Yes, affordability seems to be an issue right now, but it doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on hold. There are options! If you’re willing to use a little elbow grease (or hire someone to), buying a house that needs some work could make the difference when thinking about buying on a budget. Here are some things to know when deciding if buying a fixer upper is the right move for you: Not sure what a fixer upper is? A fixer-upper is a home that is livable but requires some renovations and/or repairs. Maybe what’s needed is cosmetic updates like painting and new flooring. Perhaps it’s more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating the plumbing or HVAC. While fixer-uppers need a variety of TLC, this is why they may be worth considering, especially right now: They are usually less money: Because of…

It’s true, your credit score plays a big role in buying a home. It’s one of the most important factors lenders will look at to determine which loan options you will qualify for and what your terms might be. BUT there is one myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back from applying for a mortgage for a new home: You Need to Have Perfect Credit: MYTH It is true that about two-thirds of homebuyers don’t know what lenders are looking for. What is the minimum credit score needed? Perfect Credit Isn’t Necessary: REALITY You don’t have to have perfect credit to be approved for a mortgage. There is no set cut-off score across the board. FICO says: “While many lenders use credit scores… to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single…

This is the time when you’ll most likely reflect and set goals for this year. Is owning a new home one of your goals? If so, how do you get there? Where do you start? Here’s some insight that can help you get the ball rolling. WHY While dollars and cents are important, so is the reason behind your desire to move. Do you need more space for your growing family? Do you want to downsize? Maybe you’re wanting to buy your first home! Whatever the reason, it’s important for you to keep your focus. The WHY will help you stay focused. Share your WHY with your Realtor and they’ll use their expertise to help support your goals. With a great Realtor by your side, you’ll have someone to guide you, help to solve problems, and keep you and the transaction moving. Decide What You Need Next, figure out…

Are you in the market to buy a home but feel like almost everything is out of reach? There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when affordability seems to be a roadblock. Maybe a fixer upper can work for you. Let’s discuss why buying a fixer upper could make you become a homeowner, and how you can make it work. What Is a Fixer Upper? A fixer upper is a home that can be lived in but needs work. The amount of work varies. Some may need a few cosmetic updates like paint and new flooring, while others might require more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating the plumbing. Because these fixer uppers need some TLC, imagination and elbow grease, these homes typically have a lower price point based on the local market value. Fixer uppers generally cost less than move-in-ready homes. This is why buyers…