Friday, May 16, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025
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Buyers | Read Our Blog
Thursday, May 15, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?
If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”
But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:
What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?
Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?
If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it&rsqu ...
But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:
What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?
Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?
If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it&rsqu ...
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership
Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you're wondering:
Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?
Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt?
Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.
Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?
In the simplest sense, what you want to know is can you still buy your first home if you have student debt. Here’s what Yahoo Finance says:
" . . . student loans don’t have to get in your way when it comes to becoming a homeowner. With the right approach and an understanding of how debt impacts your home-buying options, bu ...
Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?
Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt?
Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.
Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?
In the simplest sense, what you want to know is can you still buy your first home if you have student debt. Here’s what Yahoo Finance says:
" . . . student loans don’t have to get in your way when it comes to becoming a homeowner. With the right approach and an understanding of how debt impacts your home-buying options, bu ...
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now
Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.
What Are Concessions and Incentives?
When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive.
A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal.
An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.
Today, some of the most common ones are:
Help with closing costs
Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
Discounts or price reductions
Upgrades or appliances
Home warranties
Minor repairs
For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – esp ...
What Are Concessions and Incentives?
When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive.
A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal.
An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.
Today, some of the most common ones are:
Help with closing costs
Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
Discounts or price reductions
Upgrades or appliances
Home warranties
Minor repairs
For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – esp ...
Monday, May 12, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Home Projects That Boost Value
Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."
That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
If you plan to move relatively soon, you’ll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isn’t on your radar yet, life can change quickly – and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You don’t want to be scramblin ...
". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."
That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
If you plan to move relatively soon, you’ll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isn’t on your radar yet, life can change quickly – and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You don’t want to be scramblin ...
