Things To Know | FL Palm Beach Homes For Sale

Florida Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday September 2022

Florida’s tool time sales tax holiday begins September 2, 2023, which means shoppers won’t pay sales tax on most of the things found on the tool time list! The Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday ends September 8, 2023.

8 Strategies to Secure Lower Mortgage Rate

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate This year, mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. Even the experts are divided about where rates are headed next1 when it comes to predictions. There is hope for you in that you might get a lower mortgage rate. This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for the best mortgage rates available today – and open up the possibility of refinancing at a lower mortgage rate in the future. How does a lower mortgage rate save you money? According to Trading Economics, the average new mortgage size in the United States is currently around $410,000.2 Let’s compare a 5.0% versus a 6.0% fixed interest rate on that amount over a 30-year term. Mortgage Rate (30-year fixed) Monthly Payment on $410,000 Loan(excludes taxes, insurance, etc.) Difference in Monthly Payment Total Interest Over 30 Years Difference in Interest 5.0% $2,200.97 $382,348.72 6.0% $2,458.16 + $257.19 $474,936.58 + $92,587.86 With a 5% rate, your monthly payments would be about $2,201. At 6%, those payments would jump to $2,458, or around $257 more. That adds up to a difference of almost $92,600 over the lifetime of the loan. In other words, shaving off just one percentage point on your mortgage could put nearly $100K in your pocket over time. Therefore, how can you improve your chances of securing a low mortgage rate? Try these eight strategies: 1. Raise your credit score. Borrowers with higher credit scores are viewed as “less risky” to lenders, so they are offered lower interest rates. A good credit score typically starts at 690 and can move up into the 800s.3 If you don’t know your score, check with your bank or credit card company to see if they offer free access. If not, there are a plethora of both free and paid credit monitoring services you can utilize. If your credit score is low, you can take steps to improve it, including:4 Correct any errors on your credit reports, which can bring down your score. You can access reports for free by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Pay down revolving debt. This includes credit card balances and home equity lines of credit. Avoid closing old credit card accounts in good standing. It could lower your score by shortening your credit history and shrinking your total available credit. Make all future payments on time. Payment history is a primary factor in determining your credit score, so make it a priority. Limit your credit applications to avoid having your score dinged by too many inquiries. If you’re shopping around for a car loan or mortgage, minimize the impact by limiting your applications to a short period, usually 14 to 45 days.5 Over time, you should start to see your credit score climb — which will help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate. 2. Keep steady employment. If you are preparing to purchase a home, it might not be the best time to make a major career change. Unfortunately, frequent job moves or gaps in your résumé could hurt your borrower eligibility. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders will typically review your employment and income over the past 24 months.5 If you’ve earned a steady paycheck, you could qualify for a better interest rate. A stable employment history gives lenders more confidence in your ability to repay the loan. That doesn’t mean a job change will automatically disqualify you from purchasing a home. But certain moves, like switching from W-2 to 1099 (independent contractor) income, could throw a wrench in your home buying plans.6 3. Lower your debt-to-income ratios. Even with a high credit score and a great job, lenders will be concerned if your debt payments are consuming too much of your income. That’s where your debt-to-income (DTI) ratios will come into play. There are two types of DTI ratios:7 Front-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering housing expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, and dues or association fees)? Back-end ratio — What percentage of your gross monthly income will go towards covering ALL debt obligations (housing expenses, credit cards, student loans, and other debt)? What’s considered a good DTI ratio? For better rates, lenders typically want to see a front-end DTI ratio that’s no higher than 28% and a back-end ratio that’s 36% or less.7 If your DTI ratios are higher, you can take steps to lower them, like purchasing a less expensive home or increasing your down payment. Your back-end ratio can also be decreased by paying down your existing debt. A bump in your monthly income will also bring down your DTI ratios. 4. Increase your down payment. Minimum down payment requirements vary by loan type. But, in some cases, you can qualify for a lower mortgage rate if you make a larger down payment.8 Why do lenders care about your down payment size? Because borrowers with significant equity in their homes are less likely to default on their mortgages. That’s why conventional lenders often require borrowers to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) if they put down less than 20%. A larger down payment will also lower your overall borrowing costs and decrease your monthly mortgage payment since you’ll be taking out a smaller loan. Just be sure to keep enough cash on hand to cover closing costs, moving expenses, and any furniture or other items you’ll need to get settled into your new space. 5. Compare loan types. All mortgages are not created equal. The loan type you choose could save (or cost) you money depending on your qualifications and circumstances. For example, here are several common loan types available in the U.S. today:9 Conventional — These offer lower mortgage rates but have more stringent credit and down payment requirements than some other types. FHA — Backed

