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 finally...

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...

How Eco-Friendly Features Can Boost Your Home’s Value

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

Selling your house? Or just looking to increase the value and appeal of your home for when you do? Here’s something you should know – homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes with environmentally friendly features.What Energy Efficient Features Do Buyers Want?According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), when buyers think about eco-friendly features, they’re looking for (see visual below):Heating and cooling costs: 82% of buyers consider heating and cooling costs to be one of the most important factors when looking for a home. And efficient heating and cooling...

Why More Sellers Are Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Sellers, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Some HighlightsMore homeowners are realizing they need an agent’s help in this complex market – and that’s why a record-low number of people are selling without a pro by their side.Without an agent’s help, tackling pricing, staging and repairs, paperwork, negotiation, and more can be a real headache.Selling without a pro isn’t worth the hassle. Connect with an agent to see if you’d work well together.

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.?

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2024. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Sellers, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Selling Tips.

With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait? Some may even consider taking their house off the market until next spring. But is that the best choice? Because at this time of year, your home can really stand out.Here’s the thing: there are plenty of buyers out there who want to be in a new home by the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Redfin says: “. . . there is typically less inventory in the housing market this time of year, allowing your home to easily stand out among...

Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on December 1, 2024. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Mortgage Rates.

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent...

Q&A: How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on November 1, 2024. Posted in Economy, Emerald Coast Mortgage, Home Prices, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Mortgage Rates.

Some HighlightsEven if you’re not looking to move right away, you may have questions about how the election will impact the housing market.When we look at historical trends, combined with what’s happening right now, we can find your answers. Based on historical data, mortgage rates decrease in the months before and home prices and sales increase the year after the election.The facts show Presidential elections only have a small and temporary impact on the housing market.

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 and...

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 Economist...

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