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First-Time Buyers

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes [INFOGRAPHIC]

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Some Highlights

  • Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? ​Builders may have a solution that can help.
  • Builders are shifting their attention to what buyers want most right now – smaller, more affordable homes.
  • If you want to see what’s available locally and in other areas nearby, connect with an agent to explore your options together. 

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Affordability

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

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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 Loans

If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:

  • Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
  • Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means, when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.

The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify.

2. Homeownership Assistance Programs

And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:

  • Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.
  • Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost.

Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:

“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.

If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, connect with an expert agent and trusted lender. 

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Buying Tips

Simple Steps To Help You Save for Your First Home

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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 You

Knowing 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 where you’re spending more than you realize. It also helps to give yourself some guidelines on what you want to spend for groceries, gas, and more – try to stick to whatever caps you put on each spending category.

Step 2: Cut Down on Any Extras (It Adds Up)

Once you’ve got a clear budget, it’s time to tighten up. Look for areas where you can cut down your costs – like services you don’t really need – or ways you can reduce recurring expenses and put that money in your house fund instead. Every dollar you save now brings you closer to your future house. As Bankrate says:

If you’re saving for a house, cutting back on your spending can help. Start with cutting unnecessary expenses, like subscription services, entertainment, delivery services or eating out. If possible, negotiate down recurring monthly or annual expenses, such as getting a better car insurance rate or reducing an internet bill . . . .”

Step 3: Automate Your Savings

Consistency is the real game-changer. If you have to transfer money manually, you may forget to do it. That’s why setting up automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account makes it easier to save regularly. Even apps that round up purchases to the nearest dollar and save the difference can help you build momentum without effort. As an article from Forbes explains:

Automating your savings helps to keep your progress toward your goal consistent. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a dedicated savings account. This will help you prioritize saving and minimize the chances of spending your money on other things.”

Step Four: Put Any Extra Money To Work

Got a tax refund, work bonus, or a cash gift? Don’t fall into the temptation to spend it on something you don’t actually need. Use those unexpected boosts to make big strides toward your savings goal. Treating this extra cash as an opportunity, not just a nice surprise, will help you get there faster.

Bottom Line

Saving for your first house isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. A solid plan, a little discipline, and a clear goal will take you further than you think. If you’re ready to make homeownership happen, connect with an agent. Together you can map out the next steps to get you closer to the keys to your first home.

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First-Time Buyers

The Personal Joys of Having a Home To Call Your Own

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There’s no doubt that owning a home comes with significant financial benefits. And this time of year is a great time to reflect on the other reasons why owning a home is so meaningful.

A house is more than four walls and a roof – it’s a place where memories are made, connections are built, and life happens.

From the sense of accomplishment that comes with owning your own home to the joy of creating a space that’s uniquely yours, the emotional connections we have to our homes can be just as important as the financial ones.

Here are some of the things that turn a house into a happy home.

1. It’s an Accomplishment You Can Be Proud Of

Buying a home is a significant milestone, whether it’s your first or your fifth. You’ve worked hard to make it happen and achieving this goal is a reason to celebrate. There’s nothing quite like stepping through the door of a home that’s yours and knowing you’ve accomplished something truly special.

2. It’s a Place You Can Call Your Own

Compared to renting, owning a home can give you a much greater sense of security and privacy. It’s your own place – not your landlord’s – and that just feels different. No one else has the keys but you and that gives you your own personal safe place to retreat to at the end of a long day.

3. It’s a Space That’s Yours To Customize

Owning a home means you have the freedom to personalize it however you like. While there can be HOA guidelines you may have to follow depending on where you buy, you can still make it a reflection of your style and create a space that feels just right for you. As Freddie Mac explains:

“As the homeowner, you have the freedom to adopt a pet, paint the walls any color you choose, renovate your kitchen, and more. You can customize your own space without approval from landlords.”

4. It’s a Foundation for Building a Sense of Community

Homeownership often means putting down roots in a neighborhood and becoming a part of the local community. According to groups like Habitat for Humanity, owning a home increases your interest in getting involved with your neighbors and local organizations. Whether it’s through joining a neighborhood group, volunteering, or simply getting to know the people next door, a home is a great foundation for building meaningful connections.

Bottom Line

Owning a home is about so much more than financial benefits – it’s about the pride, well-being, and sense of belonging it can bring. When you’re ready to take the next step toward buying a home, connect with a local real estate agent.

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in these article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Let's Talk Real Estate and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Let's Talk Real Estate and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.