Keeping Current Matters February 24, 2023
Buyer
According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 8 in 10 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 benefits, so that interest is understandable.
However, it’s unlikely all 28 million Americans will accomplish that goal in the coming year. Experts project a total of around five million homes will be sold in 2023. Why is there such a big difference? It’s partly because there can be challenges to buying a home.
In the same survey, when asked, “Which of the following are preventing you from pursuing homeownership at this time?”:
If you’re aiming to buy a home, here’s what you need to know to accomplish that goal.
Your down payment is a big chunk of what you pay up front for your home. For most home purchases, buyers put down some amount of cash up front (a down payment) and then take out a loan (a mortgage) to pay for the rest.
It’s a longstanding myth that you need to pay 20% of the purchase price for your down payment. In reality, 20% down isn’t always required. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), today’s median down payment is 14% for the average buyer and just 6% for a first-time buyer.
Regardless of how much money you can save for your down payment, know there’s help available. A local lender can show you options to help you get closer to your down payment goal. Plus, there are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5% for some buyers, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.
Beyond assistance programs and different loan types, here are a few other tips to help you as you save for your down payment:
Your credit score is a number that indicates how financially reliable you are to lenders. A higher credit score usually means you’ll be able to borrow more money at a better interest rate. If your credit score is preventing you from getting an affordable mortgage, there are steps you can take to improve it. Here are two:
If you want to purchase a home this year, let’s connect so we can start preparing.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Seller
June 30, 2025
Here’s something you need to know.
Buyer
June 29, 2025
We’ve officially reached the dog days of summer, and it’s not just you panting for relief.
Buyer
June 29, 2025
When choosing a fresh coat of paint for your space, picking the perfect color can feel like the most daunting task.
Buyer
June 29, 2025
If you're tired of seeing plain white walls and neutral interiors, then you'll be pleased to know that deeper jewel tones are trending again.
Lifestyle
June 28, 2025
Peppers add color, crunch, and a kick of flavor to everything from fajitas to fresh salads, but these heat‑lovers thrive when surrounded by the right garden friends.
Lifestyle
June 28, 2025
While each family parents their children differently, the one strategy seemingly every parent executes on is baby-proofing their space when their little ones start cra… Read more
We Guide Homeowners through the complicated process of selling their home using our 4 Phase Selling Process and 3 Prong Marketing Strategy that alleviates their stress and moves them effortlessly to their next destination. Schedule a 15 Minute Complimentary Strategy Session Today