Homeownership can feel out of reach for some, but the money needed to close doesn’t always have to come entirely from your savings. Depending on your loan program, you may be able to combine gift funds, down payment assistance, retirement withdrawals, or loans, seller contributions, and low-down-payment loans to ... More
Millions of homeowners locked in mortgage rates between 2% and 4% during 2020-2022, so many are choosing to stay put rather than trade up to a higher rate. This has tightened housing inventory. Buyers face fewer options and more competition, but with preparation, flexibility, and the right financing, homeownership is still within ... More
Many buyers associate purchasing a home with getting a new mortgage. You find a property, apply for a loan, and lock in whatever rate the market is offering that day. But there’s another path that’s worth knowing about: the loan assumption. A loan assumption (when available) allows ... More
If you’ve ever Googled something at 11p.m., just to avoid feeling unprepared, you get the appeal of AI. It doesn’t judge you for not knowing what “escrow” means, it’s available whenever you need it, and it’ll explain the same concept five different ways until it ... More
You've found the perfect home in the ideal location. The layout is just right, the neighborhood is exactly what you wanted, and you can already picture yourself living there. The only downside? It needs some serious TLC. The good news is you don't have to let a home's current condition ... More
If you’re like most people, your home is likely one of the largest financial assets you own. As retirement approaches, your home can play an important role in your overall financial strategy. Whether you’re planning to stay put, downsize, or move to be closer to family, understanding ... More
Is bigger always better? For decades, that was the general sentiment when it came to buying a home. More square footage, more bedrooms, and more storage space were common goals for many buyers. Today, however, a growing percentage of homebuyers are intentionally choosing smaller homes and in ... More
A common question many homebuyers ask is, “What if I buy a home and then mortgage rates go down?” It’s a fair concern. Nobody wants to feel like they missed out on a better deal. The good news is that lower rates after closing don’t mean you’... More
