First Time Buyers Archives | Page 18 of 43 | Keeping Current Matters

Regardless of the lack of inventory on the market, the U.S. homeownership rate has climbed to a 6-year high. The United States Census Bureau reported that it increased to 65.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, representing the highest level in the past six years. See the graph below:

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High

Regardless of the lack of inventory on the market, the U.S. homeownership rate has climbed to a 6-year high. The United States Census Bureau reported that it increased to 65.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, representing the highest level in the past six years. See the graph below:

February 11, 2020/by KCM CREW

When the number of buyers in the housing market outnumbers the number of homes for sale, it’s called a “seller’s market.” The advantage tips toward the seller as low inventory heats up the competition among those searching for a place to call their own. This can create multiple offer scenarios and bidding wars, making it tough for buyers to land their dream homes – unless they stand out from the crowd. Here are three reasons why pre-approval should be your first step in the homebuying process.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Three Reasons Why Pre-Approval Is the First Step in the 2020 Homebuying Journey

When the number of buyers in the housing market outnumbers the number of homes for sale, it’s called a “seller’s market.” The advantage tips toward the seller as low inventory heats up the competition among those searching for a place to call their own. This can create multiple offer scenarios and bidding wars, making it tough for buyers to land their dream homes – unless they stand out from the crowd. Here are three reasons why pre-approval should be your first step in the homebuying process.

February 3, 2020/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

5 Reasons Homeowners Throw Better Parties During the Big Game [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

There’s more room to entertain a large crowd.
The kitchen is big enough to whip up endless appetizers – yum!
You don’t have to worry about complaints to your landlord when the cheering kicks in!

Some Highlights

January 31, 2020/by KCM CREW

In the latest Housing Trends Report, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) measured the share of adults planning to buy a home over the next 12 months. The report indicates the percentage of all buyers that will be first-time buyers looking to purchase a home grew from 58% in Q4 2018 to 63% in Q4 2019.

For Sellers, First-Time Buyers

First-Time Buyers Are Searching for Existing Homes This Year

In the latest Housing Trends Report, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) measured the share of adults planning to buy a home over the next 12 months. The report indicates the percentage of all buyers that will be first-time buyers looking to purchase a home grew from 58% in Q4 2018 to 63% in Q4 2019.

January 27, 2020/by KCM CREW

The headlines in real estate today all revolve around one major point: there is a shortage of homes available for sale. Price appreciation is accelerating again because there is a shortage of homes available for sale. First-time buyers are taking longer to purchase a home because there is a shortage of homes available for sale in the lower price points. Boomers are staying in their current homes longer because there is a shortage of homes available for sale to which they would move. In certain markets, affordability is becoming more challenging because there is a shortage of homes available for sale.

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, New Construction

The #1 Reason It Is Difficult to Find Your Dream Home

The headlines in real estate today all revolve around one major point: there is a shortage of homes available for sale. Price appreciation is accelerating again because there is a shortage of homes available for sale. First-time buyers are taking longer to purchase a home because there is a shortage of homes available for sale in the lower price points. Boomers are staying in their current homes longer because there is a shortage of homes available for sale to which they would move. In certain markets, affordability is becoming more challenging because there is a shortage of homes available for sale.

January 23, 2020/by KCM CREW

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. led and inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where our families can grow and flourish.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality in 2020

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. led and inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where our families can grow and flourish.

January 20, 2020/by KCM CREW

There’s a current narrative that owning a home today is less affordable than it has been in the past. The reason some are making this claim is because house prices have substantially increased over the last several years.

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Homes Are More Affordable Today, Not Less Affordable

There’s a current narrative that owning a home today is less affordable than it has been in the past. The reason some are making this claim is because house prices have substantially increased over the last several years.

January 15, 2020/by KCM CREW

According to an Urban Institute study, homeowners who purchase a house before age 35 are better prepared for retirement at age 60.

First-Time Buyers

Buying a Home Early Can Significantly Increase Future Wealth

According to an Urban Institute study, homeowners who purchase a house before age 35 are better prepared for retirement at age 60.

January 13, 2020/by KCM CREW

Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Big Demand for Small Homes

Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different.

January 7, 2020/by KCM CREW

Outside of a strong economy, low unemployment, and higher wages, there are three more great reasons why you may want to consider buying your dream home this year instead of waiting.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year

Outside of a strong economy, low unemployment, and higher wages, there are three more great reasons why you may want to consider buying your dream home this year instead of waiting.

January 6, 2020/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Working with a Local Real Estate Professional Makes All the Difference [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most impactful decisions you can make in your home buying or selling process.
A real estate professional can explain current market conditions and break down what they will mean to you and your family.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2020, make sure to work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, and negotiations.

December 27, 2019/by KCM CREW

Looking ahead, 2020 is projected to be a strong year for homeownership. According to the Freddie Mac Forecast,

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

Year-Over-Year Rental Prices on the Rise

Looking ahead, 2020 is projected to be a strong year for homeownership. According to the Freddie Mac Forecast,

December 26, 2019/by KCM CREW

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

When a House Becomes a Happy Home

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.

December 24, 2019/by KCM CREW

The reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low

The reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes.

December 16, 2019/by KCM CREW

Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.

December 12, 2019/by KCM CREW

It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home.

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home.

December 11, 2019/by KCM CREW

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:

December 10, 2019/by KCM CREW

Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage.

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

Saving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage.

December 9, 2019/by KCM CREW

Infographics, First-Time Buyers

Millennials Are on the Move as First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32.
With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong.
More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market!

December 6, 2019/by KCM CREW

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

What is the Best Investment for Americans?

Some are reporting that there is trepidation regarding the real estate market in the United States. Apparently, the American people are quite comfortable.

December 5, 2019/by KCM CREW

Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd?

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, Rent vs. Buy

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!

Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd?

December 3, 2019/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million.
The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply.
Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers who are still looking for a house to buy!

November 29, 2019/by KCM CREW

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

The True Cost of Not Owning Your Home

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.

November 26, 2019/by KCM CREW

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why listing your house now or keeping it on the market this winter may be the best choice you can make.

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

7 Reasons to List Your House This Holiday Season

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to list their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why listing your house now or keeping it on the market this winter may be the best choice you can make.

November 25, 2019/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low!
According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year.
The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment is significant. An increase of just $20 dollars in your monthly payment can add up to $240 per year and $7,200 over the life of your loan.
Maybe it’s time to lock in now, while rates are still historically low.

November 22, 2019/by KCM CREW