Found 29 blog entries tagged as First-Time Buyers.

a screenshot of a cellphone

Some Highlights

  • Owning a home comes with many benefits, both non-financial and financial.
  • From the sense of accomplishment and freedom of expression, to growing your net worth, it’s easy to fall in love with homeownership.
  • What’s the top reason you’d love to own a home? Let me know and we’ll come up with a plan that makes it possible. 

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

16 Views, 0 Comments

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.

There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.

1. FHA Loans

If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and…

43 Views, 0 Comments

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save.

And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process.

Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for You

Knowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas where you're spending more than you realize. It also helps to give yourself some guidelines on what you want to spend for groceries, gas, and more – try to…

41 Views, 0 Comments

There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful.

A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens.

From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones.

Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home.

1. It’s an Accomplishment You Can Be Proud Of

Buying a home is a significant milestone, whether it’s your first or your fifth. You’ve worked hard to make it…

40 Views, 0 Comments

a screenshot of a phone

Some Highlights

  • There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive.
  • And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. There are thousands of programs that offer an average benefit of nearly $17,000.
  • To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

41 Views, 0 Comments

More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers.

Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price Points

Over the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homes for sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019.

Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly among all types of homes, though. According to Redfin, starter homes have seen the biggest increase (see graph below):

a graph of a number of homesSo, if you’re a first-time buyer…

81 Views, 0 Comments

a screenshot of a phone

Some Highlights

  • Data shows 7 out of 10 prospective homebuyers don’t know the minimum credit score required by lenders or that it varies by lender and loan type.
  • According to Experian, the range is anywhere from 500 to 700 for the minimum credit score. That means you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home.
  • Your credit score is important – but that doesn’t mean it needs to be perfect. Work with a lender to learn more about home loan options that may work for you.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

47 Views, 0 Comments

When planning a move, a newly built home might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But with more brand-new homes on the market and builders focusing on smaller, more affordable options, this type of home may just be the key to crossing the homebuying finish line.

Here's why a new build is worth considering – and how an agent can help you find one that meets your needs and your budget.

1. More Newly Built Homes Are Available Right Now

First, let’s break down the types of homes on the market. A newly built home is a house that was just built or is under construction. On the other hand, an existing home is one a homeowner has already lived in.

Right now, the number of existing homes for sale is still low. And, if you’re struggling to find…

47 Views, 0 Comments

Are you considering buying a home in one of Illinois’ fastest-growing communities? If so, Pingree Grove IL should be on your radar. Known for its recent boom, this village offers a unique blend of modern housing, excellent schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere. But with all its rapid development, there are both advantages and challenges to living in this up-and-coming area.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of moving to Pingree Grove, helping you determine if this fast-growing community is the right fit for you.

Why Pingree Grove IL is the Place to Be

One of the most striking things about Pingree Grove is that 97.7% of its homes were built after 1999. This makes it one of the newest villages in the…

448 Views, 0 Comments

Are you tired of missing out on your dream home? With the real estate market moving at lightning speed, it takes more than luck to succeed. In 2024, buying a house can feel like a race against time, with homes flying off the market in just 24 days and 30% of them selling for more than the asking price. To stand out and secure your dream home, you need strategies that go beyond the basics. Luckily, we have five powerful secrets that will transform you from a hopeful buyer into a savvy homeowner. Get ready to learn how to make an offer sellers can’t refuse!

Your Home-Buying Journey: A Thrilling Adventure

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting challenges. Think of it as a thrilling adventure, where you are the hero navigating the twists…

69 Views, 0 Comments