For many homebuyers, the down payment is one of the most significant financial hurdles in the homeownership journey. Along with closing costs, this upfront cash investment can feel intimidating, but it also plays a crucial role in your mortgage approval, monthly payments, and long-term financial health. Understanding how down payments work and how much is required can help you plan more effectively and...
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Choosing whether to rent or buy a home is a big life decision that depends on your finances, lifestyle, and long-term plans. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really comes down to what fits your needs and goals right now and in the future. While owning a home can offer stability and a chance to build equity, renting is often more affordable upfront and gives you the freedom to...
Spring has always been the busiest season for real estate, and 2025 is no different. Warmer weather makes it easier for people to get out and tour homes, families prefer to move before the next school year begins, and inventory typically spikes—giving buyers more to choose from and sellers more competition. This year’s spring market is already showing signs of momentum. According to Freddie Mac’s...
The spring homebuying season is in full swing, but with rising inflation and mortgage rates holding steady, buyers need to be more strategic than ever. Navigating the current market requires careful financial planning and smart decision-making to avoid costly mistakes. If you are looking to purchase a home in the coming months, consider these key financial steps to ensure you are...
Bucktown, a historic lakeside community on the outskirts of New Orleans, has long been a place of mystery, transformation, and resilience. Nestled along Lake Pontchartrain, this Jefferson Parish enclave evolved from a humble fishing village into a thriving neighborhood with a storied past. For those who grew up there, like Casey Levy and his ten siblings, Bucktown was a world unto...
Existing home sales showed signs of improvement in December, rising 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.24 million homes sold. This marks the third consecutive year-over-year increase, a notable recovery after a prolonged downturn that began in August 2021. Compared to the previous year, sales were up 9.3 percent, indicating that buyers may be adjusting to higher mortgage rates...
For many homebuyers, appraisals and inspections can feel like confusing and costly steps on the road to closing. While these evaluations serve distinct purposes, they both play critical roles in protecting buyers and ensuring a smooth transaction. Recognizing the importance of consumer education, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has introduced a series of one-page guides designed to...
If you’re considering home improvements but hesitating due to costs, you might be missing out on a valuable return on investment. If you’re ready to begin, you may wonder how much is a reasonable amount to spend on your home. There are many good reasons to update your home, whether to make it more enjoyable for your family or to prepare it for sale. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your...
Data from Redfin shows that in 2023, the demand for vacation home mortgages fell by 40% as housing prices rose. Americans took out 90,772 mortgages for second homes that year, which is a 65% decrease compared to the height of the housing boom in 2021. With interest rates likely to drop, you may be considering buying a vacation property in 2025. It's essential to evaluate your readiness for this...
Selling your home is a major decision that involves weighing both emotional and financial factors, especially given the current state of the real estate market. While the frenzied buying spree brought on by the pandemic may have settled, several challenges still exist for sellers. Mortgage interest rates remain elevated compared to the record lows of recent years, hovering around 6.78 percent as of late...