Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home?
Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of todayslowmortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you…
Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year
Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most…
What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?
According to the latestreportfromBlack Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Heres where these homeowners…
Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?
Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit newrecord-lows16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put…
What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for You
The real estate market is expected to dovery wellin 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted byexpertsto remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the lack of homes available…
What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
If youre planning to buy a home, anappraisalis an importantstepin the process. Its a professional evaluation of the market value of the home youd like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or…
What Experts Are Saying about the 2021 Job Market
Earlier this month, theBureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) released their most recentJobs Report. The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December. Thats a devastating number and dramatically impacts those households that lost a source of income. However, we…
Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One
If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard aboutbuyinga home instead of renting one, youre not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor…
How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year
In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous I Have a Dream speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of…
Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season
Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Lets unpack the top reasons why…