Surprised You Qualify as a First-Time Homebuyer? You’re Not Alone!
If you think first-time homebuyers are only young professionals buying their very first home, think again! The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has revealed some fascinating insights: first-time homebuyers can include folks who’ve previously owned a home but haven’t in a while, or those stepping into solo homeownership after a past purchase with a partner. So, if you’re wondering if you qualify for first-time buyer perks, it’s worth taking a closer look. What Makes You a First-Time Buyer? It’s Broader Than You Think First-time buyer programs—such as down payment assistance and special financing options—are designed to make homeownership more accessible, but many people don’t realize just how flexible these programs can be. You may qualify as a first-time buyer even if you’ve owned before, depending on the program. These opportunities could make a big difference in your journey to homeownership, especially in today’s market. Choosing the Right Agent: More Than Just a Search Partner Navigating the homebuying process as a first-timer can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding an agent who understands your unique needs. Agents, like my team, can guide you through each step, answer your questions, and negotiate the best deal on your behalf. Knowing which questions to ask—like whether an agent is familiar with first-time buyer programs—can also make a huge difference. We’re here to ensure you feel confident every step of the way, and understanding buyer agreements is a big part of that. Financial Options That Fit Your Journey One of the biggest perks of being a “first-time” buyer is access to a wider range of financing options. Conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA loans all offer unique benefits that might be perfect for your situation. While you’ll connect with a lender to lock down your financing, we’re here to help demystify those options early on so you can make the best choice for your budget and goals. How Concessions and Counseling Can Make Your Home Affordable With today’s high costs, many buyers are considering concessions, which are often credits from the seller that help reduce closing costs or make other parts of the purchase easier. And if you’re brand new to homebuying, accessing HUD-certified counselors or homeownership education can make a big difference, giving you the confidence and knowledge you need to feel truly prepared. Here to Help You Every Step of the Way Your first home doesn’t have to be your only home, but it’s a huge step—and one you don’t have to take alone. With these new insights from NAR, our team is more prepared than ever to support you with the right resources, expert advice, and a genuine commitment to making your homeownership journey as seamless as possible. Let’s take the leap together and explore all that’s available to you as a first-time buyer! Ready to see what’s possible for you as a first-time buyer? Let’s explore the programs, financing options, and properties that fit your unique needs. Reach out today, and let’s start your journey to homeownership together! Whether you’re curious about down payment assistance, need help finding the perfect neighborhood, or just want to learn more, my team and I are here to guide you every step of the way. Give us a call or drop a message to get started!
The Changing Face of Home Sellers – A 2024 Look at Who’s Cashing In
In today's real estate market, sellers have become a unique demographic: older, more established, and still in the driver’s seat when it comes to pricing. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average age of home sellers has reached an all-time high of 63, a sharp rise from 45 back in 2007. This shift not only reflects broader demographic changes but also speaks to a market where homeowners are holding onto their properties longer, often for a decade or more. The main motivators for sellers today are relational and practical. Many are seeking to move closer to family or find a home size that’s just right. More than ever, sellers are staying child-free, with a record 77% of households not having children under 18 at home. This trend mirrors the growing tendency of buyers to be child-free, suggesting that family structure is increasingly flexible in homeownership decisions. From a pricing perspective, sellers are on solid ground. For homes listed for four weeks or less, sellers are typically receiving 100% of their asking price. In fact, only 35% of sellers felt the need to adjust their listing price, and incentives like closing cost assistance or home warranties were offered far less frequently than in past years. With inventory tight and mortgage rates high, sellers continue to hold the upper hand. Interestingly, while the traditional for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) route remains an option, it’s becoming less effective in today’s market. FSBO listings made up just 6% of sales this past year, with these homes often selling for less than those listed by agents. The majority of sellers—around 90%—chose to work with a listing agent, leaning on their expertise to achieve a competitive sale price and navigate the complexities of the current market. Detached single-family homes are still the gold standard in today’s market, with 81% of sales falling into this category. Despite changes in household composition, the preference for standalone properties underscores the value many Americans place on privacy, space, and long-term investment potential. The bottom line? Today’s home seller is likely to be a seasoned, savvy homeowner, and the market reflects their priorities and preferences. Whether they’re downsizing, relocating, or simply ready for change, these sellers are getting full value for their homes, often without needing to sweeten the deal. As we move forward, understanding this seller profile can be invaluable for both buyers and agents navigating a competitive landscape. Source: https://www.realestatenews.com/2024/11/08/typical-seller-is-older-than-ever-gets-full-asking-price
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