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Homebuying

All articles tagged with #homebuying

Atlanta Family’s $600K Home Hunt: Space to Grow in a City on the Move
real-estate2 months ago

Atlanta Family’s $600K Home Hunt: Space to Grow in a City on the Move

With about $600,000 to spend, Kare and Scott Beckett hunted for a three-bedroom, two-bath home around Atlanta, weighing options in Brookhaven/Decatur and west-side neighborhoods. Guided by a patient realtor and aided by couple’s therapy to stay aligned, they considered several options—the updated Northlake four-bedroom at about $655,000, the mural-covered Westview house around $499,000, and a Midway Woods one-story near Decatur at roughly $649,000—balancing commute, school proximity, and a kitchen and space they could grow into as their family expanded.

Mortgage Math: Why Monthly Costs Beat Sticker Price in Home Buying
business2 months ago

Mortgage Math: Why Monthly Costs Beat Sticker Price in Home Buying

The article argues that prospective homeowners should focus on monthly costs and cash flow (PITI and DTI) rather than the sticker price. It notes that first‑time buyers typically put down 6–9% (less than 20% often triggers PMI), a trade‑off that can still get people into a home earlier. A fixed‑rate mortgage provides payment stability and potential tax benefits, though maintenance costs fall on the owner. Renting may seem cheaper but doesn’t build equity, while buying builds equity over time. Getting pre‑approved yields concrete numbers for what you can actually afford, and lenders expect you to shop around. It also promotes Progressive’s UpPayment program offering up to $13,500 in down payment assistance for eligible first‑time buyers. The piece encourages turning planning into action with clear, paper‑based numbers before buying.

Mortgage math over sticker shock: monthly payments unlock first-time homeownership
real-estate2 months ago

Mortgage math over sticker shock: monthly payments unlock first-time homeownership

The piece reframes buying a home around monthly costs (PITI) rather than the sticker price, noting that first-time buyers typically put down 6–9% (often triggering PMI if under 20%), and that a fixed-rate mortgage can provide payment stability, potential tax advantages, and equity growth—while maintenance costs stay with the owner. It also emphasizes getting a pre-approval to convert planning into figures and highlights Progressive’s UpPayment program offering up to $13,500 for eligible buyers.

Mortgage rates rise again, nudging buyers toward riskier ARMs as demand cools
finance3 months ago

Mortgage rates rise again, nudging buyers toward riskier ARMs as demand cools

U.S. mortgage rates rose again last week, with the 30-year fixed-rate average at 6.56% (up from 6.46%), the highest in seven weeks, as higher yields push borrowers toward riskier ARMs. Total mortgage applications fell 2.3% and purchase applications declined 4%, signaling softer demand. The ARM share rose to nearly 10%—the highest since October 2025—reflecting demand for lower initial payments despite later rate resets. The five-year ARM averaged 5.76%. Refinance activity fell 0.1% but remained 35% higher year over year. Analysts attribute the rise to inflation concerns and rising Treasury yields.

politics7 months ago

Trump Considers Executive Order to Address Housing Affordability and Wall Street's Role

President Trump is drafting an executive order aimed at addressing affordability issues, including potential changes to restrictions on using 401(k) funds for homebuying, amidst ongoing political debates about housing and inflation. Senate Democrats and Republicans are discussing policies that could impact the housing market and individual savings, with the White House indicating that policy announcements are forthcoming.

Mortgage Rates Drop to 2025 Lows, Boosting Homebuyer Confidence
business7 months ago

Mortgage Rates Drop to 2025 Lows, Boosting Homebuyer Confidence

Mortgage rates in 2025 have fallen to their lowest levels of the year, boosting optimism in the US housing market. With rates dropping to 6.15% for 30-year fixed loans, and homebuyer demand increasing, the market may see stronger sales in 2026, despite ongoing affordability challenges and low existing home sales. Future rate movements are expected to remain limited, with the Federal Reserve signaling minimal cuts.