Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on May 7, 2025. Posted in Economy, Home Prices, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia:“Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That’s not to say that real estate prices aren’t ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial...

The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on May 6, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment.For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA...

Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on May 3, 2025. Posted in Equity, For Sellers, Infographics, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage, Selling Tips.

Some HighlightsThanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity.Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to find out how much equity you have, connect with an agent. Because it may make a move a lot more feasible than you’d think.?

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on May 2, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a...

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on April 30, 2025. Posted in Economy, Foreclosures, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you.If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.This Isn’t Like 2008While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked up in...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on April 29, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on April 26, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ?There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.?

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on April 25, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep ClimbingEach quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the...

What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You

Written by Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage Syndicated User on April 24, 2025. Posted in For Sellers, Home Prices, Mortgage Santa Rosa Beach, Santa Rosa Beach Mortgage.

Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much. What Is Home Equity?This wealth you may...

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