Recently two U.S. Census Bureau researchers released their findings on the biggest determinants of household wealth. What they found may help shape your view on building your familyâs net worth. Many people plan to build their net worth by buying CDs or stocks, or just having a savings account. Recently, however, Economist Jonathan Eggleston and […]
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What FICOÂź Score Do You Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?
Itâs common knowledge that your FICOÂź score plays an important role in the homebuying process. However, many buyers have misconceptions regarding what exactly is required to get the loans they need. While a recent announcement from CNBC shares that the average national FICOÂź score has reached an all-time high of 706, the good news for […]
Read More62% of Buyers Are Wrong About Down Payment Needs
Contrary to common misconception, a down payment is often much less than many believe. According to the â2019 Home Buyer Reportâ conducted by Nerdwallet, many first-time buyers still believe they need a 20% down payment to buy a home in todayâs market: âMore than 6 in 10 (62%) Americans believe you must put at least 20% down in […]
Read More5 Homebuying Acronyms You Need to Know [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: Learning the lingo of homebuying is an important part of feeling successful when buying a home. From APR to P&I, you need to know the acronyms that will come up along the way, and what they mean when you hear them. Your local professionals are here to help you feel confident and informed […]
Read More3 Signs the Housing Market Is on the Rebound
The residential real estate market has been plodding along for most of the year. However, three recent reports show the market may be on the verge of a rebound. 1. Existing Home Sales (closed sales) are up, marking two consecutive months of growth. 2. Pending Home Sales (contracts signed) are up with each of the […]
Read More4 Tips to Improve Your Home and Save on Your Energy Bill
By making a few key upgrades to your home, youâll save on your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. When youâre ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers. As a homeowner, itâs important to keep your home running efficiently, not only […]
Read MoreWhat to Expect from Your Home Inspection
You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents often recommend you make your offer contingent upon a clean home inspection. This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you offered for the home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or in some […]
Read MoreHow Does the Supply of Homes for Sale Impact Buyer Demand?
The latest edition of the Realtors Confidence Index from NAR sheds some light on the relationship between seller traffic (supply) and buyer traffic (demand). Until the supply of homes for sale starts to meet buyer demand, prices will continue to rise. The price of any item is determined by supply, as well as the marketâs demand for the item. The National […]
Read MoreHomeowners Are Happy! Renters? Not So Much.
When people talk about homeownership and the American Dream, much of the conversation revolves around the financial benefits of owning a home. However, two recent studies show that the non-financial benefits might be even more valuable. In a recent survey, Bank of America asked homeowners: âDoes owning a home make you happier than renting?â 93% […]
Read MoreAre You Ready for the âBlack Fridayâ of Real Estate?
According to a new study from realtor.com, the week of September 22 is the best time of year to buy a home, making it âBlack Fridayâ for homebuyers. Every year, âBlack Fridayâ is a highly anticipated event for eager shoppers. Some people prepare for weeks, crafting and refining a strategic shopping agenda, determining exactly when […]
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