Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all these life-altering events, there is one common thread—the need to move.Reasons People Still Need To Move TodayAccording to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) there have been a lot of this type of milestone or life change over the last two years (see graph below): And,...
Some HighlightsVA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners.These loans can help qualified individuals purchase a VA-approved home or condo, build a new home, or enhance their current one.Owning a home is the American Dream, and one way to show our appreciation to veterans is by providing them with important information about the advantages of VA home loans.
For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages.Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy a home.The Many Advantages of VA Home LoansVA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation, and they’re a great benefit for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs:Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase...
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why.The Numbers May Make It TemptingThe data shows many Americans have saved a considerable amount for retirement (see chart below): It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon....
If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s. And here’s the data to prove it (see graph below):The Big Reason Homeowner Net Worth Is So HighIn the previous...
Some HighlightsIf you’re ready to buy a home but are having a hard time affording it on your own, or, if you have aging loved ones you need to care for, you might want to consider a multi-generational home.Living with siblings, parents, and even grandparents can help you save money, give or receive childcare, and spend quality time together.Talk to a local real estate agent to find a home in our area that’s perfect for you and your loved one’s needs.
Some HighlightsHere’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market.Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment.If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, get in touch with a real estate expert who can help clear those up.
The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness.Explore Financing and Down Payment Assistance Options With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save...
Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner.Home Values Appreciate over TimeThere’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices over the past two years. While they did dip ever so slightly in late 2022, this year they’ve been appreciating at a more normal pace, which is good news for the housing market. And while looking at price movement over just a year or two can make you worry prices are usually this unpredictable,...
If you’ve ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you’re no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up. It’s a tale of financial goals, doubts, and a dash of anxiety that many have been through.But if you put off moving because you’re worried home prices might drop, make no mistake, they’re not going down. In fact, it’s just the opposite. National data from several sources says they’ve been going up consistently this year (see graph below): Here’s what this graph shows. In the first half of 2022,...