As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely to top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. The 20% Down Payment Myth If you believe you have to put 20% down on a home, you may have based your goal on a common misconception. Freddie Mac explains: “. . . nearly a third of prospective homebuyers think they need a down payment of 20% or more to buy a home. This myth remains one of the largest perceived barriers to achieving homeownership.” Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. According to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. There are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5%, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. This is good news for you because it means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize. For more information, turn to a trusted lender. Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Be a Game Changer A professional will be able to show you other options that could help you get closer to your down payment goal. According to the latest Homeownership Program Index from downpaymentresource.com, there are over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., and the majority are intended to help with down payments. A recent article explains why programs like these are helpful: “These resources can immediately build your home buying power and help you take action sooner than you thought possible.” And if you’re wondering if you have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for these programs, that’s not always the case. According to an article from downpaymentresource.com: “It is a common misconception that homebuyer assistance is only available to first-time homebuyers, however, 38% of homebuyer assistance programs in Q1 2022 did not have a first-time homebuyer requirement.” There are also location and profession-based programs you could qualify for as well. Bottom Line Saving for your down payment is an important first step on your homebuying journey. Let’s connect today and make sure you have a trusted lender to help explore your options.  

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  Some Highlights When you head out to buy a home there are a number of key milestones you’ll encounter along the way. The process includes everything from building your team and understanding your finances to go house hunting, making an offer, and more. Your journey starts here. Let’s connect so you have expert guidance each step of the way.

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Rising interest rates have begun to slow an overheated housing market as monthly mortgage payments have risen dramatically since the beginning of the year. This is leaving some people who want to purchase a home priced out of the market and others wondering if now is the time to buy one. But this rise in borrowing cost shows no signs of letting up soon. Economic uncertainty and the volatility of the financial markets are causing mortgage rates to rise. George Ratiu, Senior Economist and Manager of Economic Research at realtor.com, says this: “While even two months ago rates above 7% may have seemed unthinkable, at the current pace, we can expect rates to surpass that level in the next three months.” So, is now the right time to buy a home? Anyone thinking about buying a home today should ask themselves two questions: 1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading? There are two places to turn to answer this question. First is the consensus of what experts are saying. If you look at what experts are projecting for home prices in 2023, they’re forecasting home price appreciation of around 2%. While it’s true some are calling for depreciation, most are calling for appreciation in home values over the next year. The second spot to turn to for information is the Home Price Expectation Survey from Pulsenomics – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. According to the latest release, the experts surveyed are also calling for home price appreciation for the next several years (see graph below): 2. Where Do I Think Interest Rates Are Heading? As mentioned above, Ratiu sees mortgage rates rising over the next several months. Another expert agrees. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: "While mortgage rates are expected to continue to drift higher over the coming months, much of the rapid increase in rates is likely behind us." The instability in the world and higher inflation are driving this volatile market, resulting in higher borrowing rates for those looking to buy homes. Bottom Line If you’re thinking about buying a home, asking yourself about home prices and mortgage rates will help you make a powerful and confident decision. Experts see both prices and rates rising in the future. The alternative is to rent, but rents are also increasing. That may mean buying a home makes more sense than renting.

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