According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers either don’t know what credit score lenders are actually looking for or assume it needs to be higher than it really is. That’s a big deal, because it means many potential homebuyers may be holding back unnecessarily, thinking they don’t qualify. You might even be one of them. But the truth is, the requirements may be more accessible than you think. Let’s...
If you've been keeping an eye on the market, you've probably already noticed some changes this year. So, what's on the horizon? From home prices to mortgage rates, here’s what the latest expert forecasts predict for the remainder of 2025 and what these shifts could mean for you. Will Home Prices Fall? Many buyers are hoping home prices will drop soon, and recent headlines showing slight dips in some...
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. While this may be your first time going through the process, it’s not your agent’s. They've walked plenty of first-time buyers through it and know exactly what to expect, what really matters, and how to help you navigate it all with more clarity and confidence. Here are a few practical tips...
If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you assumed getting approved for a mortgage would be too difficult, it might be time to take another look. The good news is that while lending standards remain solid and responsible, qualifying for a mortgage is gradually becoming more achievable especially for buyers with strong financial profiles. Many lenders are beginning to ease up on some of their...
Life can feel a little uncertain these days — from inflation to the economy and shifts in the housing market, there's a lot to navigate. But even with all that change, one thing remains clear: many people still long for a place to truly call their own. In times of unpredictability, home has a unique way of offering comfort and stability. As the team at 1000WATT says: “Homeownership isn’t...
Lately, it seems like every headline about the housing market comes with a dose of uncertainty. Are prices rising or falling? Is a crash coming? Will interest rates ever drop? With all the media noise, it's completely understandable to wonder: is now really the right time to buy a home? Here’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough — real estate has always been a long-term game. When you...
If you’ve been searching for a home recently, you’ve probably felt the pressure of today’s mortgage rates. With both rates and home prices on the rise, many buyers are exploring different loan options to help make homeownership more attainable. One option growing in popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. If the term brings back memories of the 2008 housing crash, you’re not alone. But...
When you're in the market for a new home, your focus is likely on mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and closing costs. But one thing that might not be top of mind is homeowners association (HOA) fees. While not every home comes with them, it’s important to know they’re a possibility—especially depending on the neighborhood you choose. A homeowners association is a group that manages...
With home prices rising and mortgage rates fluctuating, it’s no surprise that many people are wondering what the rest of the year will bring — and whether now is a smart time to make a move. The good news? You don’t have to guess. Trusted industry experts are sharing their latest market projections, and the outlook may be more encouraging than you think. Leading housing analysts have begun...
Saving for a home can feel daunting—especially in today’s market. And for many first-time buyers, the belief that a 20% down payment is required often seems like a major hurdle. The good news? That’s one of the most common myths about homebuying. Here's what you really need to know. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home? Unless your specific loan program or lender requires it,...