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Category: First-Time Buyers

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Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer.The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why.Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your NumbersOne of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on...

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Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes:“ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part.On average, people are getting even more...

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Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge. And some buyers are making one simple trade-off that’s getting them in the door faster: square footage.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35% of buyers are willing to purchase something smaller to make homeownership happen. And one place you can usually find a smaller footprint (and sometimes better affordability) is in townhomes.Why Townhomes Are Gaining PopularityTownhomes typically cost less than single-family homes due...

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Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Some HighlightsBuying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. ?From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. Your journey starts here. Connect with an agent so you have help every step along the way.?

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Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts. The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here’s some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.Focus on What You Can...

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Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for the right moment could cost you in the long run.Home Prices Are Still Rising – Just at a More Normal PaceThe idea that prices will drop dramatically is wishful thinking in most markets. According to the...

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Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

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 YouKnowing 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...

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The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

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....

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The Biggest Perks of Buying a Home This Winter

Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you’re ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too – and that works in your favor.You Likely Won’t Feel as RushedHomes tend to take a little longer to sell during this time of year. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the average time a house sits on the market jumps up during the winter months (see the green bars in the graph below):This is partly because fewer buyers are...

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More Starter Homes Are Hitting the Market

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 PointsOver 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...

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