Better late now than never later. It’s the question that’s buzzing around real estate offices, mortgage companies, backyard barbecues, water coolers and passing conversations with neighbors. The short answer is — we think so. Yes, it is still a good time to buy. The long answer is more complicated. Consider these four trends to help …
Category: Buying a Home
15 Tips For An Easy Mortgage Process During The Holidays
‘Twas a crisp, cold, clear night, when we hoped for a house. With my hot cocoa stirring, I looked at my spouse. We’d mapped out our assets and budget with care, In hopes that our offer would not catch a snare. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While dreams of new bedrooms …
Can You Pay Off a 30-Year Mortgage Early?
Whether you’re buying your first home or have owned several houses over the years, you’ve heard of the 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Many people choose the traditional, 30-year loan for the financial flexibility it provides.. Like most things in life, there are pros and cons. A Fixed Rate 30 Year Mortgage… ✓ Offers a lower …
How to Get Ahead When You Can’t Get the House You Want
It’s a seller’s market, and it’s not easy to make an offer within twenty-four hours to beat the crowd....If your search has faced competition, low inventory, or financial limitations, consider getting creative. These four unique housing options could help to cut costs so you can save faster for a possibly larger down payment.
Cost of Building Materials, Homebuilders, and the Housing Market – July 2021
The housing market has been as hot as the day is long. Are we finally beginning to see a cooldown? Although the housing market is still expected to favor sellers, we may be at a tipping point. Prices have risen so dramatically that buyers appear to be backing off, and home sales seem to have …
Mortgage Interest Rates Begin Their Ascent. But Is It Enough?
Are rising mortgage interest rates enough to cool a heating market? Will housing inventory make a rebound? Your Spring 2021 update.
The Math of Refinancing: Does It Make Financial Sense?
Is Refinancing always a good idea? That depends on who you are, and what your reason is for refinancing. In this post, I give an example so you can make your own informed calculations.
Tips For Home Buyers In A Low Inventory Market
Housing inventory is one of the factors that can dramatically affect the temperature of the real estate market. Less inventory means more potentially more competition and higher prices. Whether you’re a buyer or currently in the seller market, this can determine your strategy. Like most investments or assets, housing inventory can fluctuate anytime. This is …
Buy Now To Buy More: What Interest Rates Mean For You
An interest rate determines how much money must be paid in a mortgage payment. The higher the rate, the higher the interest payment. Do you agree that buying now really does mean buying more?
Benchmark brings you home during COVID-19
What do you do when you move away in process of buying a home during a worldwide pandemic, finding yourself in a hotel which you can't leave? Benchmark never quits.