A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership
Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits.
Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?
Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage.
![Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/05114744/20191206-KCM.jpg "Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
Millennials Are on the Move as First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/05114658/20191206-NM-scaled.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32.
- With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong.
- More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market!
What is the Best Investment for Americans?
Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable.
Is A Bigger House Within Your Budget?
At this time of year, many families come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many realize their homes are just not quite big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. Are you one of those homeowners dreaming for a larger space to call home?
It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!
Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd?
5 Reasons to Sell This Winter
Below are five compelling reasons to list your house this winter.
![Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/25100930/20191129-KCM-Share.jpg "Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/25100854/20191129-NM-ENG-scaled.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million.
- The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply.
- Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers who are still looking for a house to buy!
Thank You for Your Support
Tips to Sell Your Home Faster
When selling your house, there are a few key things you can prioritize to have the greatest impact for a faster sale.
The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home
There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.
7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season
Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses.
![The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20141056/20191122-Share-KCM.jpg "The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters")
The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
![The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/20141031/20191122-NM-ENG.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low!
- According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year.
- The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment is significant. An increase of just $20 dollars in your monthly payment can add up to $240 per year and $7,200 over the life of your loan.
- Maybe it’s time to lock in now, while rates are still historically low.
How Long Can This Economic Recovery Last?
The economy is currently experiencing the longest recovery in our nation’s history. The stock market has hit record highs, while unemployment rates are at record lows.
Buyers Are Looking Now. Are You Ready to List Your Home?
Inventory on the market today is low, especially among existing homes in the entry and middle-level tiers of the market.
Expert Advice: 3 Benefits to Owning a Home
Success is something often worth repeating, and Brent Sutherland, a Certified Financial Planner and Real Estate Investor, has certainly made his way in a momentum-driving direction.
2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
In a recent article, First American shared how millennials are not really any different from previous generations when it comes to the goal of homeownership; it is still a huge part of their American Dream.
![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.
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