
Does It Make Sense To Buy a Home Right Now?
š Thinking about buying a home? If so, you’re probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision. Read moreā¦
Welcome to 1025 Eastwood Street, a lovingly cared-for home nestled on a tree-lined corner in Vallejoās sought-after Springs Manor subdivision. Owned and cherished by the same multigenerational family for over 65 years, this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence is now ready to begin its next chapter. Thoughtfully updated and move-in ready, it offers comfort, character, and exceptional value in one of the Bay Areaās last affordable pockets.
3 Bedrooms | 1 Full Bath
1,030 Sq Ft of Bright, Natural Light-Filled Living
Laminate Flooring in Main Living Spaces + New Carpet in Bedrooms
Fresh Interior Paint and Updated Lighting
Dual Pane Windows Throughout
Spacious, Fully Fenced Yard with Mature Landscaping
Raised Garden Beds + Potting Bench + Covered Patio
Detached Storage Shed for Added Utility
Located on a Corner Lot in a Quiet, Residential Neighborhood
This warm and welcoming single-story home offers the perfect blend of simplicity and potential, ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers, or anyone craving a peaceful retreat with outdoor space to grow and entertain.
Springs Manor is a quiet, established neighborhood known for its friendly vibe, tree-lined streets, and pride of ownership. You're within minutes of local parks including Blue Rock Springs Park, Hanns Park, and Glen Cove Waterfront Park ā great for weekend strolls, picnics, or letting the kids run free.
Nearby schools include:
Highland Elementary School
Solano Middle School
Jesse Bethel High School
Youāre also just blocks from neighborhood shopping, cafes, and freeway access for an easy commute.
Located at the gateway to the Bay Area, Vallejo is one of Northern Californiaās most vibrant and historic cities. Once the first capital of California and home to the historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo blends maritime heritage with an emerging creative spirit. Today, itās a cultural hub filled with artists, entrepreneurs, and families who love the balance of community and convenience.
Only 1 mile to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal ā an easy 1-hour scenic ride into San Franciscoās Financial District
Direct access to Highways 29, 37, I-80 & I-780
Just 25 minutes to Napa Valley wine country, 30 minutes to Walnut Creek, and under 45 minutes to downtown San Francisco
Vallejo Waterfront Marina ā enjoy live music, local markets, and bay views
Mare Island Brewery & Shoreline Heritage Preserve ā history, hiking trails, and craft beer
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom ā family fun just minutes away
Napa Valley Wineries ā world-class wine tasting just up the road
Downtown Vallejo Art Walk ā monthly artist showcase in the historic district
Napoli Pizzeria ā a Vallejo staple for over 50 years
Provisions ā hip, locally owned brunch + lunch cafĆ©
Zio Fraedoās ā waterfront dining with panoramic views
Mare Island Brewing Co. ā top-notch craft brews and harbor views
Moschetti Coffee Roasters ā local roastery offering weekend tastings
Vallejo remains one of the Bay Areaās most affordable housing markets, with charming homes, larger lots, and real neighborhood feel ā all while being within commuting distance to major job centers. Whether youāre priced out of neighboring cities or simply want more value for your dollar, Vallejo offers incredible upside, a rich cultural fabric, and unbeatable location.
š1025 Eastwood Street, Vallejo is more than just a home ā itās your opportunity to plant roots in a community rich in history, nature, and potential.
šļø Schedule a showing today and come see why Vallejo might just be your next perfect move.
Working with Amanda Lee, a dedicated real estate agent partnered with Navigate Real Estate, offers a multifaceted approach to buying or selling a home in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a keen understanding of the local market dynamics, Amanda leverages Navigate Real Estate's tech-forward tools and client-driven ethos to ensure a seamless and efficient transaction process. Her specialization in Solano and Napa Counties allows her to provide tailored insights and personalized guidance, whether clients are searching for their dream home or aiming to sell their property at the best possible price.
I see home as more than a house, so I approach real estate as more than a transaction. It's how I build relationships - by making people feel happy and confident about the biggest investment of their lives. This is more than my profession; it's my passion because my family never forgets how much home truly means to you and your family. So when you're ready for your next moment or your next adventure, call Me, Amanda Lee. I'll help you get there.
