If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case.Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. That means you could be closer to...

Some HighlightsIf you’re looking to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month.That’s because even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power. The best way to navigate changing mortgage rates and make an informed buying decision is to rely on the expertise of a local real estate...

Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will rise, not fall.So, let’s see exactly how experts’ thinking has shifted – and what’s caused the change.2024 Home Price Forecasts: Then and NowThe chart below shows what seven expert organizations think will happen to home prices in...

There’s a lot of confusion in the market about what’s happening with day-to-day movement in mortgage rates right now, but here’s what you really need to know: compared to the near 8% peak last fall, mortgage rates have trended down overall.And if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, this is a big deal. While they’re going to continue to bounce around a bit based on various economic drivers (like...

Buying your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, it's a dream you can make come true, but there are some hurdles you'll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply of homes for sale and ongoing affordability challenges.So, if you're ready, willing, and able to buy your first home,...

If you're thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it'll be important to make sure your house shines bright among the competition.Here are some valuable tips you can use to get your house market-ready.Declutter and OrganizeFirst impressions matter, and if your house is a mess, that can easily turn...

Some HighlightsIf you’re trying to buy a home but are having a hard time finding something in your budget, here’s something that can help: consider condos and townhomes.They may better fit your budget, can help you start building equity, and tend to require minimal upkeep and less maintenance.Looking at condos and townhomes can make it easier to find and buy a home. When you're ready, connect with a...

Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full picture.If you look at the national data for 2023, home prices actually showed positive growth for the year. While this varies by market, and while there were some months with slight declines nationally, those were the exception, not the...

Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional.So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if you’re ready to buy a home this year, here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with homeownership.Customizing to Your Heart’s DesireYour house should be a space...

Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. But, the path to achieving this dream can be quite difficult. While progress has been made to improve fair housing access, households of color still face unique challenges on the road to owning a home. Working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse buyers.It's clear that achieving homeownership is more challenging for...