Keeping Current Matters June 27, 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.
Lifestyle
July 26, 2024
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without indulging in France’s most iconic culinary delights, from buttery croissants to fine cheeses and wine.
Buyer
July 26, 2024
Two newly published data reports are offering very different views on the best markets for rental housing.
Buyer
July 25, 2024
When 51-year-old Pazit Aviv walks her dog in her Silver Spring, Md., neighborhood, it takes an extra 30 minutes as she inevitably gets lost in an impromptu chat with a… Read more
Buyer
July 25, 2024
If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.
Lifestyle
July 24, 2024
The success of a food or drink business is predicated on many things—quality, flavor, price and market reach, to name a few—but in a world plagued by climate change, w… Read more
Buyer
July 24, 2024
Even though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets.
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