Homebuyers in 2022 experienced a huge shock – soaring mortgage rates which doubled in one year resulting in approximately 15 million mortgage ready buyers displaced from the market due to affordability issues. As of February 23, 2023, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage was at 6.5%. While that is twice as high as it was on […]
Category Archives: Home Buyer Tips
When Should You Lock In That Mortgage Rate?
Market conditions are a big reason as to why you should lock your interest rate. Quite simple – locking that interest rate will protect you from increases due to market conditions. If you lock your interest rate early, it can safeguard your budgeted payment. Here’s how it works – if you lock the rate, and […]
Buydowns: You Really Should Negotiate
Things have definitely changed in the past year. If you’re a prospective homebuyer, you have absolutely seen those changes firsthand. Most notably, mortgage rates have more than doubled which has created an affordability gap that has taken approximately 15 million buyers out of the market. Yes, inventories all growing – however that isn’t due to […]
Let’s Shake On It – Negotiations
So many negotiations take place during a real estate transaction. The seller wants the most for their home and the buyer wants to pay the least possible. Starting in the very beginning of the homebuying process, there are well-defined positions between those two principals. And, if you happen to be in a multi-offer situation, it just […]
High Inflation – Don’t Let It Discourage You From Buying A Home
Your home is a tangible asset, which consistently becomes more valuable over time. During times where inflation is significantly high, a home is a good investment and is a hedge against inflation. Why? The interest earned in savings is almost always less than inflation. Borrowing money, in other words, a loan, can be a great […]
Building The Right Home Buying Team For You
Resources Just For Homeowners
There are some very difficult decisions which can tend to arise when you’re a homeowner. Sometimes, those decisions are what can make or break the idea of renting vs buying. If you think about it, the idea of an asset which is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars can be slightly terrifying to some! Not […]
Will Mortgage Rates Really Actually Ever Come Down?
Should You Pause Your Decisions?
I’m sure you’ve heard, but mortgage rates are still rising. It’s causing some would-be buyers to pause their decisions until they determine whether rates are going to come back down. It may be possible, but the probability is that prices are going to continue to increase. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate on December 23, […]
An Increase For The Limit On Tax-Free Gift Amounts
In 2021, the tax-free gift amount was $15,000. In 2022, that has risen by one thousand dollars, making the limit for tax-free gifts in 2022 a total of $16,000. Tax free means that no tax is due to the donor or the donee. There are provisions that would allow gifts higher than this amount providing […]