Tag: homeownership

Unlocking the Doors to Financial Freedom: The Benefits of Owning vs. Renting in Today’s Real Estate Market

The Benefits of Owning vs. Renting: Is Now the Right Time to Buy?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate market, the decision to rent or buy a home is one of the most significant financial choices one can make. As the real estate market continues to shape our options, the debate between owning and renting intensifies. If you find yourself standing at the crossroads, wondering whether now is the right time to invest in a property, let’s delve into the key benefits of homeownership and explore why it might be the opportune moment to make the leap.

Building Equity: Your Property, Your Asset

One of the primary advantages of owning a home is the opportunity to build equity. Unlike renting, where monthly payments contribute solely to your landlord’s asset, homeownership allows you to invest in your property’s value. As the real estate market fluctuates, your home can appreciate, leading to increased equity over time. This equity can serve as a financial safety net or be leveraged for other investments, providing a solid foundation for your future.

Stability and Predictable Payments

In the dynamic realm of the real estate market, owning a home provides a sense of stability and predictability that renting often lacks. Fixed-rate mortgages ensure that your monthly payments remain consistent, allowing for better financial planning. In contrast, rent payments are subject to change, leaving renters vulnerable to unexpected increases. Owning a home grants you control over your living expenses and eliminates the uncertainty associated with rental markets.

Tax Advantages: Putting Money Back in Your Pocket

Navigating the complexities of taxes can be challenging, but homeownership comes with its set of financial perks. Mortgage interest and property tax deductions can significantly reduce your tax liability, putting more money back into your pocket. In the current real estate market, where every penny counts, these tax advantages add an extra layer of appeal to owning a home.

Personalization and Pride of Ownership

Renting often comes with limitations on personalization, leaving tenants unable to make significant changes to their living spaces. Homeownership, on the other hand, provides the freedom to personalize and upgrade your property as you see fit. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel, a backyard oasis, or a fresh coat of paint, the ability to shape your living space according to your preferences is a gratifying aspect of homeownership. The pride of owning a place uniquely tailored to your taste is an intangible benefit that resonates with many.

Long-Term Financial Gains: Weathering Market Trends

While the real estate market experiences fluctuations, history shows that, over the long term, property values tend to appreciate. Making a real estate investment now could position you to reap the rewards of future market upswings. Renting, on the other hand, might offer short-term flexibility but lacks the potential for significant financial gains that come with owning a property.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy in Today’s Real Estate Market?

In conclusion, the benefits of owning vs. renting in today’s real estate market are compelling. From building equity and stability to enjoying tax advantages and the pride of ownership, the advantages of buying a home are substantial. With the potential for long-term financial gains and the ability to weather market trends, now is the right time to transition from renting to owning. As the real estate market continues to evolve, making an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals could be the key to unlocking the doors to your own piece of the property market.

 

So, if you find yourself contemplating the leap into homeownership, consider the current real estate market as a landscape of opportunities waiting to be explored. Embrace the advantages, weigh your options, and make a choice that aligns with your financial aspirations. After all, in the dynamic world of real estate, the right time to buy is now.

Smart Strategies to Save for a Down Payment on Your Dream Home

Dreaming of buying a home? One of the biggest challenges of the process is coming up with a down payment, a percentage of the home’s purchase price that you must pay at closing.

But don’t worry; with the right strategies, accumulating a cash down payment can become more achievable than you might think.

Let’s explore several simple and practical strategies to help you reach your goal of homeownership.

Set a savings goal

Start by determining how much you need for a down payment. Despite what many Americans assume, 20% down payments are not mandatory. In fact, the average down payment is 6%, according to the experts at Reliance State Bank. Several government-backed mortgage products require much less, depending on your circumstances.

Then, there are down payment assistance programs. Talk to a mortgage professional to understand the specific amount you should aim for.

Then, determine a realistic savings goal based on this amount and break it down into monthly or weekly savings targets. This way, you’ll have a clear roadmap to follow and stay motivated.

Then, make saving that money a no-brainer

Make saving easier by automating your savings process. One of the easiest ways is to dedicate a certain amount of each paycheck and automatically transfer it to your savings account.

This way, a portion of your income is saved before you even have a chance to spend it. Over time, your savings will grow without requiring constant effort or discipline.

Put together a budget

Developing a budget is key to managing your finances effectively. Track your income and expenses to determine what you’re spending on and which categories you can eliminate or reduce your spending.

Trim unnecessary expenses like eating out or subscription services. Consider cooking at home, packing lunches, or exploring free entertainment options. Redirect the money you save towards your down payment fund.

Check out these free budget templates:

Research down payment assistance

Look into down payment assistance programs. These programs, offered by government agencies or non-profit organizations, provide financial assistance to eligible homebuyers.

Depending on the program, they offer low- to no-interest loans, grants, or other assistance to help bridge the gap for your down payment. Consult with your lender for local sources and research, and contact local housing authorities or community organizations to explore these opportunities.

Check out BankRate.com for an informative breakdown of a number of down payment assistance programs.

Boost your income

Consider ways that you can make more money. Look for opportunities to earn extra money, such as freelancing, gig work, or a part-time job. Use the additional income solely for your down payment savings.

Every little bit counts and can bring you closer to reaching your goal faster. Here are some additional ways to pump up your savings account:

  1. Downsize or rent cheaper accommodations

If you’re currently renting a larger or more expensive place, downsizing to a smaller or more affordable accommodation can free up extra funds for your down payment. Look for other ways to reduce your housing costs, whether by finding a roommate, negotiating a lower rent, or exploring more affordable neighborhoods. Temporary sacrifices can lead to long-term gains.

  1. Tap into gift funds

Sometimes, family members may be willing to gift you funds toward your down payment. If you’re fortunate enough to have supportive relatives, discuss the possibility of receiving financial assistance as a gift. Remember that lenders may have specific requirements regarding gift funds, so understand and comply with any regulations.