I can't express how grateful we are for Amanda's exceptional services as our real estate agent. Buying a home using a VA loan can be a daunting task, but Amanda's expertise and commitment made the process smoother than we could have ever imagined. Her connections who had extensive knowledge of the VA loan system allowed us to get thousands of dollars in fees waived and in this real estate market it was a game-changer for us.
-Martin Vories
Bought a Single Family home in Granada heights, Vallejo, CA.
Amanda was such a joy to be able to work with! My fiancƩ and I are first time homebuyers. We met her at an open house that she was showing. This was the home we ended up buying, as we had fallen in love with it pretty much right away! As someone who was new to the homebuying process, Amanda was always there to answer any and all questions we had. She walked us through the whole process with confidence, care, and professionalism. Her great expertise and friendly advice as well as her just being an awesome person made this process so easy. It's been my dream to become a homeowner and Amanda helped make that dream a reality. If you are considering buying your new home, please please choose Amanda as your realtor. She is so kind, honest, and truly just wants the very best for you and your new home! I highly recommend her! Thank you Amanda!
kristynreano 707
Bought a Single Family home in Glen cove, Vallejo, CA.
Amanda was an incredible agent! She provided us with incredibly We are first-time home buyers, and Amanda was always looking out for my fiancee's needs throughout out the process. Wouldn't use anyone else because she truly understands the Benicia/Vallejo area. Thank you again Amanda! We hope that the whole neighborhood realizes how much amazing you are an you continue to help more people through the home buying process!
-Christopherpark 707
Bought a Single Family home Glen cove, Vallejo, CA
Thinking about buying a home? If so, youāre probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but hereās some information that can help you decide.
Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 expertsāeconomists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategistsāwhat they think will happen with home prices.
In the latest survey, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up for the next five years (see graph below):
Hereās what all the green on this chart should tell you. Theyāre not expecting any price declines. Instead, theyāre saying weāll see a 3-4% rise each year.
And even though home prices arenāt expected to climb by as much in 2025 as they are 2024, keep in mind these increases can really add up over time. It works like this. If these experts are right and your homeās value goes up by 3.78% this year, itās set to grow another 3.36% next year. And another 3.87% the year after that.
Knowing that prices are forecasted to keep going up should make you feel good about buying a home. Thatās because it means your home is an asset thatās projected to grow in value in the years ahead.
If youāre not convinced yet, maybe these numbers will get your attention. They show how a typical homeās value could change over the next few years using expert projections from the HPES. Check out the graph below:
In this example, imagine you bought a home for $400,000 at the start of this year. Based on these projections, you could end up gaining over $83,000 in household wealth over the next five years as your home grows in value.
Of course, you could also wait ā but if you do, buying a home is just going to end up costing you more.
If youāre thinking itās time to get your own place, and youāre ready and able to do so, buying now might make sense. Your home is expected to keep getting more valuable as prices go up. Letās team up to start looking for your next home today.
š Thinking about buying a home? If so, you’re probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision. Read moreā¦
š Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know todayās market is competitive in many areas because Read moreā¦
š If youāre trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to…
š š If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…
š Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…
š” Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…
Are you thinking aboutĀ buyingĀ a home soon? If so, you should know todayās market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low ā and thatās leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak home buying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more.
Remember these four tips to make your best offer.
Rely on aĀ real estate agentĀ who can support your goals. AsĀ PODSĀ notes:
āMaking an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, butĀ having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.ā
Agents are local market experts. They know whatās worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for. That advice can be game changing when youāre deciding what offer to bring to the table.
Knowing your numbers is even more important right now. The best way to understand your budget is to work with a lender so you can getĀ pre-approvedĀ for a home loan. Doing so helps you be more financially confident and shows sellers youāre serious. That gives you aĀ competitive edge. AsĀ InvestopediaĀ says:
ā. . . sellers have an advantage because of intense buyer demand and a limited number of homes for sale;Ā they may be less likely to consider offers without pre-approval letters.ā
Itās only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home, especially whenĀ affordabilityĀ is tight. However, submitting an offer thatās too low does have some risks. You donāt want to make an offer thatāll be tossed out as soon as itās received just to see if it sticks. AsĀ Realtor.comĀ explains:
ā. . .Ā an offer price thatās significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insultedĀ . . . Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price. However,Ā if a seller is offended by a buyer or isnāt taking the buyer seriously, thereās not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.ā
The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price thatās fair to you and the seller.
