Tag: First Time Homebuyers

How an Energy Efficient Home Can Be a Bright Idea

Posted on 03/27/2022

With inflation driving up the cost of everyday items, seeking out an energy-efficient home can be a great way to decrease the expenses you can control. Energy efficiency can help lower your utility bills and possibly even save you money on your taxes. Options to look for include efficient appliances, windows, and solar panels. If you’re planning to...

Are You Wondering if This Is the Year To Buy a Home?

Posted on 03/24/2022

Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home? If you’re a renter, chances are you’ve asked yourself that question at least once, and it’s likely because you’ve faced an increase in your monthly housing costs over time. After all, according to Census data, rents have...

Real Estate

Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by Closing Costs

Posted on 03/22/2022

As a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. While most people understand the need to save for a down payment, a recent survey found 41% of homebuyers were surprised by their closing costs. Here’s some information to help you get started so you’re not caught off guard...

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve Homeownership

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Posted on 03/07/2022

For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For first-time home buyers,...

Real Estate

Down Payments

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Posted on 02/11/2022

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big. Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer. In a sellers’ market,...

Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Dreams

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Posted on 02/08/2022

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt? To give you the answers you’re searching for,...

Owning Is More Affordable than Renting in the Majority of the Country

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Posted on 02/01/2022

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority of the country. The 2022 Rental Affordability Report...

Always Get A Home Inspection

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Posted on 02/01/2022

Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. We always tell our buyers that you should always get a home inspection. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so...

Home Inspections

With Mortgage Rates Climbing, Now’s the Time To Act

Posted on 01/22/2022

Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the highest point it’s been in almost two years. If you’re thinking about buying a home, this news may have come as a bit of a shock. But the truth is, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Experts have been calling for rates...