Partners in life and business, building community

Never would we have imagined building a business together. A world of working and living together. Making decisions about major real estate deals in the same space we decide what to plant in our community garden plot. Or what to feed @aaliyahlanee. But we did and we do. And it turns out we are really […]
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.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.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.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.The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability
If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares:Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know
One of the first steps in your homebuying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and what it does for you. Business Insider explains:Have Home Values Hit Bottom?
Whether you’re already a homeowner or you’re looking to become one, the recent headlines about home prices may leave you with more questions than answers. News stories are talking about home prices falling, and that’s raising concerns about a repeat of what happened to prices in the crash in 2008.