Posts Tagged ‘buy a home’
2 of the Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates
Kevin Brierton – 1.30.2024 If you’re looking to buy a home, you’ve probably been paying close attention to mortgage rates. Over the last couple of years, they hit record lows, rose dramatically, and are now dropping back down a bit. Ever wonder why? The answer is complicated because there’s a lot that can influence mortgage rates. Here…
Read MoreThe Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth
Kevin Brierton – 1.11.2024 If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares the net worth of homeowners and renters. The latest report…
Read MoreAvoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage
Kevin Brierton – 1.10.2024 If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s…
Read MoreWhat Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power
Kevin Brierton – 1.8.2024 If you want 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. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is…
Read MoreWhat You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024
Kevin Brierton – 12.28.2023 If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you understand some of the costs you may encounter upfront. And to do that, always turn to…
Read MoreGet Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score
Kevin Brierton – 12.26.2023 As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it’s never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to prepare for homeownership is building a solid credit score. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make…
Read MoreWhy Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Decline
Kevin Brierton – 12.20.2023 When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those two things impact you and your homebuying plans? Here’s what you need to know. The Federal Funds Rate Hikes Have Stalled One of the Fed’s primary goals…
Read MoreDown Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership
Kevin Brierton – 12.12.2023 If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need to put down as much as you think:…
Read MoreWhy You Should Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home
Kevin Brierton – 12.7.2023 If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone. When it comes to buying a…
Read MoreIs Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?
Kevin Brierton – 11.30.2023 Everyone has their idea of the American Dream, and it’s different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today (see graph below):…
Read MoreWhy Homeowners Are Thankful They Own
Kevin Brierton – 11.23.2023 Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner. So, if you’re trying to decide…
Read MoreThese Top Cities Show Home Prices Are Still Climbing
Kevin Brierton – 11.14.2023 If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know. There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows…
Read MoreHow VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True
Kevin Brierton – 11.9.2023 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…
Read MoreThinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?
Kevin Brierton – 11.8.2023 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…
Read MoreInvest in Yourself by Owning a Home
Kevin Brierton – 10.25.2023 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 Time There’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices…
Read MoreHow Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today
Kevin Brierton – 10.17.2023 In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living. Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents.…
Read MoreAre Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?
Kevin Brierton – 10.16.2023 Mortgage rates have been back on the rise recently and that’s getting a lot of attention from the press. If you’ve been following the headlines, you may have even seen rates recently reached their highest level in over two decades (see graph below): That can feel like a little bit of a gut punch…
Read MoreGrowing Your Net Worth with Homeownership
Kevin Brierton – 10.12.2023 Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years. You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of…
Read MoreUnderstanding the Benefits of Owning Your First Home
Kevin Brierton – 10.4.2023 Are you considering buying your first home? If so, it can be helpful to know what led other people to make that decision. According to a recent survey of first-time homebuyers by PulteGroup: “When asked why they purchased their first home recently, the answer was simple: because they wanted to. Either the desire to stop renting…
Read MoreBeginning with Pre-Approval
Kevin Brierton – 9.25.2023 If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there…
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