Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
Many people are hoping for a drop in mortgage rates before they buy a home, but will that actually happen? According to the latest predictions, experts suggest rates will decrease, but not by as much as many expect.
The good news? Even if rates don’t fall as much as anticipated, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable.
How Much Will Mortgage Rates Actually Drop?
A few months ago, experts thought mortgage rates could dip below 6% by the end of the year. However, more recent forecasts show that rates are likely to stabilize closer to 6.5% instead.
If you’ve been holding off on buying a home, hoping for a more significant drop in rates, you might be waiting longer than you expected. And if your life situation has changed, such as a new job, a growing family, or a marriage, waiting for rates to drop significantly may not be an option.
Creative Financing Options to Consider
Since mortgage rates aren't expected to drop as much as origi ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
For the past few years, the real estate market has largely favored sellers. But now, things are starting to shift as more homes become available, creating a more balanced market. With this change, some sellers may need to be more flexible to finalize a deal. One effective strategy to consider? Offering concessions.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“As home inventory increases and buyers gain more leverage in the market, sellers may want to offer more during negotiations to make their property more appealing and close the deal.”
What Are Seller Concessions?
Seller concessions are costs that the seller agrees to cover to help facilitate the sale. In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 sellers (24%) offered some form of concession. Here are a few common types:
Covering Closing Costs: The seller can pay some or all of the buyer’s closing costs, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, or loan fees.
Price Adjustments: Instead of making repai? ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
With everything getting more expensive lately, it’s no surprise if you're wondering if now is the right time to buy a home. Inflation has been higher than usual for longer than expected, driving up the costs of just about everything. But here's the good news: homeownership can actually be one of the best ways to protect yourself from the rising costs inflation brings.
A Fixed Mortgage Shields You from Rising Housing Costs
One of the biggest advantages of owning a home is the stability it provides for your biggest monthly expense—your mortgage. When you lock in a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payments remain the same, no matter how high inflation gets. While your homeowner’s insurance or property taxes may fluctuate slightly, your mortgage payment won’t change.
Renters, on the other hand, face rising rent prices year after year, often at a pace faster than inflation. According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Ce ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
Many homeowners hesitate to sell because they have unanswered questions that create doubt. Often, these concerns are based on misconceptions rather than facts. The truth is, speaking with an experienced agent can help clear up these uncertainties and show that they don’t have to be barriers to your next move.
If you're feeling uncertain, now is the time to get the real answers you need. To make things easier, here’s the data that addresses some of the most common questions homeowners have.
1. Is it a Good Time to Sell?
If you already own a home, you may be reluctant to sell because you're worried about taking on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. However, your current home’s value may have increased significantly, which could make your move more affordable than you think.
Take a moment to think about any recent home sales in your neighborhood. Did you notice how much homes have sold for? With home values climbing in recent years, you might be surpr. ...
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Thursday, March 6, 2025 / by Dick Keenan
If you're like many aspiring homeowners, the rising cost of living is likely a major obstacle. From groceries to gas, everything feels more expensive these days — and home prices are no exception.
But don’t worry, even in a market where costs are high, homeownership is still within reach. You may just need to shift your perspective on where to buy.
Think of Your First Home as a Launchpad
A common misconception is that your first home needs to be your forever home, or that it has to meet all your needs right from the start. In reality, your first home is simply a stepping stone.
By purchasing your first home, you start building equity, which grows as home values rise. Over time, this equity can help you upgrade to a larger space, better location, or both when you're ready to move. So, rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home, consider starting with something that works for you now.
Expand Your Search to Find More Affordable Options
If the high prices in. ...
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