First Time Buyers Archives

What Should You Look for In Your Real Estate Team?

How do you select the members of your team who are going to help make your dream of owning a home a reality? What should you be looking for? How do you know if you’ve found the right agent or lender?

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April 3, 2018/by KCM CREW

Owning a home has great financial benefits, yet many continue to rent! Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, Rent vs. Buy

NOT Owning Your Home Can Cost You a Lot of Money!

Owning a home has great financial benefits, yet many continue to rent! Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed.

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April 2, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying Today [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision.
Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (28.9%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15.7%), the choice becomes obvious.
Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying this year!

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March 30, 2018/by KCM CREW

Interest rates hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which gave many buyers relief from rising home prices and helped with affordability. In the first quarter of 2018, rates have increased from 3.95% up to 4.45% and experts predict that rates will increase even more by the end of the year.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Be Thankful You Don’t Have to Pay Your Parents’ Interest Rate!

Interest rates hovered around 4% for the majority of 2017, which gave many buyers relief from rising home prices and helped with affordability. In the first quarter of 2018, rates have increased from 3.95% up to 4.45% and experts predict that rates will increase even more by the end of the year.

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March 28, 2018/by KCM CREW

Recently, Freddie Mac published an Insight Report titled Nowhere to go but up? How increasing mortgage rates could affect housing. The report focused on the impact the projected rise in mortgage rates might have on the housing market this year.

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Freddie Mac: Rising Mortgage Rates DO NOT Lead to Falling Home Prices

Recently, Freddie Mac published an Insight Report titled Nowhere to go but up? How increasing mortgage rates could affect housing. The report focused on the impact the projected rise in mortgage rates might have on the housing market this year.

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March 22, 2018/by KCM CREW

If your house no longer fits your needs and you are planning on buying a luxury home, now is a great time to do so! Recently, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing released its Luxury Market Report which showed that in today’s premium home market, buyers are in control.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, Luxury / Vacation

Dreaming of a Luxury Home? Now's the Time!

If your house no longer fits your needs and you are planning on buying a luxury home, now is a great time to do so! Recently, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing released its Luxury Market Report which showed that in today’s premium home market, buyers are in control.

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March 19, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Interest rates are projected to increase steadily heading into 2019.
The higher your interest rate, the more money you end up paying for your home and the higher your monthly payment will be.
Rates are still low right now. Don’t wait until rates hit 5% to start searching for your dream home!

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March 16, 2018/by KCM CREW

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

You Can Save for a Down Payment Faster Than You Think!

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.

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March 13, 2018/by KCM CREW

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

4 Reasons Spring is a Great Time to Buy a Home!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

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March 12, 2018/by KCM CREW

The economists at CoreLogic recently released a special report entitled, Evaluating the Housing Market Since the Great Recession. The goal of the report was to look at economic recovery since the Great Recession of December 2007 through June 2009.

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Home Prices: The Difference 5 Years Makes

The economists at CoreLogic recently released a special report entitled, Evaluating the Housing Market Since the Great Recession. The goal of the report was to look at economic recovery since the Great Recession of December 2007 through June 2009.

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March 7, 2018/by KCM CREW

Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their most recent Existing Home Sales Report. According to the report:

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers

Are Home Values Really Overinflated?

Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their most recent Existing Home Sales Report. According to the report:

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March 1, 2018/by KCM CREW

According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

It's Tax Season… Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings!

According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.

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February 28, 2018/by KCM CREW

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks when it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, Rent vs. Buy

Is Now a Good Time to Rent?

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks when it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.

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February 27, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

The Mortgage Process: What You Need to Know [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Many buyers are purchasing a home with a down payment as little as 3%.
You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don't have perfect credit.
Take advantage of the knowledge of your local professionals who are there to help you determine how much you can afford.

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February 23, 2018/by KCM CREW

Mortgage interest rates have already risen by over a quarter of a percentage point in 2018. Many are projecting that rates could increase to 5% by the end of the year.

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Mortgage Rates on FIRE! Home Prices Up in Smoke?

