Tag: First Time Homebuyers

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Posted on 01/02/2025

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where...

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Posted on 12/31/2024

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save. And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you...

New Higher Loan Limits for Homebuyers in the New Year

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Posted on 12/22/2024

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced that it will raise loan limits for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, giving some homebuyers greater purchasing power. Starting in 2025, the maximum conforming loan limit for single-unit properties will increase to $806,500 – a 5.2 % increase from the current limit of $766,550. The announcement is...

The Perks of Buying a Home This Winter

Posted on 12/18/2024

Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in your favor. You Likely Won’t Feel as Rushed...

Homebuyers

More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market

Posted on 12/18/2024

More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers. Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points Over the past year, the total supply of homes for...

What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores

Posted on 12/14/2024

Data shows 7 out of 10 prospective homebuyers don’t know the minimum credit score required by lenders or that it varies by lender and loan type. According to Experian, the range is anywhere from 500 to 700 for the minimum credit score. That means you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home. Your credit score is important...

Credit Scores

Types Of Home Loans

The Top 2 Reasons To Look at Newly Built Homes

Posted on 12/12/2024

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line. Here's why a new build is worth considering –...

Newly Built Homes

New Construction

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Posted on 10/02/2024

This Is the Sweet Spot Homebuyers Have Been Waiting For

After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move. With rates trending down, today’s market is a sweet spot for buyers—and it’s one that may not last long. So, if you’ve put your own move on the back burner,...

The Down Payment Assistance You Didn’t Know About

Posted on 09/24/2024

Believe it or not, almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. And if you’re hoping to buy a home, this is a mission-critical gap to close – fast (see graph below): Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your down payment in today’s housing market....

Down Payment Assistance

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home

Posted on 07/16/2024

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing market conditions are...

The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

Home Prices

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Posted on 07/10/2024

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. One of the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes is...