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There are millions of potential U.S. homebuyers sitting on the sidelines wondering if it is smart to buy their first house in the midst of a global pandemic. Unemployment is the highest it's ever been, COVID-19 cases are still rising in many places, and home prices remain steep. And yet, great opportunities can often arise in the middle of economic turmoil. This may be a great time to become a first-time homebuyer. Timeframe One of the biggest concerns right now for many first-timers is whether the housing market will hold its value or if we’re in for a big crash as the coronav...
September 23rd, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, First-time Homebuyers, Is Now the Right Time to Buy Your First Home?
When potential buyers are ready to begin their dreams of homeownership, they often start by looking at real estate listings. The asking prices are the starting point for determining how much home a buyer can afford, but there are plenty of other costs and fees not spelled out in that one number. By looking at all the associated expenses, you can decide if you have enough money to buy a home. Down Payment Most mortgage loans require at least some down payment (VA loans for military are one big exception). A conventional loan an require as much as 20% down. For a $250,000 home, a 20% dow...
August 12th, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, Do You Have Enough Money to Buy a House?
Even as demand for mortgage loans has ramped up since the coronavirus crisis began, some aspects of the home loan market have changed. With millions of homeowners applying for mortgage forbearance, lenders have had to take measures to mitigate possible future losses. Some borrowers are seeing higher credit score requirements, for example. Fortunately, one of the things that has not changed for first-time home buyers is the ability to use down payment assistance programs. Saving up for an initial down payment was a monumental task for first-time buyers before COVID-19 with limited inventory ...
July 8th, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, Is Down Payment Assistance Still Available During COVID-19?
For Americans living and working in the nation’s most expensive real estate markets, homeownership can seem like the impossible dream. Prices are high and options can be limited. It may feel like home values rise faster than your ability to save up for a down payment. Although the process may look different than in other parts of the country, becoming a first-time homebuyer in a pricey area is possible. Here are some suggestions for making that dream a reality: Determine Your Budget First, you need to figure out how much home you can afford. That number needs to be determined by yo...
July 1st, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, Buying a First Home in an Expensive Area
Getting pre-approved before shopping for a new home is a smart idea, but what if you don’t find the right home quickly? How long does that pre-approval last? Pre-approval Defined Before going out with a real estate agent to look for the perfect property, it is wise to get pre-approved with a mortgage lender. This means allowing the lender to run your credit and take a look at your income and assets to determine how much mortgage funding you qualify for. A pre-approval gives you a top number for your house budget to help define your search. It also gives you credibility wit...
May 6th, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, Preapproval, How Long Does a Pre-Approval Letter Last?
With most of the country on shelter-in-place orders due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, the homebuying process has undergone plenty of changes for those still looking to get into a home of their own. Buyers, sellers and real estate agents have had to make adjustments for the safety of all. If you are in the midst of your home search or ready to start, here’s what you need to know about buying a home during this challenging coronavirus environment. Virtual Shopping & Viewing Agents and sellers have had to get creative during this time of social distancing. Buyers have had...
April 8th, 2020 | Purchasing a Home, How to Buy a Home During COVID-19