Discover Flavor Palm Beach September Event

Discover Flavor Palm Beach September Event Flavor Palm Beach is a month-long dining event, September 1 – 30, 2022, and was started in 2007 to introduce diners to the vast array of restaurants throughout Palm Beach County. To participate in Flavor Palm Beach, no tickets or passes are required. Simply make a reservation, visit the restaurant, and enjoy the food. You will experience menus that define the art of dining in The Palm Beaches, dishes found nowhere else. For an entire month, restaurants and bistros offer prix fixe [a meal consisting of several courses served at a total fixed price] menus for lunch and dinner to tempt you to taste the local cuisine from Jupiter to Boca Raton. Choose from the best restaurants and enjoy three-course lunches or dinners. Here’s your opportunity to try restaurants you’ve heard so much about – without breaking the bank. Plus any evening in September would make a great date night. With more than 60 restaurants, September is your month to discover the many flavors of The Palm Beaches. Flavor Palm Beach is a great time to savor the dining and culinary delights found throughout The Palm Beaches. From farm-fresh, organic, or sustainable to surf-and-turf or burgers and fries, the dining scene is savory and delicious variety. The restaurants participating in Flavor Palm Beach will satisfy your gourmet food cravings. Each restaurant has different entrees and a unique atmosphere from the others. Scroll through the menus of participating restaurants below and choose your favorite FLAVOR! Flavor Palm Beach – Participating Restaurants Includes Address, Phone Number, Lunch & Dinner Menus We highly recommend trying new restaurants this month during Flavor Palm Beach. Check out what others say about dining in The Palm Beaches. For more information, visit flavorpb.com. 2022 FLAVOR Palm Beach Restaurant List Palm Beach County September 1-30, 2022 2022 Flavor Palm Beach Official Logo COASTAL AMERICAN 3800 OCEAN, Singer Island AMBASSADOR GRILL, Palm Beach AQUA GRILLE, Juno Beach BLUE POINTE BAR AND GRILL, Tequesta BRANDON’S AT TIDELINE, Palm Beach BREEZE AT THE EAU, Palm Beach COOL’A FISH BAR, Palm Beach Gardens FIREFIN GRILL, Palm Beach Gardens FLORIE’S AT FOUR SEASONS, Palm Beach KEE GRILL, Juno Beach SEAWAY AT FOUR SEASONS, Palm Beach SEMINOLE REEF GRILL, North Palm Beach THE ATLANTIC GRILLE, Delray Beach TOMMY BAHAMA, Jupiter TWISTED TUNA, Jupiter MODERN AMERICAN ANGLE AT THE EAU, Palm Beach BARCELLO, North Palm Beach BRICK AND BARREL, Jupiter CAFE CHARDONNAY, Palm Beach Gardens CROSBY KITCHEN AND BAR, Jupiter FERN STREET, West Palm Beach GALLEY, West Palm Beach HONEYBELLE, Palm Beach Gardens JOSCO BAR AND OVEN, Tequesta PADDY MAC’S, Palm Beach Gardens PAVILLION GRILLE, Boca Raton RED LIGHT, West Palm Beach SEASONS 52, Palm Beach Gardens STADIUM GRILL, Jupiter TABLE 26, West Palm Beach THE WOODS, Jupiter SASSAFRAS, West Palm Beach THE SOSO, West Palm Beach ITALIAN AND GREEK CAFE CENTRO, West Palm Beach CASA MIA, Jupiter CUCINA CABANA, North Palm Beach EVO ITALIAN, Tequesta GRATO, West Palm Beach LA MASSERIA, Palm Beach Gardens LIMONCELLO, North Palm Beach POLPO AT THE EAU, Palm Beach SALUTE MARKET, Palm Beach Gardens TAVERN PI, Jupiter MANA GREEK FUSION, Jupiter FRENCH ALMOND PALM BEACH, Palm Beach CAFE BOULUD, Palm Beach CHEZ MARIE BISTRO, Boca Raton LA GOULUE, Palm Beach THE PARISIAN, Jupiter STEAK AND SEAFOOD AVALON STEAK AND SEAFOOD, Delray Beach RAINDANCER STEAKHOUSE, West Palm Beach RUTH’S CHRIS, Boca Raton RUTH’S CHRIS, West Palm Beach THE BUTCHER’S CLUB, Palm Beach Gardens WARREN, Delray Beach ASIAN INSPIRED KAPOW NOODLE BAR, West Palm Beach KAPOW NOODLE BAR, Boca Raton LATIN-INSPIRED CASA CANA, Tequesta CALAVERAS CANTINA, Jupiter SPECIALTY MELTING POT, Boca Raton MELTING POT, Palm Beach Gardens PADDY MACS, Palm Beach Gardens PLANTA, West Palm Beach WYNDHAM LOBBY BAR, Jupiter Now… to Real Estate in Palm Beach County Search Condos & Homes For Sale in SE Florida Ready to Buy, Sell, Rent, or Invest in Real Estate? Get tips from 40+ years of experience as Realtors® and Custom Home Builders. Let’s chat…. coffee on us! Schedule a FREE Consultation Doug Martin Realtor® Emeritus Broker 561-339-3299 Email Me Featured Articles Blog Posts Browse All Posts

