Buying a home is a big deal. Too often, I think people rush into home ownership because it’s seen as a sign of adulthood and financial responsibility. But owning a home is a big commitment, it’s not a guaranteed good investment, and it’s a truckload of work. (I’ve been a homeowner for only two years
Read more %1$sU.S. pending home sales fall by most in more than three years in September
(Reuters) – Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes fell by the most in more than three years in September, a sign that a softer economy and a rise in mortgage rates are hurting the country’s housing market. The National Association of Realtors said on Monday its Pending Homes Sales Index, based on contracts signed last month, plunged
Read more %1$sHome Shoppers Kicking the Tires, But Delaying Deals
BY: CONOR DOUGHERTY Potential home buyers continue to look at properties for sale but are submitting far fewer offers, the latest sign that real estate activity has cooled from the white hot pace seen during spring and summer, according to recent reports. The problem is that people are just confused. Clients are concerned about fluctuating
Read more %1$s8 Ways to Battle Rising Mortgage Rates
By Michele Lerner While rising mortgage rates certainly make transactions more expensive, they shouldn’t deter your purchase. Here are eight ways you can buy a home despite higher mortgage rates: 1. Make a bigger down payment 2. Pay points 3. Equity sharing 4. Switch loan products 5. Shorter terms 6. Downsize expectations 7. Buying with friends
Read more %1$s4 Things to Know About Fall Home Buying
By Margarette Burnette Leaves are turning colors, there’s a chill in the air, and autumn is upon us. It’s time for the seasons to change, and if you are a homebuyer, many real estate experts say it is also time to change your home-buying strategies. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of fall buying,
Read more %1$sHow to Become a Home Buyer this Fall
By Vera Gibbons So, you’re finally off the fence and ready to buy a home before prices — and mortgage rates rise any further. Here’s what you need to know about jumping into the market at this time of year: Know your market: The bottom line is that different markets behave differently during the fall Selection is limited: you
Read more %1$sBecoming a Home Owner: Hardest, Easiest Home Loans to Get
By Chris Birk Credit score requirements have loosened in recent months, a sign that at least some mortgage lenders are starting to take a softer approach after years of tight lending. But let’s not call it a comeback quite yet. Plenty of consumers with and without credit are still struggling to secure home financing. Before you start shopping
Read more %1$sShould I Buy or Rent a Home?
With interest rates near forty year lows, the decision to rent versus buy becomes difficult. Use this calculator to help determine which makes sense for you at this time.
Read more %1$sHow Much Home Can I Afford?
When you’re buying a home, mortgage lenders don’t look just at your income, assets, and the down payment you have. They look at all of your liabilities and obligations as well, including auto loans, credit card debt, child support, potential property taxes and insurance, and your overall credit rating. Use this calculator to determine how
Read more %1$sTips For Buying A House
The top 10 things you need to know when buying a home. BY: CNN MONEY 101 1. Don’t buy if you can’t stay put. 2. Start by shoring up your credit. 3. Aim for a home you can really afford. 4. If you can’t put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for
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