TITLE INSURANCE: QUIET BUT POWERFUL PROTECTION FOR BOTH BUYERS AND LENDERS When homebuyers get their closing cost estimates they inevitably find that a certain portion of their funds goes to pay for title insurance. Title insurance is seen by them and often by the real estate industry as a “necessary evil,” as how most feel […]
Renting or Owning, What Is Better for You?
November 7, 2019 by ·
In a real estate market where home prices are rising, many have begun to reexamine the idea of buying a home, choosing instead, to rent for a while. But often, there is a dilemma: should you keep paying rent, knowing that rent is rising too, or should you lock in your housing cost and buy […]
2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
October 30, 2019 by ·
Freddie Mac recently released a report entitled, “Perceptions of Down Payment Consumer Research.”Their research revealed that, “For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the largest barrier to achieving the goal of homeownership. Part of the challenge for those planning to purchase a home is their perception of how much they will need to save for the down […]
Starting the Search for Your Dream Home? Here Are 5 Tips to Help
October 25, 2019 by ·
In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. In a realtor.com article entitled, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind,” the author highlights some steps that first-time homebuyers can take to help carry their excitement of […]
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage
October 14, 2019 by ·
You have decided that you are going to take action to purchase your own home and have applied for a home loan with your Mortgage Loan Officer. Of course, you are going to obtain your Credit Approval from underwriting to ensure a smooth process. You’re undoubtedly excited and nervous about the opportunity and want to […]
4 Tips for Making a Competitive Offer
October 12, 2019 by ·
So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true! Below are 4 steps provided by Freddie […]
New Research Shows Housing Is Affordable For First-Time Buyers
October 8, 2019 by ·
Home prices have been on the rise for the last seven years, leading many housing market analysts to conclude that first-time homebuyers are being shut out of the market due to affordability concerns. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports on the percentage of First-Time Home Buyers (FTHB) on a monthly and yearly basis. Their latest report shows that […]
The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home
October 1, 2019 by ·
We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful and compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain […]
How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth
September 26, 2019 by ·
There are many financial benefits to homeownership, but probably none more important than its ability to create family wealth. How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is an online resource for research and information on how homeownership contributes to individual and community success. Their article, The First Rung on the […]
The Ultimate Truth about Housing Affordability
September 17, 2019 by ·
There have been many headlines decrying an “affordability crisis” in the residential real estate market. While it is true that buying a home is less affordable than it had been over the last ten years, we need to understand why and what that means. On a monthly basis, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), produces a Housing Affordability […]