Mortgage interest rates have already risen by over a quarter of a percentage point in 2018. Many are projecting that rates could increase to 5% by the end of the year.

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February 22, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

80% of Renters Believe Homeownership is a Part of Their American Dream

According to the latest Aspiring Home Buyers Profile by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 82% of surveyed renters desire to own a home in the future, with 80% believing homeownership is a big part of achieving their American Dream.

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February 21, 2018/by KCM CREW

Whether you are buying or selling a home it can be quite the adventure, which is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal. But in this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO.’

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, For Sale by Owner

Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying or Selling!

Whether you are buying or selling a home it can be quite the adventure, which is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal. But in this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO.’

Read more →

February 19, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Should I Wait Until Next Year to Buy? Or Buy Now? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The Cost of Waiting to Buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
Freddie Mac predicts interest rates to rise to 5.1% by 2019.
CoreLogic predicts home prices to appreciate by 4.3% over the next 12 months.
If you are ready and willing to buy your dream home, find out if you are able to!

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February 16, 2018/by KCM CREW

There has been tremendous volatility in certain markets over the last few weeks (for example, the stock and currency markets). When this happens, some tend to lump all of their investments together and create an almost ‘Armageddon’ scenario where everything loses value quickly and dramatically. Real estate is an investment that can get caught up in this hysteria. Does the concern about the current housing market have merit?

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Calm Down! The Real Estate Market is NOT Falling Apart

There has been tremendous volatility in certain markets over the last few weeks (for example, the stock and currency markets). When this happens, some tend to lump all of their investments together and create an almost ‘Armageddon’ scenario where everything loses value quickly and dramatically. Real estate is an investment that can get caught up in this hysteria. Does the concern about the current housing market have merit?

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February 15, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Which Comes First… Marriage or Mortgage?

According to the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, married couples once again dominated the first-time homebuyer statistics in 2017 at 57% of all buyers. It is no surprise that having two incomes to save for down payments and contribute to monthly housing costs makes buying a home more attainable.

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February 14, 2018/by KCM CREW

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, prices appreciated by 6.9% year-over-year from December 2016 to December 2017 on a national level. This marks the fifth month in a row with at least a 6.9% increase.

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Low Inventory Pushes Home Prices Higher

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, prices appreciated by 6.9% year-over-year from December 2016 to December 2017 on a national level. This marks the fifth month in a row with at least a 6.9% increase.

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February 13, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, For Sale by Owner

5 Reasons to Love Using A Real Estate Pro [INFOGRAPHIC]

Highlights:

Hiring a real estate professional to guide you through the process of buying a home or selling your house can be one of the best decisions you make!
They are there for you to help with paperwork, understanding the process, negotiations, and helping you with pricing (both when making an offer or setting the right price for your home).
One of the top reasons to hire a real estate professional is their understanding of your local market and how the conditions in your neighborhood will impact your experience.

Some Highlights

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February 9, 2018/by KCM CREW

The famous quote by Mark Twain in the title of this article can be used to describe homeownership in America today. Last week, the Census revealed that the percentage of homeowners in the country increased for the first time in thirteen years.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Homeownership: "The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated"

The famous quote by Mark Twain in the title of this article can be used to describe homeownership in America today. Last week, the Census revealed that the percentage of homeowners in the country increased for the first time in thirteen years.

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February 8, 2018/by KCM CREW

The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Where Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed in 2018?

The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search.

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February 7, 2018/by KCM CREW

In a CNBC article, self-made millionaire David Bach explained that: “The biggest mistake millennials are making is not buying their first home.” He goes on to say that, “If you want to build real financial security, real wealth for your lifetime, then you need to buy a home.”

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Millionaire to Millennials: Don’t Rent a Home… Buy!

In a CNBC article, self-made millionaire David Bach explained that: “The biggest mistake millennials are making is not buying their first home.” He goes on to say that, “If you want to build real financial security, real wealth for your lifetime, then you need to buy a home.”

Read more →

February 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

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