Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a Home

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 12, 2024. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Mortgage Rates, Ocala Mortgage.

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help you pay for some of these expenses? As Credit Karma explains:“If one of your goals is to stop renting and buy a home, you’ll need to save up for closing costs and a down payment on the mortgage. A tax refund can give you a start on the road to homeownership. If you’ve already started to save, your tax refund could move you down the road faster.”While how much money you may get in a tax refund is going...

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 11, 2024. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.Newly Built Homes Are Trending SmallerDuring the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home,...

The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 10, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why.A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize. Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home and look out for your best interests along the way. They smooth out a complex process and take away the bulk of the stress of...

Don’t Let Your Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Plans

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 9, 2024. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need.A Bankrate article explains:“Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For Gen Z and millennial borrowers alone, that number rises to 70 percent.”This...

Top 5 Reasons To Hire an Agent When Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 6, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

Some HighlightsHiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market.They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you’re agreeing to. Plus, they’re good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal.Expert advice from a trusted real estate professional is priceless. Connect with a local agent today.

Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on April 4, 2024. Posted in For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both?If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at newly built homes. Here’s why.New Home Construction Is an Inventory Bright SpotWhen looking for a home, you can choose between existing homes (those that are already built and previously owned) and newly constructed ones. While the number of existing homes for...

Is It Easier To Find a Home To Buy Now?

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on March 29, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show there are more homes on the market in 2024 than there have been in any of the past several years (2021-2023):Does That Mean Finding a Home Is Easier?The answer is yes, and no. As an article from Realtor.com says:“There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier . . . That alone could jolt the housing market a bit if more “For Sale” signs continue to appear. However,...

Single Women Are Embracing Homeownership

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on March 28, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

In today’s housing market, more and more single women are becoming homeowners. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single men.If you’re a single woman trying to buy your first home, this should be encouraging. It means other people are making their dreams a reality – so you can too.Why Homeownership Matters to So Many Women For many single women, buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s also a smart way to invest for the future. Homes usually increase in value over...

What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on March 26, 2024. Posted in Buying Myths, For Buyers, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

Before making the decision to buy a home, it’s important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you’re busy saving for the down payment, don’t forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too.Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them.What Are Closing Costs?A recent article from Bankrate explains:“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed...

3 Helpful Tips for First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Written by Ocala Mortgage Syndicated User on March 23, 2024. Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Ocala, Ocala Mortgage.

Some HighlightsTrying to buy your first home? If you’re worried about affordability today or the limited number of homes for sale, these tips can help.Look into homebuyer programs, expand your search area, and consider a multi-generational home.Connect with a local real estate agent so you have an expert on your side to help you make your dream a reality.

Category: For Buyers