A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.1. FHA LoansIf your down payment savings...
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 there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process.Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for YouKnowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas...
Some HighlightsIf you’re wondering if you should buy now or wait, here’s what you need to know. If you wait for rates to drop more, you’ll have to deal with more competition and higher prices as additional buyers jump back in. But if you buy now, you’d get ahead of that and have the chance to start building equity.Should you buy now or wait? Connect with a real estate agent and talk through it together, so you can make your best decision.
When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent. That choice will have an impact on your entire experience and how smoothly it goes.As you figure out who you’ll partner with, it’s important to know what to expect and what to look for. Unfortunately, there may be some myths holding you back from making the best decision possible. So, let’s take some time to address those, and make sure you have the information you need to find the right agent for you.Myth #1: All Real Estate Agents Are the SameYou might think all...
When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.Home InspectionOnce you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big...
Some HighlightsBuying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride.While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, get in touch with a local real estate agent.
Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.But, there’s one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible advice. An expert’s insights will help you avoid some of the most common mistakes homebuyers are making right now.Putting Off Pre-approval As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a...