The Realtor Roundup

  Can You Buy a Home If You Have Student Loans? Yes—Here’s How! If you’re dreaming of owning a home but worried that your student loan debt might hold you back, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of luck. Many people believe that student loans automatically disqualify them from buying a home, but that’s simply not true. As a Realtor® who works with professionals like educators, healthcare workers, and first responders, we often help clients navigate this very concern. Let's break it down. How Student Loans Affect Home Buying Student loans are a form of debt, so they do factor into your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) —a key metric lenders use to determine how much home you can afford. But having student loans doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage. Lenders look at: Your monthly student loan payment Your overall DTI Your credit score Your income and job stability If your other financial factors are strong, student loans alone won’t prevent you from buying. Ti...

                         Wire Fraud and First Time Homebuyers                                                        Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with risks many new buyers aren't aware of. One of the most serious threats? Wire fraud . As your trusted Realtor®, it’s my job to help you navigate the home buying process safely—and that includes protecting your hard-earned money from cybercriminals. 💻 What Is Wire Fraud in Real Estate? Wire fraud typically occurs when hackers intercept emails during a real estate transaction. These criminals pose as your lender, title company, or even your Realtor® and send fake wire instructions. If you fall for the scam, your down payment or closing fun...

  Is It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market? Here’s What That Means for You If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably heard the terms “buyer’s market” and “seller’s market” thrown around — but what do they really mean? And more importantly, how do they affect you as a buyer or seller? Let’s break it down:   What Is a Buyer’s Market? A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers . That means: Buyers have more choices. Homes may stay on the market longer. Sellers might have to compete on price, repairs, or incentives. In this type of market, buyers typically have the upper hand when it comes to negotiations — they can take their time, shop around, and potentially get a better deal. Good news for buyers: You may be able to negotiate a lower price, ask for closing cost assistance, or get other seller concessions. Heads-up for sellers: Pricing your home right and making it shine (think great p...

  Buying Your First House? Here Are 25 Questions to Keep in Mind Are you a  first-time home buyer ? Before you settle on a house, asking yourself, your lender, and your real estate agent some key questions can help you prepare for a seamless home buying process. Check out these important questions to ask when buying a house! What Are My Future Goals? Whether you’re in the market for a starter home you plan to stay in for five years or the forever home you want to retire in, you should consider your goals when looking for homes. Take some time to think about your future.  Also, give thought to your financial goals because buying a home is a big investment. What Are My Must-Haves? It’s smart to make a list of  home features  that are important to you before you start your house search. That way, you know which features to look for as you start touring houses and working with your real estate agent. Your must-haves can be things like a fenced yard, short commute, o...

  Welcome to the Housing Market Trends for March! This report focuses on the residential real estate housing market. We listen to the experts and boil down what they have to say to assist you, our heroes, with decision making regarding buying a home, selling your home, or refinancing your mortgage. Housing Market Trends March Key Takeaways The housing market is ever-evolving. Economic factors, government policies, interest rates, and even socio-cultural shifts can play a role in how the market behaves. That said, here are some housing market trends for February to help determine what’s best for you as you consider your housing situation: Mortgage Rate Trends  – Mortgage rates have fluctuated over the past six months, with recent declines presenting an opportunity for buyers to enter the market with less competition. Home Inventory Trends  – Rising inventory levels provide buyers with more options, but many first-time homebuyers still need lower mortgage rates to afford a ...

  One of the   steps between signing and closing   on a home is when homebuyers typically deposit money into an escrow account. An agent who is a   REALTOR®   can help advise you on your offer and how to keep your deposits safe. When it comes to escrow, here’s what homebuyers should know: What is escrow? Escrow is a financial agreement in which a third party, such as an attorney or another settlement or title agent, controls payments between the buyer and seller, only releasing the funds involved when all the terms of the contract are met. As the buyer, once you close on the home, the money you’ve placed in escrow will often be applied toward your down payment and other closing costs. Other costs that can be covered by funds in an escrow account include property taxes and insurance premiums. What is “earnest money?” Also known as a “good faith deposit,” an earnest money deposit is paid by a homebuyer to show their interest is legitimate and they intend to close ...

  How Much Home Equity Have You Gained? The Answer Might Surprise You Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize. What Is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity. According  to  Intercontinental Exchange  (ICE),  the average homeowner with a mortgage has $319,000 in home equity . Why Have Homeowners Gained So Much Equity? The rise in home equity over the years can be credited to two key...