For Buyers Archives

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up

Existing Home Sales Slowed by a Lack of Listings [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The inventory of existing homes for sale has dropped year-over-year for the last 29 consecutive months and is now at a 3.9-month supply.
Existing home sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.48 million, the highest pace since June of this year, but down 0.9% from October 2016.
NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, had this to say: “While the housing market gained a little more momentum last month, sales are still below year ago levels because low inventory is limiting choices for prospective buyers and keeping price growth elevated.”

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November 24, 2017/by KCM CREW

There is little doubt that it is easier to get a home mortgage today than it was last year. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, shows that mortgage credit has become more available in each of the last several years. In fact, in just the last year:

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

Bubble Alert! Is it Getting Too Easy to Get a Mortgage?

There is little doubt that it is easier to get a home mortgage today than it was last year. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, shows that mortgage credit has become more available in each of the last several years. In fact, in just the last year:

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November 22, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Top 4 Home Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home, or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most “Return On Investment” (ROI).
While big projects like adding a bathroom or a complete remodel of a kitchen are popular ways to increase a home’s value, something as simple as updating landscaping and curb appeal can have a quick impact on a home’s value.

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November 17, 2017/by KCM CREW

The current narrative is that home prices have risen so much so that it is no longer a smart idea to purchase a home. Your family and friends might suggest that buying a home right now (whether a first-time home or a move-up home) makes absolutely no sense from an affordability standpoint. They are wrong!

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

Your Friends Are Crazy Wrong If They're Telling You Not to Buy

The current narrative is that home prices have risen so much so that it is no longer a smart idea to purchase a home. Your family and friends might suggest that buying a home right now (whether a first-time home or a move-up home) makes absolutely no sense from an affordability standpoint. They are wrong!

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November 16, 2017/by KCM CREW

Whether you are a renter who is searching for your dream home or a homeowner who feels like your only option is to renovate, you have at least one thing in common: feeling stuck in place.

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

Feeling ‘Stuck in Place’? You Aren’t Alone… And There’s Hope!

Whether you are a renter who is searching for your dream home or a homeowner who feels like your only option is to renovate, you have at least one thing in common: feeling stuck in place.

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November 15, 2017/by KCM CREW

Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Freddie Mac, along with Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors, is calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.

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

Mortgage Interest Rates Are Going Up… Should I Wait to Buy?

Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Freddie Mac, along with Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors, is calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.

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November 14, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

Veterans Affairs Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Since the creation of the VA Home Loans Program, 22 million veterans have been able to achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
So far in 2017, $188 billion has been loaned to veterans and their families through the program.
VA Purchase Loans are on the rise in 46 out of 50 states and Washington, DC.

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November 10, 2017/by KCM CREW

With residential home prices continuing to appreciate at levels above historic norms, some are questioning if we are heading toward another housing bubble (and subsequent burst) like the one we experienced in 2006-2008.

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

A Housing Bubble? Industry Experts Say NO!

With residential home prices continuing to appreciate at levels above historic norms, some are questioning if we are heading toward another housing bubble (and subsequent burst) like the one we experienced in 2006-2008.

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November 9, 2017/by KCM CREW

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. Recent reports show that the US homeownership rate has rebounded from recent lows and is headed in the right direction. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, but there are many basic similarities.

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

5 Reasons Homeownership Makes ‘Cents’

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. Recent reports show that the US homeownership rate has rebounded from recent lows and is headed in the right direction. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, but there are many basic similarities.

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November 8, 2017/by KCM CREW

Multigenerational homes are coming back in a big way! In the 1950s, about 21%, or 32.2 million Americans shared a roof with their grown children or parents. According to an article by Realtor.com, “Nearly 1 in 5 Americans is now living in a multigenerational household – a household with two or more adult generations, or grandparents living with grandchildren – a level that hasn’t been seen in the U.S. since 1950.”

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

Multigenerational Households May Be the Answer to Price Increases

Multigenerational homes are coming back in a big way! In the 1950s, about 21%, or 32.2 million Americans shared a roof with their grown children or parents. According to an article by Realtor.com, “Nearly 1 in 5 Americans is now living in a multigenerational household – a household with two or more adult generations, or grandparents living with grandchildren – a level that hasn’t been seen in the U.S. since 1950.”

