Laura

#HomeBuying #BuyingPower #KeepingCurrentMatters #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcity #tippcityrealty #letsdothistogether

In case you haven’t heard, 27% of homes sold in September were bought with cash, according to NAR. That’s more than 1 in 4. When you hear a number like that, it’s easy to wonder how that’s even possible nowadays – especially with so many people struggling with affordability. You might picture wealthy investors with deep pockets…but not all cash buyers are who you'd think. Some are just regular homeowners who’ve built up enough equity over the years to sell their house and buy their next one in cash. So sure, affordability is tight. But that doesn't mean buying a home today is only possible for the wealthy or big investors. If you own a home and you’ve lived there for a while, you may be in a better position to move than you think. Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s find out what it could do for your next move. #HomeBuyingTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcityrealty #tippcity

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping for lower mortgage rates? The short answer: don't expect this to dramatically change things. For now, they’re holding steady. But a recent survey from Reuters asked 100 economists what to expect from here – and all 100 said the Fed will do a hike in December. Now, the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but their actions do have an impact. Rates will also move based on inflation, economic data, and how financial markets react. The takeaway? There’s a lot at play here – and we’ll probably see a hike the next time they meet. Follow me for straightforward updates on what’s actually happening and why it matters for the housing market. #MortgageRates #HousingMarketNews #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcityrealty #tippcity

#NewHomes #HomeAffordability #KeepingCurrentMatters #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcity #tippcityrealty #letsdothistogether

Pop quiz. What credit score do you need to buy a home? If your answer was B) 660 or C) 700 … you’re not alone. A lot of people believe you need "perfect" or “near perfect” credit. But you probably don’t need as high a credit score as you think. Even though a Veterans United survey shows 57% of would-be buyers think you need at least a 660, the long-standing benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620, and even that isn’t a hard rule for every loan. So the real answer? Both A) 620 and D) “it depends” are right. And with all the changes to credit models lately, even more people will be able to buy than before. Don’t let myths keep you locked into a lease. Let’s find out where you actually stand. #CreditScore #HomeBuyingTips #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcityrealty #tippcity

Here's something most buyers overlook… When the housing market slows down, homeowners and builders don't always have the same priorities. A homeowner may be willing to wait for a better offer. But builders with completed homes sitting unsold often have more reason to keep sales moving. In October, over 60% of builders offered some type of incentive. And almost half (43%) cut prices. That could mean more negotiating opportunities for you. The trick is knowing where to look. Let's find the builders with more move-in-ready homes available right now and see what they're willing to offer to get their inventory sold. #NewHomes #HomeAffordability #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcityrealty #tippcity

#HomeBuyingTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #KeepingCurrentMatters #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcity #tippcityrealty #letsdothistogether

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are making a comeback, and it's easy to see why. In October, starting rates for ARMs were running almost a full percentage point below fixed-rate loans. On a median-priced home, that can mean your payment could be roughly $150-300 less per month. For buyers struggling with affordability, that’s worth considering. Just know that they do come with some trade-offs – the biggest of which is that your rate (and your payment) could rise after a set timeframe. And just in case you’re thinking…aren't ARMs risky? You should know today's ARMs aren't like the ones from 2008. But they do work differently than a fixed-rate mortgage, so it pays to understand them first. A trusted lender can help you explore how these loans work, how they can help, and walk you through the what-ifs. #AdjustableRateMortgages #listwithlydia #troyohio #tippcityrealty #tippcity