Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process
A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage.
How to Determine If You Can Afford to Buy a Home
The gap between the increase in personal income and residential real estate prices has been used to defend the concept that we are experiencing an affordability crisis in housing today.
Thinking of Selling Your Home? The Waiting Is The Hardest Part.
Tom Petty famously penned the words, “the waiting is the hardest part” in his early 80’s hit song The Waiting, and his thought process can surprisingly also be applied to individuals considering selling their homes today. Traditional thinking would suggest it may be best to wait until the spring to sell when there is a flood of buyers in the market, but right now may in fact be an even better time to list your home.
4 Reasons to Buy a Home This Fall
Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.
Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191025-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
Many potential homebuyers believe they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home. This stops many people from even trying to jump into homeownership! Here are some facts to help take the fear out of the process:- 71% of buyers who purchased homes have put down less than 20%.
- 78.1% of loan applications were approved last month.
- In September, the average credit score for approved loans was 737.
Think Prices Have Skyrocketed? Look at Rents.
Much has been written about how residential real estate values have increased since the housing market started its recovery in 2012. However, little has been shared about what has taken place with residential rental prices. Let’s shed a little light on this subject.
5 Reasons to Consider Living in a Multigenerational Home
Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans currently live in a multigenerational household?
Depending on the Price, You’re Going to Need Advice
To understand today’s complex real estate market, it is critical to have a local, trusted advisor on your side – for more reasons than you may think.
5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search
In today’s market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. Here are five tips from realtor.com’s article, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind."
Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191018-MEM-1.jpg)
Some Highlights
- The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for the release of their Confidence Index.
- The REALTORS® Confidence Index is a key indicator of housing market strength based on a monthly survey sent to over 50,000 real estate practitioners. Practitioners are asked about their expectations for home sales, prices, and market conditions.
- Homes across the country are selling quickly, in an average of just 31 days.
- 49% of homes sold in less than a month.
3 Reasons This is NOT the 2008 Real Estate Market
Today’s real estate market is nothing like the 2008 market. When an economic slowdown happens, it won’t resemble the last one.
3 Reasons to Use a Real Estate Pro in a Complex Digital World
If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources, and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource when it comes to making such an important decision.
Be on the Lookout for Gen Z: The Next Generation of Homebuyers
Gen Zers are the next generation of homeowners, and they’re eager to jump in and buy their first homes. Whether you are part of this generation or any other, it’s never too early to start saving, so you can reach your homeownership goal sooner rather than later.
Existing-Home Sales Report Indicates Now Is a Great Time to Sell
Based on the current state of the market, trends are shifting in favor of sellers. If you are going to sell, now may be the time to take advantage of the number of buyers who are searching for their dream home.
What You Need to Know About the Mortgage Process [INFOGRAPHIC]
![What You Need to Know About the Mortgage Process [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191011-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- Many buyers are purchasing homes with down payments as little as 3%.
- You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don’t have perfect credit.
- Your local professionals are here to help you determine how much you can afford, so take advantage of the opportunity to learn more.
You Need More Than a Guide. You Need a Sherpa.
In today’s world, hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one.
Homeownership is the Top Contributor to Your Net Worth
Recently two U.S. Census Bureau researchers released their findings on the biggest determinants of household wealth. What they found may help shape your view on building your family’s net worth.
What FICO® Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?
It’s common knowledge that your FICO® score plays an important role in the homebuying process. However, many buyers have misconceptions regarding what exactly is required to get the loans they need.
62% of Buyers Are Wrong About Down Payment Needs
Contrary to common misconception, a down payment is often much less than many believe.
5 Homebuying Acronyms You Need to Know [INFOGRAPHIC]
![5 Homebuying Acronyms You Need to Know [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20191004-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- Learning the lingo of homebuying is an important part of feeling successful when buying a home.
- From APR to P&I, you need to know the acronyms that will come up along the way, and what they mean when you hear them.
- Your local professionals are here to help you feel confident and informed from start to finish…and this infographic will help you as you go.
3 Signs the Housing Market Is on the Rebound
The residential real estate market has been plodding along for most of the year. However, three recent reports show the market may be on the verge of a rebound.
4 Tips to Improve Your Home and Save on Your Energy Bill
By making a few key upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers.
What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents often recommend you make your offer contingent upon a clean home inspection.
