Blogs For Home Buyers

Should I Rent or Should I Buy? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 15, 2022 | 0 Comments

Some Highlights It’s worth considering the many benefits of homeownership before you make the decision to rent or buy a home. When you buy, you can stabilize your housing costs, own a tangible asset, and grow your net worth as you gain equity. When you rent, you face rising housing costs, won’t see a return on your investment, and limit your ability […]

Should I Buy a Home Right Now?

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 13, 2022 | 0 Comments

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision. The Future of Home Price Appreciation Each quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a national panel of […]

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 5, 2022 | 0 Comments

Defining the American dream is personal, and no one individual will have the same definition as another. But the feelings it brings about – success, freedom, and a sense of prosperity – are universal. That’s why, for many people, homeownership remains a key part of the American dream. Your home is your stake in the community, a strong financial investment, […]

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 5, 2022 | 0 Comments

Some Highlights Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row. Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time. If you’re ready to buy […]

Homeownership Could Be in Reach with Down Payment Assistance Programs

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 30, 2022 | 0 Comments

A recent survey from Bankrate asks prospective buyers to identify the biggest obstacles in their homebuying journey. It found that 36% of those polled said saving for a down payment is one of their primary hurdles to buying a home. If you feel the same way, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that […]

A Key Opportunity for Homebuyers

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 30, 2022 | 0 Comments

There’s no denying the housing market has delivered a fair share of challenges to homebuyers over the past two years. Two of the biggest hurdles homebuyers faced during the pandemic were the limited number of homes for sale and the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. But those two things have reached a turning point. […]

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in decades. This marked the third straight month for inflation above an 8% […]

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Home Loan

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home, there are some key things to keep in mind. While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating, be careful when it comes to making any big purchases. Here are a few things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for […]

Why Achieving the Dream of Homeownership Can Be More Difficult for Some Americans

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

Today we take time to honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. When it comes to real estate specifically, equitable access to housing has come a long way, but the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. The Gap in Homeownership Rate in America It’s a more challenging […]

More Listings Are Coming onto the Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

Some Highlights Worried you won’t be able to find your next home after you sell? You should know data from realtor.com shows more listings are coming onto the market each month this year. Having additional options can make the search for your next home easier. But inventory is still low overall, which means your house should still stand out when you sell. If your biggest question […]

What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment_

What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | March 2, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people may think it’s 20% of the loan to secure a mortgage. While there are plenty of lower down payment options available for qualified buyers who don’t want to put […]

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 28, 2021

We’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of these remarkably low rates over the last twelve months. However, there’s no guarantee rates will remain this low much longer. Whenever we try […]

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 25, 2021

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.18.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”] There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a […]

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 25, 2021

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”16px|0px|0px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”22px|0px|32px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares: “In a […]

Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home_

Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home?

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 23, 2021

Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there’s still a common myth that you have to […]

Want to Build Wealth_ Buy a Home This Year.

Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year.

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 22, 2021

Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most likely take into consideration monthly housing costs, tax advantages, and other incremental expenses. Using these […]

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 20, 2021

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than […]

What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 19, 2021

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now: 2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have left the program […]

Thinking about Building a New Home_ Your Agent Is Critical.

Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical.

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 18, 2021

Some Highlights A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home. Agents help you understand key steps, like choosing upgrades and managing negotiations, while staying within your budget from start to finish. If building is the right option for you, let’s connect so you […]

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021_

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 18, 2021

With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest rate environment is projected to continue […]

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection_

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 17, 2021

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer money for the purchase. […]

Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers

Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | February 17, 2021

Some Highlights When you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at houses. From saving for your down payment to getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you keep your financial plan on track from the beginning. Let’s connect today […]

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