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November 7, 2017/by KCM CREW

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price Report last week. The report revealed that severely lacking inventory across the country drained sales growth and kept home prices rising at a steady clip in nearly all metro areas. Home prices rose 5.3% over the last quarter across all metros.

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

Low Inventory Causes Home Prices to Maintain Fast Growth

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price Report last week. The report revealed that severely lacking inventory across the country drained sales growth and kept home prices rising at a steady clip in nearly all metro areas. Home prices rose 5.3% over the last quarter across all metros.

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November 6, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics

The Difference an Hour Makes in Real Estate [INFOGRAPHIC]

Every Hour in the US Housing Market:

624 Homes Sell
347 Homes Regain Positive Equity
Median Home Values Go Up $1.13

Some Highlights

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November 3, 2017/by KCM CREW

Knowing your credit score or getting a recent copy of your credit report is one of the first steps that you can take toward knowing how ready you are to start the home buying process.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Thinking About Buying? Know Your Credit Score

Knowing your credit score or getting a recent copy of your credit report is one of the first steps that you can take toward knowing how ready you are to start the home buying process.

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November 1, 2017/by KCM CREW

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainty about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Don't Let Fear Stop You from Applying for a Mortgage

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainty about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification.

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October 31, 2017/by KCM CREW

There are some people who have not purchased homes yet 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.

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

Renting or Buying…Either Way, You're Paying Someone's Mortgage

There are some people who have not purchased homes yet 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.

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October 30, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers

Buying a Home Can Be Scary... Unless You Know the Facts [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Many potential homebuyers believe that they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home, which stops many of them from even trying! Here are some facts:

40% of millennials who purchased homes this year have put down less than 10%.
76.4% of loan applications were approved last month.
The average credit score of approved loans was 724 in September.

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October 27, 2017/by KCM CREW

In Trulia’s recent report, Rent vs. Buy: Roommate Edition, they examined the impact that renting with a roommate has in determining whether it is more expensive to rent or buy. The study explains:

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

How to Save on a Mortgage Payment Whether Buying or Selling

In Trulia’s recent report, Rent vs. Buy: Roommate Edition, they examined the impact that renting with a roommate has in determining whether it is more expensive to rent or buy. The study explains:

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October 26, 2017/by KCM CREW

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the results of their latest Existing Home Sales Report which revealed that sales rose 0.7% month-over-month, but remain 1.5% lower than they were a year ago. Some may look at these numbers and think that now is not a good time to sell their house, but in fact, the opposite is true.

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

The #1 Reason to List Your House, NOW!

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the results of their latest Existing Home Sales Report which revealed that sales rose 0.7% month-over-month, but remain 1.5% lower than they were a year ago. Some may look at these numbers and think that now is not a good time to sell their house, but in fact, the opposite is true.

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October 25, 2017/by KCM CREW

A report released by Down Payment Resource shows that 61% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Millennials Flock Towards Low Down Payment Programs

A report released by Down Payment Resource shows that 61% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less.

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October 24, 2017/by KCM CREW

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. This is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to your ultimate goal. 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

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

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

Read more →

October 23, 2017/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, Rent vs. Buy

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [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 (29.2%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15.8%), 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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October 20, 2017/by KCM CREW

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.

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

Buying Remains Cheaper Than Renting in 39 States!

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.

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October 17, 2017/by KCM CREW

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

4 Reasons to Sell This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Buyer demand continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale! Buyers are often competing with one another for the listings that are available!
Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market.
Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

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October 13, 2017/by KCM CREW

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was released two weeks ago.

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

Net Worth of Homeowners 44X Greater than Renters

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was released two weeks ago.

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October 12, 2017/by KCM CREW

Millennials are on track to become the most educated generation in history. This means they are also the generation with the most student debt. Depending on the type of degree earned, as well as the prestige of the institution attended, there are some millennials who graduate college with what equates to a mortgage payment.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Builder Offering to Pay Off Student Loans for Buyers

Millennials are on track to become the most educated generation in history. This means they are also the generation with the most student debt. Depending on the type of degree earned, as well as the prestige of the institution attended, there are some millennials who graduate college with what equates to a mortgage payment.

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October 11, 2017/by KCM CREW

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