Home Sellers: Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes

Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable.

July 4th Independence Day Celebrations

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day or July 4th, has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. But the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution.

Overcome Inflation With Real Estate Investments

The Top Home Design Trends for 2022 are represented in the above photo. Key words: warm, inviting, minimalist, back to nature, rounded, earth tones, variety of textures. These design trends will be covered in this article.

Higher Rates Short Supply Real Estate 2022

A high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.

Write A Winning Real Estate Offer

Real Estate Market Trends Palm Beaches 2022

What’s the state of housing market in SE Florida 2022? Home prices soared in south Florida by a record 29% between January 2021 – January 2022, a history maker.

Top Popular Home Design Trends 2022

Home Buyers: 10 Step Buying Process

Home Buyers: 10 Step Buying Process 1. Save Your Down Payment Many people believe you need a 20% down payment to buy a home. There are loans available that allow buyers to put down as little as 3% or 0% with a VA or USDA Loan. 2. Know Your Credit Score Your credit score is a numeric representation of your history and ability to pay back debts in the past. Different home loans have different credit requirements. Save credit card purchases until after you close on your mortgage… to improve your credit score. 3. Find a Real Estate Agent Once you have a handle on your credit score and down payment savings, the Martin Group 561-339-1779 can guide you through the home buying process. 4. Get Mortgage Pre-Approval We can give you a list of lenders from which you can choose the one you want to work with to get pre-approved for your mortgage loan. This will help keep you on budget during the next step! 5. Go House Shopping Make a list of what you want vs. what you need in your next home. The Martin Group of Realtors® will use this list to find homes for you to tour. We make the appointments for you after your approval of our list. 6. Make an offer Using our 50 years of experience as real estate agents, the Martin Group will help you determine the best price to offer in the current market for the home. In a competitive market, you may net be the only one bidding and will want to stand out! 7. Get a Home Inspection Once your offer is accepted, you will want to have the home inspected professionally to ensure there are not any hidden issues with the home. We can furnish a reliable list of home inspectors. 8. Get a Home Appraisal Your lender will arrange for a home appraisal to ensure that the property is worth the price that you have agreed to pay for it. The bank will only issue a loan for the appraised value. 9. Close the Sale Once your loan is approved, your lender will schedule a closing date. This is the day you sign all your paperwork with a Title Company to complete the purchase and get the keys to your home. 10. Move In Congratulations! You are now the owner of the home! And time to move in. The Martin Group can give you some recommendations for moving companies. This is the beginning of your next phase in life. Enjoy! CONGRATULATIONS! Summary of 10 Step Home Buying Process Ready to Begin the Buying Process? We have many more tips to help you… Let’s Talk! Schedule A FREE Consultation Doug Martin Realtor® Broker 561-339-3299 Email Me

