First-Time Buyers

Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives.Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial move,...

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list.Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your desired features. Because the truth is, a small compromise could be the...

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Affordability How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list. Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to...

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember...A great rate won’t make up for a home that no longer works for you. Life changes, and sometimes, your home needs to change with it....

Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate

For Sellers, Mortgage Rates, Featured, Selling Tips Why More Homeowners Are Giving Up Their Low Mortgage Rate Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can...

How To Find the Best Deal Possible on a Home Right Now

Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while.Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other buyers overlook.The Opportunity: 1 in 5 Homes Has Had a Price Cut This...

Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year

Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there's a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now.But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it. And this is...

Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life.But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home.So, if you’ve...

Most Experts Are Not Worried About a Recession

Homebuyers are watching the economy closely, and for good reason. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people ever make. And some recession talk in the media has made a lot of would-be buyers second guess their plans.In the latest LendingTree survey, almost 2 in 3 Americans said they think a recession is coming. And 74% of respondents say that's having an impact on their financial...

Would You Let $80 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Affordability, Forecasts Would You Let $80 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home? Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn A lot of buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a...