For Buyers Archives | Page 52 of 97 | Keeping Current Matters

Over the last six years, we have experienced strong price appreciation which has increased home equity levels dramatically. As the number of “cash-out” refinances begins to approach numbers last seen during the crash, some are afraid that we may be repeating last decade’s mistake.

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

2008 vs. Now: Are Owners Using Their Homes as ATMs Again?

Over the last six years, we have experienced strong price appreciation which has increased home equity levels dramatically. As the number of “cash-out” refinances begins to approach numbers last seen during the crash, some are afraid that we may be repeating last decade’s mistake.

December 6, 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 Interest Rates Headed in 2019?

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.

December 5, 2018/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. Their latest survey data covers responses from 2013-2016.

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

Homeowners Aged 65+ Have 48x More Net Worth 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. Their latest survey data covers responses from 2013-2016.

December 4, 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, Rent vs. Buy

4 Reasons to Buy A Home This Winter!

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

December 3, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

Home Prices Up 6.34% 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!

November 30, 2018/by KCM CREW

Home sales numbers are leveling off, the rate of price appreciation has slowed to more historically normal averages, and inventory is finally increasing. We are headed into a more normal housing market.

For Buyers, For Sellers

Further Proof It’s NOT 2008 All Over Again

Home sales numbers are leveling off, the rate of price appreciation has slowed to more historically normal averages, and inventory is finally increasing. We are headed into a more normal housing market.

November 29, 2018/by KCM CREW

In real estate, the spring is often seen as the ideal time to buy or sell a house. The term “Spring Buyer's Season” exists for a reason, as renters and those looking to move on from their current home thaw out from the winter and hit the market ready to buy.

For Buyers, For Sellers

24% of Renters Believe Winter is the Best Time to Buy a Home

In real estate, the spring is often seen as the ideal time to buy or sell a house. The term “Spring Buyer's Season” exists for a reason, as renters and those looking to move on from their current home thaw out from the winter and hit the market ready to buy.

November 28, 2018/by KCM CREW

Many homebuyers think that saving for their down payment is enough to buy the house of their dreams, but what about the closing costs that are required to obtain a mortgage?

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Buyers: Don’t Be Surprised by Closing Costs!

Many homebuyers think that saving for their down payment is enough to buy the house of their dreams, but what about the closing costs that are required to obtain a mortgage?

November 26, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics

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

Some Highlights

Existing home sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.22 million, which is up 1.4% over last month. This reverses the six-month trend of dips in sales every month.
The inventory of existing homes is still below the 6-month supply needed for a normal market and is now at a 4.3-month supply.
NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, had this to say: “After six consecutive months of decline, buyers are finally stepping back into the housing market. As more inventory enters the market and we head into the winter season, home price growth has begun to slow more meaningfully. This allows for much more manageable, less frenzied buying conditions.”

November 23, 2018/by KCM CREW

The top concern for most first-time home buyers is their ability to save for a down payment. According to a new survey, 36% of millennials took on a second job to make their dreams of homeownership a reality in 2017.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Will Your Side Hustle Buy You a House This Year?

The top concern for most first-time home buyers is their ability to save for a down payment. According to a new survey, 36% of millennials took on a second job to make their dreams of homeownership a reality in 2017.

November 21, 2018/by KCM CREW

Everyone wants a place to call home; a place that gives them a sense of security. We are currently seeing major interest from females who want to achieve this dream, and the numbers are proving it!

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Females Are Making It a Priority to Invest in Real Estate!

Everyone wants a place to call home; a place that gives them a sense of security. We are currently seeing major interest from females who want to achieve this dream, and the numbers are proving it!

November 20, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, 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 (28.4%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), 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!

November 16, 2018/by KCM CREW

Everyone knows that housing affordability has been negatively impacted by rising prices and increasing mortgage rates, but there is another piece to the affordability equation – wages.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Wage Increases Make Home Buying More Affordable

Everyone knows that housing affordability has been negatively impacted by rising prices and increasing mortgage rates, but there is another piece to the affordability equation – wages.

November 15, 2018/by KCM CREW

One hundred years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we marked the end of the “war to end all wars.” That day, which was to be observed annually on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, became known as Armistice Day and then, later on, became Veterans Day.

For Buyers, For Sellers

How to Honor a Veteran Today and Everyday

One hundred years ago, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we marked the end of the “war to end all wars.” That day, which was to be observed annually on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, became known as Armistice Day and then, later on, became Veterans Day.

November 12, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan is a benefit that is available to more than 22 million veterans & 2 million active duty service members which helps them achieve their dreams of homeownership.
In 2017, $189 billion was 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.

November 9, 2018/by KCM CREW

Recently, multiple headlines have been written asserting that homeownership is less affordable today than at any other time in the last decade. Though the headlines are accurate, they lack context and lead too many Americans to believe that they can’t partake in a major part of the American Dream – owning a home.

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

75% of Renters Have Been Misinformed

Recently, multiple headlines have been written asserting that homeownership is less affordable today than at any other time in the last decade. Though the headlines are accurate, they lack context and lead too many Americans to believe that they can’t partake in a major part of the American Dream – owning a home.

November 8, 2018/by KCM CREW

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the inventory of homes for sale this year compared to last year has increased for the last four months, all while sales of existing homes have slowed compared to last year’s numbers.

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates

Why Has Housing Supply Increased as Sales Have Slowed Down?

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the inventory of homes for sale this year compared to last year has increased for the last four months, all while sales of existing homes have slowed compared to last year’s numbers.

November 7, 2018/by KCM CREW

The lack of existing inventory for sale has forced many homebuyers to begin looking at new construction. When you buy a newly constructed home instead of an existing home, there are many extra steps that must take place.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, New Construction

5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home

The lack of existing inventory for sale has forced many homebuyers to begin looking at new construction. When you buy a newly constructed home instead of an existing home, there are many extra steps that must take place.

November 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership: Down Payment, Credit, and Affordability,” which revealed that,

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership: Down Payment, Credit, and Affordability,” which revealed that,

November 5, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics

The Difference an Hour Will Make This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]

Every Hour in the US Housing Market:

596 Homes Sell
278 Homes Regain Positive Equity
Median Home Values Go Up $1.20

Some Highlights

November 2, 2018/by KCM CREW

There are many questions about where home sales are headed next year. We have gathered the most reliable sources to help answer this question. Here are our sources:

For Buyers, For Sellers

How Will Home Sales Measure Up Next Year?

There are many questions about where home sales are headed next year. We have gathered the most reliable sources to help answer this question. Here are our sources:

November 1, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Taking Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

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

October 31, 2018/by KCM CREW

Chances are if you are renting you are spending too much of your income on your monthly housing expense. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their rent or mortgage payment. This percentage allows the household to save money for the future while comfortably covering other expenses.

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

Are You Spending TOO Much on Rent?

Chances are if you are renting you are spending too much of your income on your monthly housing expense. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their rent or mortgage payment. This percentage allows the household to save money for the future while comfortably covering other expenses.

October 30, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers

Buying a Home Can Be Scary... Until 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:

72% of buyers who purchased homes this year have put down less than 20%.
76.4% of loan applications were approved last month.
The average credit score of approved loans was 727 in September.

October 26, 2018/by KCM CREW

There are many questions about where home prices will be next year as well as where they may be headed over the next several years to come. We have gathered the most reliable sources to help answer these questions:

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices

Where are Home Values Headed over the Next Few Years?

There are many questions about where home prices will be next year as well as where they may be headed over the next several years to come. We have gathered the most reliable sources to help answer these questions:

October 25, 2018/by KCM CREW