Ways to Safely Show and Sell Your Home

Follow these key guidelines during in-person showings of homes to protect health & well-being of all.

Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Home

Top 10 Tips for Selling Your Home Decide if you are really ready to sell. Here are a few thoughts to consider: Getting your home ready to sell and hiring the right people have costs with time, money, and emotions. Homeowners tend to love their homes. Make sure you’re emotionally ready to let go. Low interest rates are projected to continue to the end of this year. If space or functionality is the issue, sometimes taking out loans for renovations could be a better fit for you than going to a larger house and a bigger mortgage payment. 1 Selling Options If you want to sell your home faster, then the first step is to hire a professional real estate agent or a licensed Realtor®. The ideal person will know the local market and able to provide you with a professional CMA or Comparative Market Analysis of your home with the others in your area. Keep in mind that a Realtor® will help with the entire process, from hiring a professional photographer who will take top-notch photos of your home to negotiating for the best price. Realtors® also write a real estate listing that sells your home. Planning and hosting showings of your home, as well as marketing your property to get it seen by buyers, is included in their services. Another option is to sell your home yourself, known as FSBO or For Sale By Owner. Everything done is up to you, the owner. Contact the Martin Group of Realtors® at 561-339-1779 for your FREE consultation, without any obligation. 2 De-clutter, De-personalize, Clean De-clutter: Take half the stuff out of your closets, then neatly organize what’s left. Rearrange the furniture so your home looks inviting and so buyers can move through your home without bumping into anything. If necessary, put bulky items in storage. A crowded room looks like a small room. De-personalize: Remove all your family photos and memorabilia. You want buyers to see the house as a home for their family, not yours. Remove political and religious items, your children’s artwork (and everything else) from the refrigerator and anything that marks the house as your territory rather than neutral territory. The same goes for any collections such as figurines, sports memorabilia or kids’ toys that can make a buyer think less about the house and more about you. Family photos can be replaced by neutral art or removed entirely – just be sure to remove any nails and repair nail holes where any hanging photos used to be. Clean Everything! Nothing turns off buyers like a dirty house. Hire a company to deep clean if you can’t do it yourself. When your home is on the market, no matter what time of day, it should be clean and neat. Key places to keep clean while your home is on the market include: kitchen countertops, inside kitchen cabinets and appliances, floors and room corners where dust collects, shelves, bathroom countertops and cabinets, toilets, tubs and showers, inside closets, windows, inside and out, walls, baseboards, doors and garage. 3 Make Minor Repairs Focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers. Survey the house and you can probably take care of the easy repairs yourself: Fix loose tiles, leaky faucets, paint scuffed areas on walls, fresh coat of paint on outside of front door, tighten door knobs and handles, fix mailboxes, deep clean carpet or replace when there are pet stains, and replace nonworking light bulbs and smoke detectors. Depending on how much time and money you want to spend getting the home ready, you might also need to update fixtures, buy new appliances, install new hardware on the cabinets, and give the interior a fresh coat of Depending on how much time and money you want to spend getting the home ready, you might also want to update fixtures, buy new appliances, install new hardware on the cabinets, and give the interior a fresh coat of light neutral paint color. 4 Refresh Flooring Deep Clean or Replace Carpeting Clean, Buff, or Refinish Hardwood Floors Clean, Buff or Replace Tile 5 Landscape the Front Yard If you want to sell quickly, then it’s essential to make a good first impression. And the first thing a buyer sees is a home’s exterior and how it fits into the surrounding neighborhood. To boost your home’s curb appeal: Paint the front door, plant colorful blooming flowers, sweep away spiderwebs and debris from windows, eaves, and porches.Wash the windows inside and outside, fix broken light fixtures and mailboxes. Make sure the trees, shrubs, and lawn are kept nicely trimmed. Plus get patios, sidewalks, porch ceilings, driveways and house pressure-washed, if needed. Keep in mind that a tidy exterior not only looks nice, but also signals to potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of the place. 6 Offer Buyers Some Extras Another way to make the home purchase more attractive to a buyer is to offer something to sweeten the deal. You could offer, for example, to pay some or all of the closing costs. Buyers are looking for a deal, especially since the price of sold homes have increased in the 2022 market. Another tip is to offer a transferable home warranty, which provides discounted repair and replacement services for household appliances and systems. A potential buyer may feel more at ease knowing that the home is protected, which could make your home more attractive than a competing home. Do your best to make the buyers feel that they are getting something extra with your home that other listings do not have. 7 Determine Best Selling Price Price it right to sell quickly! One of the most effective ways to sell your home fast is to price it competitively. And be ready to lower the price if you don’t have any offers by a certain date. If your home is overpriced, it will take a lot longer to sell plus you probably will end up selling it for much less.

