Budgeting Beyond the Monthly Payment Understanding the hidden costs of homeownership is crucial for budgeting beyond the monthly mortgage payment. This blog post breaks down the basic costs of homeownership, including the monthly mortgage payment and its components (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). It also delves into the hidden costs such as property taxes, homeowners … Read More “The Hidden Costs of Homeownership” »
Category: Buying a Home
Let’s Discuss the 2025 Housing Market Thaw The premise of a housing market thaw in 2025 is a compelling one, given the recent trends and expert predictions. Here are some key factors that could contribute to a more favorable housing market in 2025: Potential Interest Rate Reductions: As the Federal Reserve attempts to balance inflation … Read More “2025 Housing Market Outlook” »
Picture your dream home. Is it a traditional single-family home designed for a conventional nuclear family? Or does your idea of home include extended family — maybe your parents, in-laws, or a favorite aunt or uncle? If so, you’re not alone. While single-family living continues to be the dominant housing choice in the US, there’s … Read More “Better Together: Why multigenerational living is on the rise” »
The recent NAR settlement has introduced some key changes that are beneficial for you. One of the biggest updates? The new Buyer’s Agreement, which is now *required* before touring any home. Here’s what you need to know: **Legally Binding:** The Buyer’s Agreement is a contract between you and your real estate agent, outlining the services … Read More “FridayFacts; New Buyer Representation Rules” »
Buying a house today is vastly different than it was fifty years ago. Higher home prices, stricter regulations, and advanced technology have transformed the home purchase process. What’s more, economic changes and shifting demographics have had their influence as well. Below, we’ve discussed some of the many ways the homebuying process has transformed over the … Read More “How the Home Purchase Process Has Changed Over Time” »
If you’ve been keeping up with our series on the new homebuyer’s agreement, here’s something you need to know: There’s been a CHANGE in Real Estate Commissions Post-NAR settlement, sellers can still offer compensation to your agent, but it won’t be visible on public listings anymore. The good news is concessions are allowed, and … Read More “FridayFacts; Attention Homebuyers” »
Key takeaways The current housing market is causing many prospective buyers to wait for better conditions, but there’s no guarantee that it will improve considerably anytime soon, even with a Fed rate cut. If your credit score is strong, your employment is stable and you have enough savings to cover a down payment and closing … Read More “Should I buy a house now, or wait?” »
Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place. 1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way home … Read More “The Perks of Buying over Renting” »
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a retiree is where you want to live. Maybe you want to move closer to grandchildren, live in a retirement community or perhaps moving will free up some money for your retirement plans. Or maybe you want to buy a home that’s better suited to the retirement lifestyle. … Read More “Buying a home after retirement” »
What is an assumable mortgage loan? An assumable mortgage is one that allows a new borrower to take over an existing loan from the current borrower. Typically, this entails a home buyer taking over the home seller’s mortgage. The new borrower — the person ‘assuming’ the loan — is in exactly the same position as … Read More “How does an assumable mortgage work? Pros and cons” »