After you submit your offer, the seller may decide to counter it. When negotiating, itās smart to understand what matters to the seller. Once you do, being as flexible as you can on things like moving dates or the condition of the house can make your offer more attractive.
YourĀ real estate agentĀ is your partner in navigating these details. Trust them to lead you through negotiations and help you figure out the best plan. As an article from theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR)Ā explains:
āThere are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transactionāfrom price to repairs to possession date.Ā A real estate professional whoās representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needsĀ . . .āĀ
In todayās competitive market, letās work together to find you a home you love and craft a strong offer that stands out.Ā
š Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know todayās market is competitive in many areas because Read moreā¦
š If youāre trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to…
š š If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…
š Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…
š” Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…
š Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.
If youāre trying toĀ buy a homeĀ and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. Thatās a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if youāre looking toĀ break intoĀ the housing market or want to stretch your budget further.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ NerdWallet:
āBuying a fixer-upper can provide a path to homeownership for first-time home buyers or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood.Ā With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if youāre on a budget.ā
Basically, since the number of homes for sale is still so low, if youāre only willing to tour homes that have all your dream features, you may be cutting down your options too much and making it harder on yourself than necessary. It may be time to cast a wider net.
Hereās some information that can help you pinpoint what you truly need so you can be strategic in yourĀ home search. First, make a list of all the features you want in a home. From there, work to break those features into categories like this:
Once youāve sorted your list in a way that works for you, share it with yourĀ real estate agent. Theyāll help you find homes that deliver on your top needs right now and have the potential to be your dream home with a little bit of sweat equity. Lean on their expertise as you think through whatās possible, what features are easy to change or add, and how to make it happen.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ Progressive:
āMany real estate agents specialize in finding fixer-uppers and have a network of inspectors, contractors, electricians, and the like.ā
Your agent can also offer advice on which upgrades and renovations will set you up to get the greatest return on your investment if you ever decide to sell down the line.
If you havenāt found a home you love thatās in your budget, it may be worth thinking through all your options, including fixer-uppers. Sometimes the perfect home for you is the one you perfect after buying it. To see whatās available in our area,Ā letās connect.
Ā
š š If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…
š Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…
š” Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…
š Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. Lenders review your credit to see if you typically make payments on time, pay back debts, and more. Your credit score can also help determine your mortgage rate. An article from US Bank explains:
āA credit score isnāt the only deciding factor on your mortgage application, but itās a significant one. So, when youāre house shopping, itās important to know where your credit stands and how to use it to get the best mortgage rate possible.ā
That means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying plans right now since mortgage rates are a key factor in affordability. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the median credit score in the U.S. for those taking out a mortgage is 770. But that doesnāt mean your credit score has to be perfect. The same article from US Bank explains:
āYour credit score (commonly called a FICO Score) can range from 300 at the low end to 850 at the high end. A score of 740 or above is generally considered very good, but you donāt need that score or above to buy a home.ā
Working with a trusted lender is the best way to get more information on how your credit score could factor into your home loan and the mortgage rate youāre able to get. As FICO says:
āWhile many lenders use credit scores like FICO Scores to help them make lending decisions, each lender has its own strategy, including the level of risk it finds acceptable. There is no single ācutoff scoreā used by all lenders and there are many additional factors that lenders may use to determine your actual interest rates.ā
If youāre looking for ways to improve your score, Experian highlights some things you may want to focus on:
Finding ways to make your credit score better could help you get a lower mortgage rate. If you want to learn more, talk to a trusted lender.
š š If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…
š Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…
š” Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…
š Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
If youāre planning toĀ buyĀ your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to theĀ down payment. That might be because youāve heard you need to save 20% of the homeās price to put down. Well, that isnāt necessarily the case.
Unless specified by your loan type or lender, itās typically not required to put 20% down. That means you could be closer to yourĀ homebuying dreamĀ than you realize.