10 Top Reasons To Sell a Home Now in Current Palm Beaches Real Estate Market

Top 10 reasons to sell a home NOW in the current real estate market with advantages/ disadvantage to sellers. Text Call 561-339-1779 To List A Home.

5 Factors Reveal Where The Real Estate Market Is Really Headed

It’s the old supply-and-demand predicament: Home sales in the U.S. continue at a torrid pace, but the availability of listings remains limited. Buoyed by historically low mortgage rates, buyers keep shopping for homes, reducing the available inventory and sparking a rise in home prices across the country.

How to Bridge the Real Estate Appraisal Gap

Today’s Real Estate Market Unlike Any Other If you’re searching for drama, don’t limit yourself to Netflix. Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1 the appraisal process—historically a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever. That’s because some sellers are finding out the hard way that a strong offer can fizzle quickly when an appraisal comes in below the contract price. Traditionally, the sale of a home is contingent on a satisfactory valuation. But in a rapidly appreciating market, it can be difficult for appraisals to keep pace with rising prices. Thus, many sellers in today’s market favor buyers who are willing to guarantee their full offer price—even if the property appraises for less. For the buyer, that could require a financial leap of faith that the home is a solid investment. It also means they may need to come up with additional cash at closing to cover the gap. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s never been more important to understand the appraisal process and how it can be impacted by a quickly appreciating and highly competitive housing market. It’s also crucial to work with a skilled real estate agent who can guide you to a successful closing without overpaying (if you’re a buyer) or overcompensating (if you’re a seller). Find out how appraisals work—and in some cases, don’t work—in today’s unique real estate environment. Appraisal Requirements An appraisal is an objective assessment of a property’s market value performed by an independent authorized appraiser. Mortgage lenders require an appraisal to lower their risk of loss in the event a buyer defaults on their loan. It provides assurance that the home’s value meets or exceeds the amount being lent for its purchase. In most cases, a licensed appraiser will analyze the property’s condition and review the value of comparable properties that have recently sold. Mortgage borrowers are usually expected to pay the cost of an appraisal. These fees are often due upfront and non-refundable.2 Appraisal requirements can vary by lender and loan type, and in today’s market in-person appraisal waivers have become much more common. Analysis of the property, the local market, and the buyer’s qualifications will determine whether the appraisal will be waived. Not all properties or buyers will qualify, and not all mortgage lenders will utilize this system.3 If you’re applying for a mortgage, be sure to ask your lender about their specific terms. If you’re a cash buyer, you may choose—but are not obligated—to order an appraisal. Appraisals in a Rapidly Shifting Market An appraisal contingency is a standard inclusion in a home purchase offer. It enables the buyer to make the closing of the transaction dependent on a satisfactory appraisal wherein the value of the property is at or near the purchase price. This helps to reassure the buyer (and their lender) that