![The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/13132210/20191115-KCM-Share.jpg "The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
![The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/13132137/20191115-NM-ENG.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision.
- Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear.
- Every market is different. Before you renew your lease, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying a home this year.
This is Not 2008 All Over Again: The Mortgage Lending Factor
Some are afraid the real estate market may be looking a lot like it did prior to the housing crash in 2008. One of the factors they’re pointing at is the availability of mortgage money.
Buyer Demand Growing in Every Region
Buyers are out in full force this fall, increasing the demand for homebuying in all four regions of the country.
Homeownership Rate Remains on the Rise
In the third quarter of 2019, the U.S. homeownership rate rose again, signaling another strong indicator of the current housing market.
75 Years of VA Home Loan Benefits
Today, on Veterans Day, we salute those who have served our country in war or peace, and we thank them for their sacrifice.
![VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/06144220/20191108-KCM-Share.jpg "VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC]
![VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/06144144/20191108-NM.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- The Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan is a benefit that is available to more than 22 million veterans and 2 million active duty service members to help them achieve the dream of homeownership.
- In 2018, $161 billion was loaned to veterans and their families through the program.
- In the same year, the average loan amount was $264,197 and 610,513 loans were guaranteed.
Forget the Price of the Home. The Cost is What Matters.
Home buying activity (demand) is up, and the number of available listings (supply) is down. When demand outpaces supply, prices appreciate.
Millennials: Here’s Why the Process is Well Worth It.
Millennials have waited longer than any other generation to become homeowners, but the wait for this cohort is just about over.
Planning on Buying a Home? Be Sure You Know Your Options.
When you’re ready to buy, you’ll need to determine if you prefer the charm of an existing home or the look and feel of a newer build. With limited existing home inventory available today, especially in the starter and middle-level markets, many buyers are considering a new home that’s recently been constructed, or they’re building the home of their dreams.
The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter
Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then that’s when they’ll have the most competition.
![The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/29113006/20191101-KCM-Share.jpg "The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]
![The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/29112930/20191101-NM.jpg)
Every Hour in the U.S. Housing Market:
- 614 Homes Are Sold
- 95 Homes Regain Positive Equity
- Median Home Values Go Up $1.38
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] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/22120446/20191025-KCM-Share.jpg "Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Buying a home can be SCARY…Until you know the FACTS [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/22120410/20191025-NM.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, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind.”
![Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/16165955/20191018-KCM-Share.jpg "Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Homes Are Selling Quickly [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/16170429/20191018-NM-.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, don’t skip over the support of an educated and informed real estate professional. 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.
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