Getting a mortgage is, by general consensus, the most treacherous part of buying a home. Many homebuyers said they found the mortgage experience stressful and complicated. Even lenders agree that it’s often a struggle. If you’re out to buy a home, you have to be vigilant. To clue you into the pitfalls, here are six…
Strolling to a cafe for breakfast, walking around the corner to yoga—isn’t that the life? Before you buy or rent, here’s how to suss out whether a neighborhood you’re interested in will let you get out from behind the wheel. See what locals have to say. When it comes to picking a neighborhood, do a…
Buying a home is a team sport, and that’s especially true when buyers are facing the kinds of affordability challenges they are now. Volatile interest rates and tough competition for a limited supply of homes are posing unique issues for home shoppers. If you’ve been writing offer after offer — even competitive offers over asking…
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down how the current affordability situation…
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring, and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all…
Using a 401(k) to buy a home is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. While it can be an option, there are several factors to keep in mind. Here are a few things to consider before making a decision Eligibility: Check with your employer to ensure that your 401(k) plan allows for withdrawals for…
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary residential units that are either attached to or located on the same property as a primary single-family home. They are also known as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages. ADUs can be converted garages, basements, separate units within the existing home, or standalone structures. ADUs offer several benefits…
While foreclosures and bankruptcies can have an impact on the housing market, they are unlikely to cause a complete crash on their own. It’s important to understand that housing market crashes are typically the result of a combination of factors, such as a significant oversupply of homes, an economic recession, or a financial crisis. Foreclosures…
Investing in yourself by owning a home can bring numerous benefits and opportunities. Here are some reasons why owning a home can be a wise investment: Building equity: When you own a home, you are building equity as you pay down your mortgage. Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the…
Buying a multi-generational home can be a smart strategy to enhance affordability in today’s housing market. Here are a few ways purchasing a multi-generational home can help with affordability: Shared Mortgage Payments: By pooling financial resources with multiple family members or generations, you can split the mortgage payments, making homeownership more affordable for everyone involved.…