they are paying fair market value for the home and allows them to cancel the contract if the appraisal is lower than expected. Low appraisals are not common, but they are more likely to happen in a rapidly appreciating market, like the one we’re experiencing now.4 That’s because appraisers must use comparable sales (commonly referred to as comps) to determine a property’s value. These could include homes that went under contract weeks or even months ago. With home prices rising so quickly,5 today’s comps may be lagging behind the market’s current reality. Thus, the appraiser could be basing their assessment on stale data, resulting in a low valuation. How Are Buyers and Sellers Impacted by a Low Appraisal? When a property appraises for less than the contract price, you end up with an appraisal gap. In a more balanced market, that could be cause for a renegotiation. In today’s market, however, sellers often hold the upper hand. That’s why some buyers are using the potential for an appraisal gap as a way to strengthen their bids. They’re proposing to take on some or all of the risk of a low appraisal by adding gap coverage or a contingency waiver to their offer. Appraisal Gap Coverage Buyers with some extra cash on hand may opt to add an appraisal gap coverage clause to their offer. It provides an added level of reassurance to the sellers that, in the event of a low appraisal, the buyer is willing and able to cover the gap up to a certain amount.6 For example, let’s say a home is listed for $200,000 and the buyers offer $220,000 with $10,000 in appraisal gap coverage. Now, let’s say the property appraises for $205,000. The new purchase price would be $215,000. The buyers would be responsible for paying $10,000 of that in cash directly to the seller because, in most cases, mortgage companies won’t include appraisal gap coverage in a home loan.6 Waiving The Appraisal Contingency Some buyers with a higher risk tolerance—and the financial means—may be willing to waive the appraisal contingency altogether. However, this strategy isn’t for everyone and must be considered on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to remember that waiving an appraisal contingency can leave a buyer vulnerable if the appraisal comes back much lower than the contract price. Without an appraisal contingency, a buyer will be obligated to cover the difference or be forced to walk away from the transaction and relinquish their earnest money deposit to the sellers.7 It’s vital that both buyers and sellers understand the benefits and risks involved with these and other competitive tactics that are becoming more commonplace in today’s market. We can help you chart the best course of action given your individual circumstances. What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 39% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: __________________________ “The frequency of buyers

Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?

In Future Is Real Estate Market Going To Crash In 2021 FLPalmBeach Martin Group 900x450 1

At the beginning of the pandemic, fears of an economic recession and an ensuing mortgage meltdown were top of mind for homeowners all across the country. For many buyers and sellers, the two seemed to go hand in hand, just as they did in the 2008 economic crisis. This time around, because of lessons learned in 2008, banks are better funded, homeowners are holding more accrued equity, and, crucially, much of the economic activity is focused on financial factors outside the housing market.

