Found 90 blog entries tagged as First Time Home Buyers.

Thinking about buying a home? If so, you're probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here's some information that can help you decide.

What’s Next for Home Prices?

Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists—what they think will happen with home prices.

In the latest survey, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up for the next five years (see graph below):

 a graph of green bars


Here’s what all the green on this chart should tell you. They’re not expecting any price declines. Instead, they’re saying we’ll see a 3-4% rise each…

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Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more.

Remember these four tips to make your best offer.

1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent

Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes:

“Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.”

Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking…

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Are you looking to buy a new home in St. Charles, Illinois? If so, you're embarking on an exciting journey, and we're here to guide you through every step of the way. This blog post is all about making your house-hunting experience in St. Charles as smooth and successful as possible, with a focus on the invaluable role a realtor plays in this process.

The Overwhelming Quest for the Perfect Home

Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that searching for a new home, especially in a place as sought-after as St. Charles, IL, can be quite daunting. The myriad of options, the competitive market, and the sheer time it takes to sift through listings can be overwhelming. This is where the expertise of a realtor becomes not just helpful, but essential.

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Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash. Some in the media were even forecasting home prices would drop by as much as 10-20%—and that might have made you feel a bit unsure about buying a home.

But here’s what actually happened: home prices went up more than usual. Brian D. Luke, Head of Commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, explains:

“Looking back at the year, 2023 appears to have exceeded average annual home price gains over the past 35 years.”

To put last year’s growth into context, the graph below uses data from Freddie Mac on how home prices have changed each year going back to 1980. The dotted line shows the long-term average for appreciation:

 a graph showing the average of a home appreciation


The big…

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If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into the housing market or want to stretch your budget further. According to NerdWallet:

“Buying a fixer-upper can provide a path to homeownership for first-time home buyers or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood. With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if you’re on a budget.”

Basically, since the number of homes for sale is still so low, if you’re only willing…

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When it comes to finding the perfect place to call home in Geneva, IL, the decision between purchasing a townhouse or a condo can be a tough one. Both options have their own set of benefits and considerations, but ultimately it comes down to your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between townhouses and condos in Geneva, IL and help you make an informed decision on which type of property is right for you.

Image of a row of townhousesTownhouses in Geneva, IL

Townhomes offer a unique blend of privacy and community living. With individual units that share walls and often come with their own yard or outdoor space, townhouses provide a sense of independence while still being part of a larger community. These properties are …

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a screenshot of a website

Some Highlights

  • If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, getting pre-approved is a key piece of the puzzle. Mortgage pre-approval means a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow.
  • As more buyers re-enter the market, it’ll help you make a strong offer that stands out from the crowd.
  • Talk to a trusted professional to learn more and begin your homebuying process today.

Previously posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Are you looking to buy a new home in Naperville, IL? Look no further! The Kombrink Team is here to help you explore the diverse property options available in this beautiful city.

Naperville, IL is a vibrant and thriving community with a strong real estate market. Whether you are looking for a cozy bungalow, a spacious family home, or a luxury estate, there are homes for sale in Naperville that will suit your needs.

When searching for houses for sale in Naperville, it is important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Realtor who knows the area well. The Kombrink Team has been serving the Naperville community for years and has a deep understanding of the local market.

From charming neighborhoods with tree-lined streets to modern…

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If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case.

Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. That means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize.

As The Mortgage Reports says:

“Although putting down 20% to avoid mortgage insurance is wise if affordable, it’s a myth that this is always necessary. In fact, most people opt for a much lower down payment.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since…

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Are you tired of throwing money out the window on rent every month? Do you dream of owning your own slice of paradise in St. Charles, Illinois? Well, you're in luck because buying is definitely better than renting in this charming city! In this blog post, we'll dive into all the reasons why owning a home in St. Charles is the way to go. So sit back, relax, and get ready to find your way to homeownership!

Reason #1: Equity, Baby!

Let's start with the most obvious reason why buying is better than renting - equity, baby! When you rent, you're basically throwing your hard-earned cash into someone else's pocket. But when you buy a home, you're building equity every time you make a mortgage payment. That means you're investing in your future and creating…

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