For Buyers
What You Should Know About Closing Costs
Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for.
How To Win as a Buyer in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
![How To Win as a Buyer in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/09132525/How-To-Win-As-A-Buyer-In-Todays-Housing-Market-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- In today’s housing market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy.
- To win as a buyer, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd.
Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t Headed for a Crash
67% of Americans say a housing market crash is imminent in the next three years. With all the talk in the media lately about shifts in the housing market, it makes sense why so many people feel this way. But there’s good news. Current data shows today’s market is nothing like it was before the housing crash in 2008.
How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how it can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers to work with the right real estate experts.
You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]
![You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01165833/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase.
- And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.
Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023
The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose last year.
Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26131727/Homeownership-Builds-Your-Wealth-In-The-Over-Time-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership.
- On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net worth significantly in the long term.
Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring
Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.
Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines
If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed, and understanding what that really means is mission critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening today. Here’s a deeper look.
The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability
If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares:
Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know
One of the first steps in your homebuying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and what it does for you. Business Insider explains:
Have Home Values Hit Bottom?
Whether you’re already a homeowner or you’re looking to become one, the recent headlines about home prices may leave you with more questions than answers. News stories are talking about home prices falling, and that’s raising concerns about a repeat of what happened to prices in the crash in 2008.