First Time Buyers Archives

National home prices have increased by 5.4% since this time last year. Over that same time period, interest rates have remained near historic lows which has allowed many buyers to enter the market and lock in low rates.

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

What If I Wait A Year to Buy a Home?

National home prices have increased by 5.4% since this time last year. Over that same time period, interest rates have remained near historic lows which has allowed many buyers to enter the market and lock in low rates.

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December 10, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

The Tale of Two Markets [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those differences are doing to prices!
Inventory continues to rise in the luxury and premium home markets which is causing prices to cool.
Demand continues to rise with lower-than-normal inventory levels in the starter and trade-up home markets, causing prices to rise on a year-over-year basis for 80 consecutive months.

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December 7, 2018/by KCM CREW

Over the last six years, we have experienced strong price appreciation which has increased home equity levels dramatically. As the number of “cash-out” refinances begins to approach numbers last seen during the crash, some are afraid that we may be repeating last decade’s mistake.

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

2008 vs. Now: Are Owners Using Their Homes as ATMs Again?

Over the last six years, we have experienced strong price appreciation which has increased home equity levels dramatically. As the number of “cash-out” refinances begins to approach numbers last seen during the crash, some are afraid that we may be repeating last decade’s mistake.

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December 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate, the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search.

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

Where Are Interest Rates Headed in 2019?

The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate, the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search.

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December 5, 2018/by KCM CREW

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data covers responses from 2013-2016.

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

Homeowners Aged 65+ Have 48x More Net Worth Than Renters

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data covers responses from 2013-2016.

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December 4, 2018/by KCM CREW

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

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

4 Reasons to Buy A Home This Winter!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

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December 3, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

Home Prices Up 6.34% Across the Country! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!

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November 30, 2018/by KCM CREW

Many homebuyers think that saving for their down payment is enough to buy the house of their dreams, but what about the closing costs that are required to obtain a mortgage?

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Buyers: Don’t Be Surprised by Closing Costs!

Many homebuyers think that saving for their down payment is enough to buy the house of their dreams, but what about the closing costs that are required to obtain a mortgage?

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November 26, 2018/by KCM CREW

The top concern for most first-time home buyers is their ability to save for a down payment. According to a new survey, 36% of millennials took on a second job to make their dreams of homeownership a reality in 2017.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Will Your Side Hustle Buy You a House This Year?

The top concern for most first-time home buyers is their ability to save for a down payment. According to a new survey, 36% of millennials took on a second job to make their dreams of homeownership a reality in 2017.

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November 21, 2018/by KCM CREW

Everyone wants a place to call home; a place that gives them a sense of security. We are currently seeing major interest from females who want to achieve this dream, and the numbers are proving it!

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Females Are Making It a Priority to Invest in Real Estate!

Everyone wants a place to call home; a place that gives them a sense of security. We are currently seeing major interest from females who want to achieve this dream, and the numbers are proving it!

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November 20, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision.
Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (28.4%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice becomes obvious.
Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying this year!

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November 16, 2018/by KCM CREW

Everyone knows that housing affordability has been negatively impacted by rising prices and increasing mortgage rates, but there is another piece to the affordability equation – wages.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Wage Increases Make Home Buying More Affordable

Everyone knows that housing affordability has been negatively impacted by rising prices and increasing mortgage rates, but there is another piece to the affordability equation – wages.

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November 15, 2018/by KCM CREW

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

VA Home Loans by the Numbers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The Veterans Administration (VA) Home Loan is a benefit that is available to more than 22 million veterans & 2 million active duty service members which helps them achieve their dreams of homeownership.
In 2017, $189 billion was loaned to veterans and their families through the program.
VA Purchase Loans are on the rise in 46 out of 50 states and Washington, DC.

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November 9, 2018/by KCM CREW

Recently, multiple headlines have been written asserting that homeownership is less affordable today than at any other time in the last decade. Though the headlines are accurate, they lack context and lead too many Americans to believe that they can’t partake in a major part of the American Dream – owning a home.

