Answers to the Top 9 Questions New Home Buyers Have
Buying a house is a big deal no matter what. When it’s a first home, it can be overwhelming and even scary. We are here to help calm the anxiety and demystify the process.
Buying a house is a big deal no matter what. When it’s a first home, it can be overwhelming and even scary. We are here to help calm the anxiety and demystify the process.
In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below):
Standards of luxury change with the times. Fifty years ago, a two-car garage, a double-sink vanity, or a bar in the rec-room would have seemed pretty special in some houses. Today, those features are common, and one would be hard-pressed to find a new-build without things like walk-in closets, a security system, or a master ensuite. Heated floors, outdoor living space, swimming pools, and spas have become so mainstream that they are no longer the signatures of luxury homes.
When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.
Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To give you an idea of how rising mortgage rates impact your purchasing power, see the table below:
You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why.
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