Linda Knutson Real Estate

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunately, many homebuyers feel like they don’t know where to start.

A recent Bank of America Institute study asked prospective buyers where they lack confidence in the process and need more information. And this is what topped the list:

53% said they need help understanding homebuying grant programs.

So, here’s some information that can help you close that gap.

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Contrary to what you may have heard, typically you don’t have to put 20% down unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender. So, you likely don’t need to save as much...

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation.

Ready to plan your ultimate getaway?

Consider buying a vacation home to relax and enjoy the sun whenever you want.

From better weather to a gathering place for family and friends, many people are seeing the benefits of owning a second home.

Curious if it's right for you? Let’s chat!

Retirees, consider saving money by moving to a smaller home or a less expensive location!

Nearing Retirement but Haven't Saved? 4 Smart Solutions If you’re nearing retirement and haven’t saved much for it, you’re not alone. Forty-eight percent of...

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.

The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. And trying to pin down when all those factors will line up enough for rates to come down is tricky.

That’s why it’s generally not worth it to try to time the market. There’s too much at play that you can’t control. The best thing you can do is control the controllables.

And when it comes to rates, here’s what you can influence to make your moving plans a reality.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. That’s why it’s even...

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now.

What’s one of the top things today’s homebuyers say they need more information on?

It’s programs that can help with the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are over 2000 down payment programs available – and with how tight affordability still is, it’s worth seeing if there’s one that can help you.

Want to learn more? Connect with a trusted lender and local agent.

You can’t control what happens in the broader economy or how it impacts mortgage rates. But you can control the controllables.

And if you’re looking to buy a home, your credit score is one big area you could focus on.

A good score can help you secure the best rate possible – and that’s especially important today.

With the Presidential election only months away, you may be wondering what impact that’ll have on the housing market.

Fortunately, the impact is usually small and temporary. History shows us the market remains strong during election years.

That's good news for you because it means this year's election shouldn't affect your move. If you want the data, shoot me a message.

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are important because they affect how much your...

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market? The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

For twelve years straight, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll.

So, if you’re debating between renting or buying, remember, that it's more than just a roof over your head. A home is an asset that usually grows in value over time – and that makes it a powerful investment.

Considering selling your house on your own?
Here’s why teaming up with an agent can make the process smoother.
An agent knows the local market and how to set a competitive price that draws in buyers.
An agent will handle all the legal documents and ensure accuracy, reducing risks and delays.
Remember, a pro by your side can save you time, stress, and potential pitfalls.

Happy Father's Day! Today, let's raise a toast to the dads who fill our lives with love, laughter, and cherished memories. 👨‍👧‍👦💙

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.

If you’re seeing headlines about sellers slashing prices and are worried about what that means for home values, let's clear things up.

There’s a difference between the asking price and the sold price.

While more sellers are adjusting their asking price, that’s a signal of moderating demand – not falling home values.

As this graphic shows, actual sold prices are still climbing.

This isn’t like 2008. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

This graph shows there’s a gap to make up after over a decade of not building enough homes.

Plus, builders are focusing on completing what’s already started versus breaking ground on a whole lot of new homes. This means they’re being mindful and that’s a good thing.

Have questions? Let’s chat.

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm.

They say diamonds are forever, but household stone trends don't stick around for long. Read on to find out what will be replacing granite in your kitchen!

Is Granite on its Way Out? According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today...

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify.

Stay ahead of the curve of the summer housing market in our latest blog post. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling this summer, you’ll gain invaluable insights on everything from securing prequalification to cultivating strong connections with industry experts.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/5/what-to-expect-for-the-2024-summer-housing-market.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=June2024

Questions? Let me know! I’d love to hear from you.

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What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year.

There's no feeling quite like owning your own home. This , let's turn your dreams of homeownership into keys in your hand. 🔑🏠 Just get in touch to kickstart your homebuying journey!

Too much credit card debt? Here's four ways to manage it with your creditor.

What Is a Negotiated Debt Settlement? If you’re buried by credit card debt, a negotiated debt settlement with your creditor may be worth c...

Don't miss out on essential insights for your house hunting journey and unlock the secrets of mortgage affordability. Dive into our latest blog post to learn how to go beyond online calculators and truly understand what you can afford when buying a home.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/5/how-much-home-can-i-afford-.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=June2024

Questions? Ask me today—I’m happy to help.

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More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home.