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Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs

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With rising home prices and volatile mortgage rates, it’s important you know about every resource that could help make buying a home possible. And one thing you’ll want to be aware of is just how much the number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has grown lately.

Take a look at the graph below to see how many new programs have been added in the last year, according to data from Down Payment Resource:

More Programs, More Opportunities for You

So, what does this increase mean for you? With more programs available, there’s a higher likelihood that one of them could help you reach your homeownership goals.

And these programs aren’t small-scale help either – the benefits can go a long way toward covering a chunk of your costs. As Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, shares:

“We are pleased to see a growing number of these programs, and think they are becoming a targeted way to help first-time and first-generation homebuyers struggling to save for a down payment get into a home they can afford. Our data shows the average DPA benefit is roughly $17,000. That can be a nice jump-start for saving for a down payment and other costs of homeownership.”

Imagine being able to qualify for $17,000 toward your down payment—that’s a big boost, especially if you’re looking to buy your first home. With that level of help, buying a home may be more within reach than you think.

But it’s worth calling out that the growth in DPA options isn’t just focused on first-time and first-generation buyers. Many of the new programs are also aimed at supporting affordable housing initiatives, which include manufactured and multi-family homes. This means that more people, and a wider variety of home types, can qualify for down payment assistance, making it easier for you to find an option that fits your needs.

Talk to a Real Estate Expert About What’s Available for You

With so many DPA programs out there, you need to make sure you’re finding the right one for you. That’s why it’s key to lean on your real estate and lending professionals for guidance. The Mortgage Reports says:

“The best way to find down payment assistance programs for which you qualify is to speak with your loan officer or broker. They should know about local grants and loan programs that can help you out.”

Your loan officer or real estate agent will know what’s available in your area and can point you toward programs that align with your goals.

Bottom Line

With more down payment assistance programs than ever before, now’s a great time to explore how these options can help on your homebuying journey. Connect with a team of expert advisors to see which DPA programs could be a fit for you.

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Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

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You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.

You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.

Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation Process

The complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where your agent comes in. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), besides finding the right home, the top thing buyers want from their agent is help negotiating the terms of the sale, followed by negotiating the price.

Here’s why. Agents are skilled negotiators and are trained for moments like this. Since your agent is an expert on the local market, they’ll also know what’s working for other buyers (and what’s not), and that can help you get a better understanding of what’s realistic to ask for.

What’s on the Negotiation Table?

Here are some of the most common concessions an agent can help you negotiate:

  • Sale Price: The most obvious concession is the price of the home. And that lever is being pulled more often today. Buyers don’t want to overpay when affordability is already so tight. And sellers who aren’t realistic about their asking price may have to consider adjusting their price.
  • Closing Costs: Closing costs are usually about 2-5% of a home’s purchase price and include fees for things like the appraisal, title insurance, and underwriting of your loan. To offset the cash you have to bring to the table, you can ask the seller to pay for some or all of these expenses. This was the most common concession sellers made in 2024, according to NAR.
  • Home Warranties: If you’re worried about the maintenance costs that may pop up after you get the keys, you can ask the seller to pay for a home warranty. Since this concession usually isn’t terribly expensive for the seller, it can be a good negotiation tool for a buyer. It’s not a big cost for them, but it can be a big perk for you.
  • Home Repairs: Based on the inspection, you’re within your rights to ask the seller to make repairs. If the seller doesn’t want to, they could offer to drop the home price or cover some closing costs, so you have more room in your budget to take care of the repairs yourself.
  • Fixtures: Want that washer and dryer to stay? Maybe the stainless-steel fridge, too? In many cases, you can ask for appliances or even furniture to be included in the deal, which will save you money when you move in.
  • Closing Date: The closing date is also negotiable. Based on your timeline, you may also request a faster or extended closing window. Depending on the seller’s needs, this could be great for their situation, too.

Of course, negotiating is a complex process. And not every seller will be willing to offer concessions. Again, lean on your agent for expert advice about what’s realistic to ask for and what could turn sellers off.

Because once you’ve found a home you love, you don’t want to risk losing it. But you also want to get the best terms possible on your purchase – and that’s where an agent can make all the difference.

Bottom Line

As inventory grows, buyers are finding they have a bit more leverage. And having the right agent by your side – who can help you approach negotiations strategically – is key.

What’s your biggest concern when it comes to negotiating with a seller?

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The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

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If selling your house is on your to-do list this year, the time to start prepping is now. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is coming up fast.

A recent Realtor.com study analyzed years of housing market trends (excluding 2020 since it was an outlier) and found that April 13–19 is expected to be the ideal window to put your house on the market this year:

. . . we’ve identified April 13-19 as the best week to list for sellers . . . a seller listing a well-priced, move-in ready home is likely to find success. Because spring is generally the high season for real estate activity and buyers are more plentiful earlier rather than later in the year, listing earlier in the spring raises a seller’s odds of a successful sale.”

What Makes This Week Stand Out?

As the quote mentions, spring is almost always a strong season for sellers. But this particular week could give you an even bigger advantage this year. Realtor.com goes on to say what listing during this sweet spot could mean for you:

  • More buyers looking at your home since demand is high this time of year.
  • A faster sale since serious buyers are eager to move before summer.
  • A better chance of selling for top dollar. According to the study, you could get an average of $4,800 more this week (and $27,000 more than you would earlier in the year).

If You Want Your House on the Market for that Window, Act Now

With just a few weeks left before this prime listing window, you’ll need to make a plan to work smart and act fast. That’s where working with a great real estate agent comes in. They can help you:

  • Figure out exactly what you need to do to get your house ready.
  • Prioritize the tasks that’ll make the biggest impact in the shortest time.
  • Decide if there are any quick fixes or small upgrades that could help you attract buyers.

Assuming your house is already in good shape, your focus should be on quick, high-impact updates. As Investopedia explains:

“You won’t have time for any major renovations, so focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers.”

Here are a few examples of small projects that can make a big difference according to Redfin:

What If You’re Not Ready Just Yet?

Don’t worry – it’s okay if you don’t think you’ll be ready for this week. Just because April 13–19 is projected to be the ideal week by Realtor.com, that doesn’t mean it’s the only good time to sell. Even if you need a bit more time to get your home list ready, there’s still plenty of opportunity this homebuying season. 

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell, this could be it. But timing isn’t the only thing that matters – how well you prep and price your home is just as important.

What’s one thing you’d need to do before you’d feel ready to list? Connect with an agent to figure out the best plan to make it happen.

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Agent Value

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

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a blue and white infographic with text

Some Highlights

  • Buying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. ​
  • From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. 
  • Your journey starts here. Connect with an agent so you have help every step along the way.​

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Copyright © 2020-2025 Landshark Mark, LLC. All rights reserved.  
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in these article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Let's Talk Real Estate, Mark Sincavage, Landshark Mark, LLC 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, Mark Sincavage 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.