How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality

-

According to a recent Harris Poll survey,  8 in 10 Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial benefits so that interest is understandable.

However, it’s unlikely all 28 million Americans will accomplish that goal in the coming year. Experts project a total of around five million homes will be sold in 2023. Why is there such a big difference? It’s partly because there can be challenges to buying a home.

In the same survey, when asked, “Which of the following are preventing you from pursuing homeownership at this time?”:

  • 34% answered, “I don’t have enough saved for a down payment”
  • 30% answered, “My credit score”

If you’re aiming to buy a home, here’s what you need to know to accomplish that goal.

Save for Your Down Payment

Your down payment is a big chunk of what you pay upfront for your home. For most home purchases, buyers put down some amount of cash up front (a down payment) and then take out a loan (a mortgage) to pay for the rest.

It’s a longstanding myth that you need to pay 20% of the purchase price for your down payment. In reality, 20% down isn’t always required. In fact, according to the National Association of Raltors  (NAR), today’s median down payment is 14% for the average buyer and just 6% for a first-time buyer.

Regardless of how much money you can save for your down payment, know there’s help available. A local lender can show you options to help you get closer to your down payment goal. Plus, there are even loan types, like FHA loans with down payments as low as 3.5% for some buyers, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

Beyond assistance programs and different loan types, here are a few other tips to help you as you save for your down payment:

  • Remember to factor in closing costs. In addition to your down payment, closing costs are usually 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.
  • Maintain your savings. Your down payment shouldn’t deplete all your savings. It’s important to still have some money set aside for homeownership expenses after you move in.
  • Explore your options and lean on your trusted advisor for expert guidance. Do your research, ask questions, and look into the resources available for buyers like you.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a number that indicates how financially reliable you are to lenders. A higher credit score usually means you’ll be able to borrow more money at a better interest rate. If your credit score is preventing you from getting an affordable mortgage, there are steps you can take to improve it. Here are two:

  • Pay your bills on time. When you pay your bills on time, your credit score improves. When you’re late, it takes a hit. One way to make paying your bills on time easier? Set up automatic payments when and where you can.
  • Mix it up. From auto loans to credit cards to mortgages – there are several different types of credit. And having a mix of them improves your credit score.

Bottom Line

If you want to purchase a home this year, contact a trusted real estate advisor so you can to build a team of professionals and start preparing. To learn more about the Prescott, Arizona real estate market contact Michael Eastwood CEO of West USA Realty of Prescott at 928-636-1500 or visit us at www.westusaofprescott.com  and Michael Eastwood will introduce you to one of his professional real estate agents or stop by and visit us at West USA Realty of Prescott 231 N Marina St Prescott. AZ 86301. (Each office is Independently owned and operated) #Prescottrealestate #Prescotthomes #Prescottland #Prescottvalleyrealestate #Prescottvalleyhomes #Prescottvalleyland #Chinovalleyrealestate #Chinovalleyhomes #Chinovalleyland #Arizonarealestate #Arizonahomes #realestate #homes #prescott #chinovalley #Prescottvalley #buyers

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

West USA Realty of Prescott: Strengthening Community Bonds Through Real Estate and Charitable Engagement

-
  Cultivating Community Well-being with West USA Realty of Prescott At West USA Realty of Prescott , we do more than just facilitate real estate transactions. We are committed to enriching the lives of Prescott residents by actively engaging with Pony 4 Precious , a Prescott, Arizona non-profit organization dedicated to children's education and animal welfare, epitomizes our approach to corporate social responsibility. This partnership not only enriches our community but also underscores the role real estate can play in broader societal contexts. The Vision and Impact of West USA Realty of Prescott West USA Realty of Prescott has a storied history of integrity and community involvement. As one of the premier real estate firms in Prescott, Arizona, we are known not just for our professional excellence but also for our deep commitment to giving back to the community. We participate actively in local charities, attend events, and support various initiatives that benefit both people a...
Read more

Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns

-
Image
 Mike Eastwood Author-Chief Executive Officer of Bello Sol Inc/West USA Realty of Prescott states.  Last week,   Fannie Mae   released their   Home Purchase Sentiment Index   (HPSI). Though the survey showed 77% of respondents believe it’s a “good time to sell,” it also confirms what many are sensing: an increasing number of Americans believe it’s a “bad time to buy” a home. The percentage of those surveyed saying it’s a “bad time to buy” hit 64%, up from 56% last month and 38% last July. The latest HPSI explains: “Consumers also continued to cite high home prices as the predominant reason for their ongoing and significant divergence in sentiment toward homebuying and home-selling conditions.   While all surveyed segments have expressed greater negativity toward homebuying over the last few months, renters who say they are planning to buy a home in the next few years have demonstrated an even steeper decline in homebuying sentiment than homeowners. It’...
Read more

Unlocking Attainable Homeownership Strategies for Generation Z

-
  In the contemporary, fast-paced world, the aspiration of possessing a domicile stands as a fundamental element of the American Dream. It embodies constancy, self-sufficiency, and a sanctuary to call one's personal sanctuary. However, for Generation Z, affectionately known as "Zoomers," born between 1997 and 2012, the realization of this vision may seem increasingly formidable. In the face of surging mortgage interest rates and soaring residential property values, the voyage toward property ownership can resemble a steep ascent. Nevertheless, the accomplishment of procuring one's inaugural home remains entirely feasible, even within the current real estate milieu. This composition will delve into a spectrum of meticulously tailored approaches intended expressly for Generation Z to transmute the dream of homeownership into a tangible reality. Exploring Avenues of Down Payment Support Given the perpetual escalation in residential property prices, accumulating funds for...
Read more