Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 12, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates.

After years of it feeling almost impossible to find a home you want to buy, things are changing for the better. Nationally, inventory is growing, and that gives you more options for your move. But here’s what you need to know. That level of growth is going to vary based on where you live. And that’s why you need an agent’s local market expertise.Here’s a quick rundown of the current inventory situation, so you know what’s happening and what to expect.Significant Growth Across the NationNationally, the number of homes for sale is rising – and that’s true in all regions of the country. That’s...

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 11, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates.

Headlines are saying home prices are starting to dip in some markets. And if you’re beginning to second guess your plans based on what you’re hearing in the media, here’s what you need to know.It’s true that a few metros are seeing slight price drops. But don’t let that overshadow this simple truth. Home values almost always go up over time (see graph below):While everyone remembers what happened around the housing crash of 2008, that was the exception – not the rule. It hadn’t happened before, and hasn’t since. There were many market dynamics that were drastically different...

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 10, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan.They’re designed to help you overcome some of the biggest financial hurdles in the homebuying process – and that’s why so many first-timers are using them to make their purchase.Whether you’re dreaming of ditching rent, planting roots, or just wanting a place that’s truly yours, an FHA home loan could be the path that...

Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 5, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates.

A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations.Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a...

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 4, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates.

Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now.According to the just-released annual report...

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on June 3, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Home Prices, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates, New Construction.

Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in):You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you...

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on May 30, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates, Rent vs. Buy.

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you.But here’s the thing you need to know about renting.While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it...

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on May 28, 2025. Posted in First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates.

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don’t know about one of its core benefits.According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may be able to buy a home with no down payment with a VA loan (see visual below):That means 7 out of every 10 Veterans could be missing out on a key homebuying advantage.That’s why it’s so important for Veterans, and anyone who cares about a Veteran, to be aware of this program. As Veterans...

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on May 27, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.Terms Every Homebuyer Should KnowOnce you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those...

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

Written by Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Syndicated User on May 23, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Calculator, Lakewood Ranch Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).If you remember the crash in 2008, this may bring up some concerns. But don’t worry. Today’s ARMs aren’t the same. Here’s why.Back then, some buyers were given loans they couldn’t afford after the rates adjusted. But now, lenders are more cautious, and they evaluate whether you...

Category: For Buyers