AsĀ The Mortgage ReportsĀ says:
āAlthough putting down 20% to avoid mortgage insurance is wise if affordable,Ā itās a myth that this is always necessary. In fact, most people opt for a much lower down payment.ā
AccordingĀ to theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR), the median down payment hasnāt been over 20% since 2005. In fact, for all homebuyers today itās only 15%. And itās even lower for first-time homebuyers at just 8% (see graph below):
The big takeaway? You may not need to save as much as you originally thought.
AccordingĀ toĀ Down Payment Resource, there are also over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., and many of them are intended to help with down payments.
Plus, there are loan options that can help too. For example,Ā FHA loansĀ offer down payments as low asĀ 3.5%, whileĀ VAĀ andĀ USDA loansĀ have no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.
With so many resources available to help with your down payment, the best way to find what you qualify for is by consulting with your loan officer or broker. They know about local grants and loan programs that may help you out.
Donāt let the misconception that you have to have 20% saved up hold you back. If youāre ready to become a homeowner, lean on the professionals to find resources that can help you make your dreams a reality. If you put your plans on hold until youāve saved up 20%, it may actually cost you in the long run.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ U.S. Bank:
ā. . . there are plenty of reasons why it might not be possible.Ā For some, waiting to save up 20% for a down payment may ācostā too much time.Ā While youāre saving for your down payment and paying rent, the price of your future home may go up.ā
Home prices are expected toĀ keep appreciatingĀ over the next 5 years ā meaning your future home will likely go up in price the longer you wait. If youāre able to use these resources to buy now, that future price growth will help you build equity, rather than cost you more.
Keep in mind that you donāt always need a 20% down payment to buy aĀ home. If youāre looking to make a move this year, letās connect to start the conversation about your homebuying goals.
Ā
š Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…
š” Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…
š Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. What experts forecast will happen with…
BuyingĀ your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, itās aĀ dreamĀ you can make come true, but there are some hurdles youāll need to overcome in todayās housing market ā specifically the limited supply ofĀ homes for saleĀ and ongoingĀ affordabilityĀ challenges.
So, if youāre ready, willing, and able toĀ buyĀ your first home, here are three tips to help you turn your dream into a reality.
Paying the initial costs of homeownership, like your down payment and closing costs, can feel a bit daunting. But there are many assistance programs forĀ first-time homebuyersĀ that can help you get a loan with little or no money upfront.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ Bankrate:
ā. . . you might qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan or assistance. First-time buyer loans typically have more flexible requirements,Ā such as a lower down payment and credit score. Many help buyers with closing costs and the down payment through grants and low-interest loans.ā
To find out more, talk to your stateās housing authority or check out websites likeĀ Down Payment Resource.
Right now, there arenāt enough homes for sale for everyone who wants to buy one. Thatās pushing home prices up and making affordability tight for buyers. One way to deal with that issue and find a home right now is to consider condos and townhomes.Ā Realtor.comĀ explains:
āFor many newbies, it might just be a matter of making a shift toward something they can better affordālike a condo or townhome.Ā These lower-cost homes have historically been a stepping stone for buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to a single-family home.ā
One reason why they may be more affordable is because theyāre often smaller. But they still give you the chance to get your foot in the door and achieve your goal of owning a home and building equity. And that equity can help fuel your move into a larger home later on if you decide you need something bigger in the future. Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Analyst atĀ Realtor.com,Ā says:
āCondos can help prospective homebuyers who perhaps have a smaller budget, but who are really determined to get a foothold in the market and start to accumulate some equity.Ā It can be a really great entry point.ā
Another way to break into the market is by purchasing a home withĀ friends or loved ones. That way you can split the cost of things like the mortgage and bills, to make it easier to afford a home.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ Money.com:
āBuying a home with another person has some obvious advantages in the mortgage department.Ā With two incomes in the mix, buyers can likely qualify for a larger mortgage ā a big help in todayās high-cost market.ā
By exploring first-time homebuyer assistance, condos, townhomes, and multi-generational living, it can be easier toĀ find and buyĀ yourĀ first home. When youāre ready, letās connect.
š Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. What experts forecast will happen with…
š” Key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Hereās a list of things to remember…
š Your homeās equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.ā
Chances are at some point in your life youāve heard the phrase,Ā home is where the heart is. Thereās a reason thatās said so often. Becoming aĀ homeownerĀ is emotional.
