Found 60 blog entries tagged as First-Time Buyers.

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your money, look for any line items that aren’t absolutely essential. If you cut down on those, you can re-allocate that cash toward buying a home. Even the little things…

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Some Highlights

  • If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time.
  • According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991.
  • Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you're ready, let's connect.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Having a hard time finding a first home that's right for you and your wallet? Well, here's a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short.

They're usually smaller than single-family homes, but that's exactly why they can be easier on your budget. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), condos are typically less expensive than single-family homes (see graph below):

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So, if you're comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet.

Besides giving you more options for your home search and maybe fitting your budget better, living in a condo has a bunch of other perks, too. According to Rocket Mortgage:

“From…

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When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. Maybe you’ve got a specific picture of that house in your mind. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction.

A trusted real estate agent can help walk you through these two reasons you may want to reconsider that.

1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options

There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built or is under construction. An existing home is one a previous homeowner has already lived in. Right now, the inventory of existing homes is tight. But there may…

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Are you on the hunt for your dream home in Naperville, IL? Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, Naperville offers a stunning array of homes to fit every lifestyle and budget. In this post, we dive into what makes Naperville a top choice for homebuyers and how The Kombrink Team at One Source Realty can help you navigate this vibrant real estate market.

Why Naperville?

Naperville is not just a place to live; it's a community to be a part of. Known for its picturesque neighborhoods and top-rated schools, the city boasts a rich history and a dynamic community vibe that makes it one of the most sought-after areas in Illinois. From its charming, tree-lined streets to its bustling downtown full of shops and eateries,…

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If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home? And chances are, you’re worried that’s not going to be in the cards with inflation, rising home prices, mortgage rates, and more seemingly stacked against you.

While there’s no arguing this housing market is challenging for first-time homebuyers, it is still achievable, especially if you have professionals on your side.

Here are some helpful tips you may get from a pro.

1. Explore Your Options for a Down Payment

If a down payment is your #1 hurdle, you may have options to give your savings a boost. There are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs designed to make homeownership more achievable. And, that’s not the only…

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Some Highlights

  • Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? ​Builders may have a solution that can help.
  • Builders are shifting their attention to what buyers want most right now – smaller, more affordable homes.
  • If you want to see what’s available locally and in other areas nearby, let’s connect and explore your options together. 

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Today we’re taking you on an exclusive tour of the top neighborhoods in Naperville, Illinois. Whether you are contemplating buying a new home or just curious about real estate in the area, Naperville offers a variety of communities that cater to different lifestyles and preferences.


Naperville: A Snapshot

Naperville is celebrated for its picturesque downtown, exemplary schools, and beautiful homes, making it a highly desirable location for prospective homeowners. As we delve into what makes each neighborhood stand out, you’ll see why many are choosing to call Naperville their home.

White Eagle: Luxury and Community

First on our list is the White Eagle neighborhood. This affluent area boasts luxurious homes, top-tier schools, and an…

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Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help you pay for some of these expenses? As Credit Karma explains:

“If one of your goals is to stop renting and buy a home, you’ll need to save up for closing costs and a down payment on the mortgage. A tax refund can give you a start on the road to homeownership. If you’ve already started to save, your tax refund could move you down the road faster.”

While how much money you may get in a tax refund is going to vary, it can be encouraging to have a general idea of what’s possible. Here’s what CNET has to say about the average increase people are seeing this…

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There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.

Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller

During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.

But with the affordability challenges buyers are facing today, builders are increasingly…

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