  1. Save windfalls and bonuses

Whenever you receive unexpected windfalls like tax refunds, bonuses, or inheritances, resist the temptation to splurge and instead direct those funds toward your down payment savings. These unexpected financial boosts can provide a significant jumpstart to your savings goal.

Saving for a down payment requires discipline, but homeownership can become an attainable goal with these strategies. You may be surprised how quickly you’ve accumulated the money needed to purchase your dream home.

Remember, patience and perseverance are key.

 

3 things you can do this week to get closer to buying a home

Many Americans are putting their home purchases on hold over the uncertainty about the housing market. While we don’t recommend trying to time the market, it’s certainly understandable that some folks are a bit trepid right now.

Even though you may not be actively looking at homes to purchase right now, there are things you can be doing so that if the opportunity arises you can jump right into the market. Let’s take a look at three of those.

1. Talk to a lender

Sure, we hear a lot about cash buyers but most need a mortgage to buy a home. Get the process started by calling or visiting a lender. Family and friends, colleagues and real estate agents are good go-to sources for names of trusted lenders.

Although the initial consultation is typically quick and involves some number crunching and a list of paperwork you may need to submit, you’ll hopefully find a lender who will take some time to walk you through the process. Check out “The Smart Way to Shop for a Mortgage Lender.”

Some lenders can also counsel you on improving (or maintaining) your credit score over the next couple of months until you’re ready to buy. If not, read up on the process at MyFico.com.

Requesting loan preapproval offers real benefits, including saving time by not wasting it looking at homes you can’t afford.

In addition, “Sellers are looking for pre-approved buyers. Many prefer to entertain offers only from pre-approved buyers,” according to the pros at Capital Bank Home Loans, and we agree.

Finding out where your finances stack up in home loans is always a good idea, so this is an important step.

Preapproval from a lender is imperative, especially if you are close to being ready to buy.

When you call or visit a lender, ask all your questions, regardless of how basic you may consider them. This includes:

  • Current interest rates
  • Is a government-backed loan or a traditional loan the best choice for you?
  • Should you go with a fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage? If you don’t understand the difference between the two, ask.
  • Which down payment assistance programs are available to you?

2. Talk to a real estate agent

Retaining a real estate agent to help you buy a home is never too early. We are happy to offer you counsel on what to do right now to make you market-ready should the occasion arise sooner than you’d thought.

Sitting down with us briefly may give you insight into the current market, expectations for the future market, and other real estate-related topics you may not have considered.

Then, be sure to regularly visit our social media platforms and blog. We post a lot of educational content that you may not find elsewhere.

Some questions you may need the answer to when we get together:

  • Which banks or lenders are best for the homebuyer
  • Can you set up your home search criteria on the website so that you can regularly search for homes for sale?

3. Internet search

Speaking of searching, the sooner you start, the more familiar you’ll become with the process.

Internet searches can help you narrow down your choice of neighborhoods, the prices there, and the types of homes.

Doing drive-throughs of neighborhoods will also help you narrow down the choices. Then, when the time is right, you will have several neighborhoods on which to focus and won’t waste your precious time on those you don’t like.

Three small steps with huge rewards when the time comes to buy your home.

Reach out if you’d like to set up a meeting. We love to talk about houses!

 

What is PMI (or MIP) and how do I get rid of it?

PMI (short for ‘private mortgage insurance’) is one of those things in life that is both a curse and a blessing. If you put down less than 20 percent of the loan amount when you take out a conventional loan, you will be required to pay a monthly mortgage insurance premium (typically tacked on to your mortgage payment) to cover the lender in the event you mess up and default on the loan.

Without it, cash-poor homebuyers can’t get a mortgage.

With it, your house payments are higher, it takes a long time to get rid of (with some loans it never goes away) and it only protects the lender.

If you have an FHA-backed loan it’s called MIP for mortgage insurance premium. “MIP is required on all FHA loans, regardless of the size of your down payment,” according to Molly Grace at rocketmortgage.com.

“FHA loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) as well as an annual premium payment, or annual MIP,” she concludes. 

Mortgage Insurance and the FHA-Backed Loan

Borrowers who were granted an FHA-backed loan prior to June 3, 2013 can get rid of this monthly headache when the loan reaches a 78 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for a 15-year loan.

If you have a 30-year loan you’ll need to wait until your LTV reaches 78 percent AND you’ve been paying the premium for a minimum of 60 months, which is government-speak for five years.

Calculate your LTV by dividing your current loan balance by the current appraised value of the home. Here’s an example of how this works from the experts at bankofamerica.com:

“You currently have a loan balance of $140,000 … Your home currently appraises for $200,000. So, your loan-to-value equation would look like this:

$140,000 ÷ $200,000 = .70

Convert .70 to a percentage and that gives you a loan-to-value ratio of 70%.”

FHA borrowers who put down 10 percent on a home after June 3, 2013 must wait 11 years to have the MIP requirement terminated. If you pay less than 10 percent down – which is the beauty of the FHA loan, after all – you must continue to pay MIP for the life of the loan.

Conventional Loans and PMI

The Homeowner’s Protection Act of 1998 states that homeowners who have a conventional loan on their primary residence, purchased after July 29, 1999 can request a cancellation of PMI once they have 20 percent equity in the home.

The same law says that the lender must automatically terminate PMI on the date that the loan is scheduled to reach a 78 percent loan-to-value ratio – not based on payments made – but according to the date the loan should reach this milestone, as listed on the initial amortization schedule.

The law gives borrowers another way to realize relief from PMI by stating that the lender has to release you from the requirement when you are at the midpoint of your loan’s amortization schedule, regardless of your LTV.