Is It Easier To Find a Home To Buy Now?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show there are more homes on the market in 2024 than there have been in any of the past several years (2021-2023):Does That Mean Finding a Home Is Easier?The answer is yes, and no. As an article from Realtor.com says:“There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier . . . That alone could jolt the housing market a bit if more “For Sale” signs continue to appear. However,...

Single Women Are Embracing Homeownership

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

In today’s housing market, more and more single women are becoming homeowners. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single men.If you’re a single woman trying to buy your first home, this should be encouraging. It means other people are making their dreams a reality – so you can too.Why Homeownership Matters to So Many Women For many single women, buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s also a smart way to invest for the future. Homes usually increase in value over...

The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Some HighlightsIf you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, getting pre-approved is a key piece of the puzzle. Mortgage pre-approval means a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow.As more buyers re-enter the market, it’ll help you make a strong offer that stands out from the crowd.Talk to a trusted professional to learn more and begin your homebuying process today.

Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Selling Myths.

No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about. Moving is no exception. You need insights from the pros to help you feel confident in your decision. Freddie Mac explains it like this:“As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.”And while perfect advice isn’t possible – not even from the...

What You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Move-Up Buyers.

If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you understand some of the costs you may encounter up front. And to do that, always turn to trusted real estate professionals. They can help you set a plan and take a strategic look at your budget and your process before you even get started.Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about.1. Down PaymentSaving for your down payment is likely top of mind as you set out to buy a home. But do you know...

Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Demographics, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it’s different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today (see graph below): In fact, according to the graph, owning a home is more important to people than retiring, having a successful career, or even getting a college degree. But is the dream of homeownership still alive for younger generations?A recent survey by 1000watt dives into how the two...

Are the Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Move-Up Buyers, Selling Myths.

When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in.Here are the top 3 questions people are asking about today’s housing market, and the data to help answer them.1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?Mortgage rates...

Unmasking Scary Myths about Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Move-Up Buyers.

Some HighlightsHere’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market.Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment.If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, get in touch with a real estate expert who can help clear those up.

A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Selling Myths.

Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now. Regrettably, when news in the media isn’t easy to understand, it can make people feel scared and unsure. Similarly, negative talk on social media spreads fast and creates fear. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear,...

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on August 1, 2023. Posted in Buying Myths, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Selling Myths.

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles.Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage RateAccording to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below):But today, the typical 30-year fixed mortgage rate offered to buyers...

Category: Buying Myths