasons. Nearly all want more space, but a majority of homebuyers, especially those purchasing their first home, are also looking for a place to call their own, put down roots … [Read more...]
Over Half of Americans Planning on Buying in the Next 5 Years
According to the BMO Harris Bank Home Buying Report, 52% of Americans say they are likely to buy a home in the next five years. Americans surveyed for the report said that they would be willing to pay an average of $296,000 for a home and would average a 21% down payment. The report also included other interesting revelations. Those Looking to Buy 74% of those looking to buy a new home will consult with a real estate agent 59% said they will visit online real estate websites 37% will seek recommendations from … [Read more...]
You Can Save for a Down Payment Faster Than You Think
In a study conducted by Builder.com, researchers determined that nationwide, it would take “nearly eight years” for a first-time buyer to save enough for a down payment on their dream home. Depending on where you live, median rents, incomes and home prices all vary. By determining the percentage of income a renter spends on housing in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, they were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save. According to the … [Read more...]
More & More Singles Are Falling For Their Dream Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: 24% of all recent home buyers were single at the time of purchase. 47% of single men cite the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason to buy. 18% of first-time buyers were single women. … [Read more...]
Building Wealth: First Rung on the Ladder is Housing
How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is “an online resource for the most rigorous research and practical information on how a quality, stable, affordable home in a vibrant community contributes to individual and community success”. A recent story they published, The First Rung on the Ladder to Economic Opportunity Is Housing, discussed the importance of having affordable housing available to as many families as possible because: “The … [Read more...]
Real Estate: 2016 Will Be the Best Year in a Decade
A few weeks ago, Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist at realtor.com, exclaimed: “All indicators point to this spring being the busiest since 2006.” Now, Freddie Mac has doubled down on that claim and is saying that 2016 will be the best year that the real estate industry has seen in a decade. In their March Housing Outlook Report, Freddie Mac explained: “Despite the challenges facing the housing market, we expect this to be the best year for housing in a decade. Home sales, housing starts, and … [Read more...]
Rent or Buy: Either Way You’re Paying A Mortgage
There are some renters that have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your mortgage or your landlord’s. As The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt … [Read more...]
Don’t Wait! Move Up To Your Dream Home Now!
Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. Prices are still below those of a few years ago and interest rates have stayed near historic lows. Sellers should realize that waiting to make the move when mortgage rates are projected to increase probably doesn’t make sense. As rates increase, the price of the house you can afford will decrease if you plan to stay within a certain budget for your monthly housing … [Read more...]
Don’t Be Fooled… Homeownership Is A Great Investment! [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: Harvard University's Joint Center of Housing Studies recently released the top financial & emotional reasons to own a home. Owning is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to your family as it is usually a form of "forced savings." You're paying for a house whether you own or rent, but owning gives you control over your living space. … [Read more...]
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