The Spring Housing Market Could Be a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC]
![The Spring Housing Market Could Be a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/16105228/The-Spring-Housing-Market-Could-Be-A-Sweet-Spot-For-Sellers-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- The biggest challenge in the housing market is how few houses there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy.
- The number of homes for sale is up from last year but below pre-pandemic numbers, and that means we’re still in a sellers’ market.
What You Should Know About Closing Costs
Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for.When disaster strikes: National Flood Insurance Program in Texas
This month’s post on “When Disaster Strikes” explores the extent of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in Texas. The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and has been the primary source of flood insurance since its inception in 1968.
How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an important experience to talk about, along with how it can make all the difference for diverse homebuyers to work with the right real estate experts.The Top Reasons for Selling Your House
Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And while today’s rates have started coming down from last year’s peak, they’re still higher than they were a couple of years ago.You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]
![You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01165833/You-May-Not-Need-As-Much-As-You-Think-For-Your-Down-Payment-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase.
- And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.
Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023
The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose last year.Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market
As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC] Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/26131727/Homeownership-Builds-Your-Wealth-In-The-Over-Time-KCM-Share.png)
Some Highlights
- If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership.
- On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net worth significantly in the long term.
Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines
If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed, and understanding what that really means is mission critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening today. Here’s a deeper look.