For Buyers

What Experts Forecast for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2027

What Experts Forecast for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2027

When it comes to housing, two of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind right now are: What’s next for mortgage rates? Where will home prices go from here? And if you’re weighing whether to move in the next few months or wait until 2027, here’s what you should know. When experts look ahead to 2027, they see a steady housing market. No wild swings. No big surprises. Just a calmer,...

The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year

The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year

When you’re planning a move, every monthly cost counts. That’s why it can be frustrating to see home insurance keep creeping up. According to Intercontinental Exchange, it now makes up 9.6% of the average monthly mortgage payment.  But the latest numbers show some progress on that front – as the increases start to slow down. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do about...

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Quick, what credit score do you need to buy a home? If a number pops into your head, there's a pretty good chance it's wrong. And the right answer is getting harder to pin down, because the way credit scores are determined and delivered is changing - for the better. Here's what you need to know in today's changing credit climate. #1  Most People Are Guessing  Fannie Mae has been...

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT, says there isn’t just 1 housing market right now. There are really 4: cash buyers, buyers who need a mortgage, homeowners with low mortgage rates, and builders. Today, let’s zoom in on the 1st group – cash buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 27% of homes sold in September were bought with all cash. That’s more than 1 in 4 buyers. And...

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Why Builders May Be More Motivated To Sell Than Homeowners

Here's something most homebuyers don't think about. When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always respond the same way. Think about it. If you're selling your house and aren't getting the offers you want, you could make the choice to take it off the market and stay put, and wait for things to improve. But builders? They may be more motivated to stay the course. They've...

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

Why More Buyers Are Turning To Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Today

When mortgage rates climb, buying a home can start to feel like trying to hit a moving target. Every jump in rates makes monthly payments bigger, and that pushes a lot of buyers to look for another way in. More and more of them are finding it in the adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM. The ARM Option   Here’s how an ARM differs from a more traditional mortgage. With a regular fixed-rate...

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Whether you own a house already or you’re looking to buy one, you probably care about home prices. But it’s not always easy to figure out what’s really happening right now, especially if you look at the headlines. One says home prices are falling. The next says they’re still climbing. So, which one’s right? It comes down to where you live. What’s Really Going on with Asking...

Want a More Affordable Home? Don’t Overlook Condos.

When you picture buying your first home, chances are you’re imagining a traditional single-family house with its own yard, maybe a garage, and little extra room to grow. But with affordability still tight, getting everything on that list right away may come with a higher price tag than you’re comfortable with right now. So, if you’re running the numbers and buying a house like that feels like a...

G The Biggest Credit Hurdle for Renters Who Want To Buy

The Biggest Credit Hurdle for Renters Who Want To Buy

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.  But did you know that you can pay your rent on time, every time, for years, and it may never show up in your credit history? It's pretty frustrating, especially if you'd like to buy a home someday and you’re trying to build your credit. The good thing is that’s changing right now. Here’s what you...

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling. The number of homes for sale is growing faster than it was this time last year. And interestingly, the main reason isn’t a flood of new listings. It’s because homes aren’t selling as quickly. Here’s why – and what that means if...