For Buyers Archives

How Fast Can You Save for a Down Payment?

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 you to save for a down payment in each state.

April 24, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Slaying Home Buying Myths [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Interest rates are still below historic numbers.
88% of property managers raised their rent in the last 12 months!
The credit score requirements for mortgage approval continue to fall.

April 21, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Tax Return Depressing? Owning a Home Could Help

Many Americans got some depressing news last week; either their tax return was not as large as they had hoped or, in some cases, they were told they owed additional money to either the Federal or State government or both. One way to save on taxes is to own your own home.

April 20, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Measuring Your Ability to Achieve the American Dream

Forbes.com recently released the results of their new American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.”

April 19, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

US Housing Market Continues the Move into ‘Buy Territory’!

According to the Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, the U.S. housing market has continued to move deeper into buy territory, supporting the belief that housing markets across the country remain a sound investment.

April 18, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Is Your First Home Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

‘Millennials’ are defined as 18-36 year olds according to the US Census Bureau.
According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 31 years old.
More and more ‘Old Millennials’ (25-36 year olds) are realizing that homeownership is within their reach now!

April 14, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing

The media has extensively covered the rise in mortgage interest rates since last fall (from 3.42% last September to the current 4.1% according to Freddie Mac). However, a less covered aspect of the mortgage market is that requirements to get a mortgage have eased while rates have risen.

April 13, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Millennials Flock to Low Down Payment Programs

A recent report released by Down Payment Resource shows that 65% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less in the month of January.

April 12, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Careful…Don’t Get Caught in the Rental Trap!

There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top benefits is being able to protect yourself from rising rents by locking in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.

April 11, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Why Millennials Choose to Buy [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

“The majority of millennials said they consider owning a home more sensible than renting for both financial and lifestyle reasons — including control of living space, flexibility in future decisions, privacy and security, and living in a nice home.”
At 93%, the top reason Millennials choose to buy is to have control over their living space.
Many Millennials who rent a home or apartment prior to buying their own homes dream of the day that they will be able to paint the walls whatever color they'd like, or renovate an outdated part of their living space.

April 7, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

The 'REAL' News about Housing Affordability

Some industry experts are claiming that the housing market may be headed for a slowdown as we proceed through 2017, based on rising home prices and a potential jump in mortgage interest rates. One of the data points they use is the Housing Affordability Index, as reported by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

April 6, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Buying this Spring? Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Traditionally, spring is the busiest season for real estate. Buyers come out in force and homeowners list their houses for sale hoping to capitalize on buyer activity. This year will be no different!

April 5, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Again… You Do Not Need 20% Down to Buy NOW!

A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. There are two major misconceptions that we want to address today.

April 3, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Home Prices Up 6.15% Across the Country! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!
Alaska, Delaware, West Virginia & Wyoming were the only states where home prices are lower than they were last year.

March 31, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers

Consumer Confidence in Economy & Housing is Soaring

The success of the housing market is strongly tied to the consumer’s confidence in the overall economy. For that reason, we believe 2017 will be a great year for real estate. Here is just a touch of the news coverage on the subject.

March 30, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Looking to Move-Up to 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! We recently shared data from Trulia’s Market Mismatch Study which showed that in today’s premium home market, buyers are in control.

March 29, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Millionaire to Millennials: Buy Now!

Self-made millionaire David Bach was quoted in a CNBC article explaining that "the single biggest mistake millennials are making" is not purchasing a home because buying real estate is "an escalator to wealth.”

March 28, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Renting or Buying… Either Way You’re Paying a Mortgage

There are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord’s.

March 27, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics

How Low Supply & High Demand Impacts the Real Estate Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:The concept of Supply & Demand is a simple one. The best time to sell something is when the supply of that item is low & the demand for that item is high!
Anything under a 6-month supply is a Seller’s Market!
There has not been a 6-months inventory supply since August 2012!
Buyer Demand continues to outpace Seller Supply!

March 24, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures

The Foreclosure Crisis: 10 Years Later

CoreLogic recently released a report entitled, United States Residential Foreclosure Crisis: 10 Years Later, in which they examined the years leading up to the crisis all the way through to present day.

March 23, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

What Are the Experts Saying about Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage interest rates have risen over the last few months and projections are that they will continue their upswing throughout 2017. What impact will this have on the housing market? Here is what the experts are saying:

March 22, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

4 Great Reasons to Buy This Spring!

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

March 20, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Don’t Let Your Luck Run Out [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

The “Cost of Waiting to Buy” is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
Freddie Mac predicts that interest rates will increase to 4.8% by this time next year, while home prices are predicted to appreciate by 4.8% according to CoreLogic.
Waiting until next year to buy could cost you thousands of dollars a year for the life of your mortgage!

March 17, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Which Homes Have Appreciated the Most?

Home values have risen dramatically over the last twelve months. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors puts the annual increase in the median existing-home price at 7.1%. CoreLogic, in their most recent Home Price Insights Report, reveals that national home prices have increased by 6.9% year-over-year.

March 16, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

A Tale of Two Markets: Inventory Mismatch Paints a More Detailed Picture

The inventory of existing homes for sale in today’s market was recently reported to be at a 3.6-month supply according to the National Association of Realtors latest Existing Home Sales Report. Inventory is now 7.1% lower than this time last year, marking the 20th consecutive month of year-over-year drops.

March 15, 2017/by KCM CREW

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