Thinking About Buying? Know Your Credit Score

Knowing your credit score or getting a recent copy of your credit report is one of the first steps that you can take toward knowing how ready you are to start the home buying process. Make sure all the information listed on your report is accurate and work to correct any mistakes. The higher your […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

Don’t Let Fear Stop You from Applying for a Mortgage

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainty about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification. For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! In order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

Renting or Buying…Either Way, You’re Paying Someone’s Mortgage

There are some people who have not purchased homes yet because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s. As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explained in their article, “12 Practical […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

Buying a Home Can Be Scary… Unless You Know the Facts [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Many potential homebuyers believe that they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home, which stops many of them from even trying! Here are some facts:

• 40% of millennials who purchased homes this year have put down less than 10%.
• 76.4% of loan applications were approved last month.
• The average credit score of approved loans was 724 in September.

Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Millennials

How to Save on a Mortgage Payment Whether Buying or Selling

In Trulia’s recent report, Rent vs. Buy: Roommate Edition, they examined the impact that renting with a roommate has in determining whether it is more expensive to rent or buy. The study explains: “Since we started keeping track in 2012, it’s been a better deal to buy than rent in America’s largest housing markets – and […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

The #1 Reason to List Your House, NOW!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the results of their latest Existing Home Sales Report which revealed that sales rose 0.7% month-over-month, but remain 1.5% lower than they were a year ago. Some may look at these numbers and think that now is not a good time to sell their house, but in fact, […]

Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

Millennials Flock Towards Low Down Payment Programs

A report released by Down Payment Resource shows that 61% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less. The trend continued among all buyers with a mortgage, as 73% made a down payment of less than 20%. An article by Chase points to a new wave of millennial homebuyers: “We teamed up with Google to […]

Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying or Selling!

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. This is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO. The […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, FSBOs, Move-Up Buyers

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision.
Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (29.2%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15.8%)…

Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, Infographics, Rent vs. Buy

Hiring an Agent to Sell Your House May Cost You NOTHING!

There is no doubt that it is easier to sell your house when using the services of a local real estate professional. The agent will provide: Greater exposure to more buyers The skills of a professional negotiator A layer of protection from possible legal liabilities Professional guidance in navigating any pitfalls that may arise A […]

Posted in For Sellers, FSBOs, Move-Up Buyers, Selling Myths