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If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper.
If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal.
Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream.
Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind?
If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability.
Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten.
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream.
If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own.
If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity.
If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip.
If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market.
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be.
As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind.
There’s no denying the long-termfinancial benefitsof owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy.
If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle.
There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford.
If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first.
Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach?
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision.
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest.
For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes.
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone.
If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision.
The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate.
Are you considering buying your first home?
If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now.
If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices?
If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know.
If you're planning to buy a home, one thing to consider is what experts project home prices will do in the future and how that might affect your investment.
If you’re a homeowner, you might be torn on whether or not to sell your house right now.
If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years.
When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed).
If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market.
When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic.
Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next home in today’s market?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan.
If you're planning to buy your first home, then you're probably focused on saving for all the costs involved in such a big purchase.
You may see media coverage talking about a drop in homeowner equity.
If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed.
Media coverage about what’s happening with home prices can be confusing.
With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now.
The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances.
Even though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity.
There’s been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they’re creating affordability challenges for today’s homebuyers.
If you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenge.
As the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here.
Have you been saving up to buy a home this year?
We’re still in a sellers’ market.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you want to know the decision will be a good one.
Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy of a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home.
<p>The housing market has been going through shifts lately.</p>
<p>One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. </p>
<p>One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. </p>
<p>Are you planning to buy a home this spring?</p>
<p>During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of <em>home</em> for ourselves and our loved ones. </p>
<p>During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of <em>home</em> for ourselves and our loved ones. </p>
You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/23/how-to-make-your-dream-of-homeownership-a-reality/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">own your home</a>. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.
Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/27/one-major-benefit-of-investing-in-a-home/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">net worth</a> got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates.
After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/14/why-its-easy-to-fall-in-love-with-homeownership-1/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">homebuyers</a> as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/16/wondering-whats-going-on-with-home-prices/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">prices</a> have made homes less affordable. So, if you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now’s the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down.
One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/27/homeownership-builds-your-wealth-over-time-infographic/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">build wealth</a> and gain financial stability. According to <a href="https://myhome.freddiemac.com/owning/equity-and-appreciation.html"><em>Freddie Mac</em></a>:
According to a recent <em>Harris Poll </em>survey, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/2023-home-buyer-report">8 in 10</a> Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/22/what-makes-a-house-a-home/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">benefits</a>, so that interest is understandable.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/09/why-todays-housing-market-isnt-headed-for-a-crash/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">today</a>, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built.
<p>No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/24/the-3-factors-that-affect-home-affordability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">owning a home</a> that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.</p>
<p>No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/24/the-3-factors-that-affect-home-affordability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">owning a home</a> that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.</p>
Before you buy a home, it’s important to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/10/how-to-win-as-a-buyer-in-todays-housing-market-infographic/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">plan ahead</a>. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/02/03/you-may-not-need-as-much-as-you-think-for-your-down-payment-infographic/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">down payment</a>, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand <strong>what closing costs are and how much you should budget for</strong>.
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how it can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers to work with the right real estate experts.
As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.
There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/02/what-are-your-goals-in-the-housing-market-this-year/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">your motivations</a>, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next.
Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.
If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/09/what-experts-are-saying-about-the-2023-housing-market/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">experts</a>, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at <em>CoreLogic</em>, <a href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/u-s-home-price-insights-january-2023/">shares</a>:
One of the first steps in your <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/06/tips-to-reach-your-homebuying-goals-in-2023-infographic/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">homebuying journey</a> is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/26/financial-fundamentals-for-first-time-homebuyers/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">pre-approval</a> is and what it does for you. <em>Business Insider </em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/mortgage-preapproval">explains</a>:
Last year, the <em>Federal Reserve</em> took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/21/what-to-expect-from-the-housing-market-in-2023/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">mortgage rates</a> jumped up rapidly from the record lows we saw in 2021, peaking at just over 7% <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/archive">last October</a>. Hopeful <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/04/avoid-the-rental-trap-in-2023/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">buyers</a> experienced a hit to their purchasing power as a result, and some decided to press pause on their plans.
There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Home means something different to all of us. Whether it’s sharing memories […]
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), […]
If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your house and finding a home that more closely fits your needs. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a […]
Did the frequency and intensity of bidding wars over the past two years make you put your home search on hold? If so, you should know the hyper competitive market has cooled this year as buyer demand has moderated and housing supply has grown. Those two factors combined mean you may see less competition from […]
There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: “The desire for homeownership is strong. […]
There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due […]
There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this […]
If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report […]
If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average borrower with a home loan has almost $300,000 in equity […]
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely trying to juggle your needs, current mortgage rates, home prices, your schedule, and more to try to decide if you want to jump into the market. If this sounds like you, here’s one key factor that could help you with your decision: there are more homes for […]
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you’re likely hearing about the cooling housing market and wondering what that means for you. While it’s not the peak intensity we saw during the pandemic, we’re still in a sellers’ market. That means you haven’t missed your window. Realtor.com explains: “. . . while prospective home sellers […]
This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power […]
If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market. If you’re willing to work with a trusted agent to consider a newly built home, you may have even more options and […]
For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits. Here are some things you should know about VA loans before you start the homebuying […]
Now that the end of 2022 is within sight, you may be wondering what’s going to happen in the housing market next year and what that may mean if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s a look at the latest expert insights on both mortgage rates and home prices so you can make your […]
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. In fact, the 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd found the majority of people polled still view homeownership as a key life achievement. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value […]
Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have climbed this year. And while it’s true rates have risen dramatically, it’s important to remember they aren’t the only factor in the affordability equation. Here […]
It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z buyers who are pursuing homeownership as a way to build their wealth, but it may not be exactly the way previous generations have done it. The study explains how […]
As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to move this year. If the location or size of your current home no longer meets your needs, […]
While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home. As the market has cooled this year, some of the intensity buyers faced during the peak frenzy of the pandemic has cooled too. Here are just a few trends […]
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might encounter. And to do that, turn to trusted real estate professionals. […]
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, one of the first steps on your journey is getting pre-approved. Especially in today’s market when mortgage rates are higher than they were just a few months ago, getting a mortgage pre-approval can be a game changer. Here’s why. What Is Pre-Approval? To better understand why […]
While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still high, remaining around 8%. This news impacted the stock market and added fuel to the fire for conversations about a recession. You’re likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as you watch the cost […]
Over the past two years, the substantial imbalance of low housing supply and high buyer demand pushed home sales and buyer competition to new heights. But this year, things are shifting as supply and demand reach an inflection point. The graph below helps tell the story of just how different things are today. This year, […]
With higher mortgage rates, you might be wondering if now’s the best time to buy a home. While the financial aspects are important to consider, there are also powerful non-financial reasons it may make sense to make a move. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with homeownership. Homeowners Can Make Their […]
Does the latest news about the housing market have you questioning your plans to sell your house? If so, perspective is key. Here are some of the ways a trusted real estate professional can explain the shift that’s happening today and why it’s still a sellers’ market even during the cooldown. Fewer Homes for Sale […]
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