Top 10 Myths that Trip Up First Time Home Buyers

Top 10 Myths That Trip Up First Time Home Buyers If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably received your share of advice from family and friends. Add to that the constant stream of TV shows, news segments, and social media posts that over-simplify the home buying process for easy entertainment. With so much information to sift through, it can be tough to distinguish fact from fiction. That’s why we’re revealing the truth behind some of the most common home buyer myths and misconceptions. Buying a home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. If you arm yourself with knowledge and a qualified team of support professionals, you’ll be well equipped to make the right choices for your family and financial future. Don’t Fall For These Common Home Buyer Myths #1 Myth: You need a 20% down payment. Plenty of buyers are purchasing homes with down payments that are much less than 20% of the total cost of the property. Today, you can buy a home with as little as 3-5% down. There are multiple programs out there that allow you to have a lower down payment, and a lender or mortgage broker can talk you through which option is the best for you. Since you’re putting less money down, you’re a riskier borrower to your lender than people who put down a full 20%. Because of this, you will most likely need to pay mortgage insurance as part of your monthly payment. #2 Myth: Real estate agents are expensive. Your agent is with you every step of the way throughout your home buying journey, and he or she spends countless hours working on your behalf. It sounds like having an agent is expensive, right? Well, not for you. Buyers usually don’t pay a real estate agent’s commission. Your agent’s fee is paid for at closing by the seller of the home you’re buying.1 The seller knows to factor this cost into the property’s total purchase price. #3 Myth: Don’t call a real estate agent until you’re ready to buy. The earlier you bring in an agent to help with the purchasing process, the better. Even if you’re in the very early stages of casually browsing Zillow, a real estate professional can be a huge help. They can create a search for you in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), so you get notifications for every house that meets your criteria as soon as it hits the market. The MLS is typically more up-to-date than popular home search sites like Zillow and Trulia. Setting up a search a few months before you’re considering buying gives you a good idea of what’s out there in your town that’s in your budget. Reviewing the MLS and speaking with an agent as soon as possible can help you set realistic expectations for when you actually start the house hunting process. #4 Myth: Fixer-uppers are more budget friendly. We’ve all watched the shows on HGTV that encourage people to go after fixer-uppers because they’re more affordable and allow buyers to eventually renovate the home to include everything on their wish list. But, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, homes that need a lot of work also require a lot of money. Big renovations, like add-ons, a total kitchen remodel, or installing a pool, take a lot longer than it looks on TV. If you’re really interested in a fixer-upper, ask your agent to show you a mix of newer homes and older homes. If you fall in love with an older home that needs a lot of work, get some quotes from contractors before you buy so you know the real cost of the renovations and see if you can work them into your budget. #5 Myth: Your only upfront cost is your down payment. Your down payment is big, but it isn’t the only money you’ll spend during the home buying process. At closing, you’ll pay your down payment, but you’ll also bring closing costs to the table. Closing costs are typically anywhere from 2-4% of the total purchase price of the home.2 This amount includes the cost for items like homeowners insurance, title fees, and more. You’ll also need to pay for an inspection before closing, which usually costs a few hundred dollars. This price will be higher or lower based on the size of your new property. Your lender will also require an appraisal. An appraiser will come in and inspect the home to determine how much it’s worth. Depending on your lender, you may have to pay this when the appraisal is conducted or it might be rolled into your closing costs. #6 Myth: You need a high credit rating. You don’t need perfect credit to buy the perfect home. There are loans out there that buyers with lower credit scores can qualify for. These are good options for people who have had credit issues in the past, but some of them come with additional fees you will need to pay. Speak to a few local lenders or mortgage brokers to talk through which options might be best for you. #7 Myth: You can’t qualify for a mortgage if you’re still paying off student loans. While some buyers may feel more comfortable paying off their existing debts before taking the leap into home ownership, it’s not a requirement. When you’re applying for a mortgage, the lender takes a close look at your debt-to-income ratio.3 If you want to calculate this on your own, add up all of your monthly debt payments and divide those by your monthly income. When you’re lender does this, they’re trying to make sure that you will be able to afford your monthly mortgage payments along with your other existing payments. If your income is high enough to allow you to make all of these payments each month, having a student loan will most likely not stop you from getting

Strong Housing Market Is Expected To Continue Into 2022

Market conditions like fewer available listings, changing criteria for desired homes, and record-low mortgage rates are changing the way people buy and sell homes. Find out how!

Household Budget: 20 Ways to Save Money

There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your household expenses without making radical changes to your standard of living. When combined, these small adjustments can add up to significant savings each month. Your Household Budget: 20 Ways to Save Money.

Do Rising Home Prices Impact Net Worth?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important for you to understand how your home’s value contributes to your overall net worth.

However, for some renters, rising home prices are making dreams of homeownership feel further out of reach. If you’re a renter, now is the time for you to figure out how home ownership fits into your short-term goals and your long-term financial future. An investment in real estate can help you grow your net worth.

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