Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Rent vs. Buy.

Some HighlightsA study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.?Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.What Is an ADU?According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an ADU...

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.1. FHA LoansIf your down payment savings...

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling. Focus on Your WhyTo lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are...

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Turning a dream into reality starts with one thing: a plan. And if buying your first home is on your list of goals, now’s the perfect time to put a plan in motion to help you save.And the best part? Reaching your savings goal doesn’t mean making huge sacrifices overnight – small, consistent steps can get you there over time. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up the process.Step 1: Build a Budget That Works for YouKnowing where your money’s going is the first step to saving more of it. Take some time to track the money you’ve got coming in and going out. This helps you spot areas...

Investors Are Not Buying Up All the Homes

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2024. Posted in Economy, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Some HighlightsThere’s a misconception Wall Street is buying all the homes on the market. But data proves that isn’t true.?Experts agree the share of homes bought by investors is declining – and most are smaller investors, like your neighbor who owns a second home, not Wall Street.No matter what you’ve heard, the majority of homes are still being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. Connect with an agent if you have questions.?

How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Feeling a bit unsure, or even afraid, to move with everything going on right now? The decision to move shouldn’t be scary, it should be exciting. And the best way to eliminate any fear is to work with a pro. Real estate agents are so much more than just transaction facilitators; they’re trusted guides to help you navigate the complexities of the housing market with confidence and ease. And a great agent can turn what may feel like a daunting process into a manageable—and even enjoyable—experience.That’s why, in a Bright MLS survey, respondents agreed partnering with an agent is essential...

Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2024. Posted in Agent Value, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what’s likely the biggest transaction of your life – buying a home.That’s why partnering with a trusted agent is so important. Here’s a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today’s market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.Trying To Time the MarketMany buyers are trying to time the market by waiting for home prices or mortgage rates to drop. This can be a really risky strategy because there’s so much at play that can have an impact on those things. As Elijah de la Campa, Senior...

Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2024. Posted in Economy, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

With the 2024 Presidential election fast approaching, you might be wondering what impact, if any, it’s having on the housing market. Let’s break it down.Election Years Bring a Temporary SlowdownIn any given year, home sales slow down slightly in the fall. It’s a typical, seasonal trend. However, according to data from BTIG, in election years there’s usually a slightly larger dip in home sales in the month leading up to Election Day (see graph below):Why? Uncertainty. Many consumers hold off on making major decisions or purchases while they wait to see how the election will play out. It’s a...

Buying Beats Renting in 22 Major U.S. Cities

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on October 1, 2024. Posted in Affordability, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Home Prices, Inventory, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Mortgage Rates.

That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments (see chart below):As mortgage rates have eased off their recent peak, home prices have moderated, and inventory has ticked up, affordability has improved significantly. When you add all of that up, it’s getting less expensive to buy a home than to rent one in many parts of the country.This is a big deal if you’ve been renting for a while now. But if you don’t see your city on this list, don’t sweat it. Things are moving fast, and your area...

Category: For Buyers