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

75% of Renters Have Been Misinformed

Recently, multiple headlines have been written asserting that homeownership is less affordable today than at any other time in the last decade. Though the headlines are accurate, they lack context and lead too many Americans to believe that they can’t partake in a major part of the American Dream – owning a home.

Read more →

November 8, 2018/by KCM CREW

The lack of existing inventory for sale has forced many homebuyers to begin looking at new construction. When you buy a newly constructed home instead of an existing home, there are many extra steps that must take place.

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

5 Tips When Buying a Newly Constructed Home

The lack of existing inventory for sale has forced many homebuyers to begin looking at new construction. When you buy a newly constructed home instead of an existing home, there are many extra steps that must take place.

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November 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership: Down Payment, Credit, and Affordability,” which revealed that,

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership: Down Payment, Credit, and Affordability,” which revealed that,

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November 5, 2018/by KCM CREW

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainties about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Taking Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainties about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification.

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October 31, 2018/by KCM CREW

Chances are if you are renting you are spending too much of your income on your monthly housing expense. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their rent or mortgage payment. This percentage allows the household to save money for the future while comfortably covering other expenses.

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

Are You Spending TOO Much on Rent?

Chances are if you are renting you are spending too much of your income on your monthly housing expense. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their rent or mortgage payment. This percentage allows the household to save money for the future while comfortably covering other expenses.

Read more →

October 30, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers

Buying a Home Can Be Scary... Until You Know the Facts [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Many potential homebuyers believe that they need a 20% down payment and a 780 FICO® score to qualify to buy a home which stops many of them from even trying! Here are some facts:

72% of buyers who purchased homes this year have put down less than 20%.
76.4% of loan applications were approved last month.
The average credit score of approved loans was 727 in September.

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October 26, 2018/by KCM CREW

According to a new study from Urban Institute, there are over 19 million millennials in 31 cities who are not only ready and willing to become homeowners, but are able to as well!

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

Still Think You Need 15-20% Down to Buy a Home? Think Again!

According to a new study from Urban Institute, there are over 19 million millennials in 31 cities who are not only ready and willing to become homeowners, but are able to as well!

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October 24, 2018/by KCM CREW

Lately, there have been many headlines circulating about whether or not there is an

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

Housing Is Still Affordable in the United States!

Lately, there have been many headlines circulating about whether or not there is an "affordability issue forming in the housing market."

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October 23, 2018/by KCM CREW

There are many unsubstantiated theories about what is happening with home prices. From those who are worried that prices are falling (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices are again approaching boom peaks because of “irrational exuberance” (this is also untrue as prices are not at peak levels when they are adjusted for inflation), there seems to be no shortage of opinion.

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

Will Home Prices Continue to Increase?

There are many unsubstantiated theories about what is happening with home prices. From those who are worried that prices are falling (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices are again approaching boom peaks because of “irrational exuberance” (this is also untrue as prices are not at peak levels when they are adjusted for inflation), there seems to be no shortage of opinion.

Read more →

October 22, 2018/by KCM CREW

In a recent article, National Housing Inventory Crisis Reaches Inflection Point, realtor.com reported that:

New listings jumped 8% year-over-year nationally, the largest increase since 2013
Total listings in the 45 largest markets are now up 6% on average over last year

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Is the Increase in Inventory a Bullish or Bearish Sign for Real Estate?

In a recent article, National Housing Inventory Crisis Reaches Inflection Point, realtor.com reported that:

New listings jumped 8% year-over-year nationally, the largest increase since 2013

Total listings in the 45 largest markets are now up 6% on average over last year

Read more →

October 18, 2018/by KCM CREW

In today’s real estate market, with low inventory dominating the conversation in many areas of the country, it can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers

5 Tips for Starting Your Home Search

In today’s real estate market, with low inventory dominating the conversation in many areas of the country, it can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared.

Read more →

October 17, 2018/by KCM CREW

In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Pre-Approval: Your 1st Step in Buying a Home

In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Read more →

October 15, 2018/by KCM CREW

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