So, if youāre trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if youāreĀ ready to buyĀ a home this year, hereās why itās so easy to fall in love withĀ homeownership.
Your house should be a space thatās uniquely you. And, if youāre a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of white, you donāt have much control over the upgrades, and youāve got to be careful how many holes you put in the walls. But when youāre aĀ homeowner, you have a lot more freedom. As theĀ National Association of RealtorsĀ (NAR)Ā says:
āThe home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.ā
Whether you want to paint the walls a cheery bright color or go for a dark moody tone, you can match your interior to your vibe. Imagine how it would feel to come home at the end of the day and walk into a space that feels like you.
One of the hardest things about renting is the uncertainty of what happens at the end of your lease. Does your payment go up so much that you have to move? What if your landlord decides to sell the property? Itās like youāre always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jeff Ostrowski, a business journalist covering real estate and the economy, explains how homeownership can give you more peace of mind in aĀ Money GeekĀ article:
āHomeownership means you are the boss and have the biggest say in your lifestyle and family decisions. Suppose your kids are in public school and you donāt want to risk having them change schools because your landlord doesnāt renew your lease. Owning a home would remove much of the risk of having to move.ā
You may also find you feel much more at home in the community once you own a house. Thatās because, when youĀ buy a home, youāre staking a claim and saying, Iām a part of this community. Youāll have neighbors, block parties, and more. And thatāll give you the feeling of being a part of something bigger. As theĀ International Housing AssociationĀ explains:
ā. . . homeowning households are more socially involved in community affairs than their renting counterparts. This is due to both the fact that homeowners expect to remain in the community for a longer period of time and that homeowners have an ownership stake in the neighborhood.ā
Becoming a homeowner is aĀ journeyĀ ā and it may have been a long road to get to the point where youāre ready to take the plunge. If youāre seriously considering leaving behind your rental and making this commitment, you should know the emotions that come with thisĀ owning a homeĀ are powerful. Youāll be able to walk up to your front door every day and have that sense of accomplishment welcome you home.Ā
A home is a place that reflects who you are, a safe space for the ones you love the most, and a reflection of all youāve accomplished. Letās connect if youāre ready to break up with your rental and buy a home.
Ā
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. What experts forecast will happen with…
š” Key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Hereās a list of things to remember…
š Your homeās equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.ā
š” If your house didn’t sell and your listing has expired, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment.
The first sign of a sustainable fall in mortgage costs will likely inspire thousands of young Americans to jump into the property market for the first time.
But making your first purchase is not just about finding the ideal property; there is lots to think about.
You want to have a good team working for you, including a great agent, lawyer and mortgage broker, who will all help you navigate through the buying process.
Inexperienced buyers often do not realize there are several types of loans to choose from to ensure your first home is affordable.
The selection of banks and their various loan products can be bewildering, even for an experienced buyer. This is why more than $26 billion is expected to pass through the hands of brokers in America this year, according to researcher IBIS World.
This checklist will give you a head start.
Fixed-rate loan
This is the most popular loan, although with rates at around 6% to 7%, many buyers are waiting for the percentage to drop before fixing their rate. Loans can run for 30 years.
Ups and downs
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) will give you the benefit of falling mortgage costs when the rates go down. If the economic picture remains stable, this is a good time to opt for an ARM.
FHA loan
To qualify for a Federal Housing Administration loan, you need to meet certain criteria. You only need a deposit of 3.5% but the loan limit maxes out at $417,000. Government-backed, these loans are available for 15 or 30-year periods only.
VA loan
If you’ve served in the military, you will qualify for a Veteran Affairs loan. You’ll either have needed to serve for 180 consecutive days, or seen active duty for 90 days. The rate currently stands around 5.7%, some 20% cheaper than those offered by a commercial bank.
USDA loan
This is the perfect product for families living outside cities. The Government will give you a 100% mortgage to make ownership of a rural home an achievable goal. Your repayments must not exceed 41% of your total household income. The current adjustable rate is hovering around 7%.
š¦ Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š©ā𦳠Have you ever heard the term āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot…
š Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. What experts forecast will happen with…
š” Key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Hereās a list of things to remember…
š Your homeās equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you owe on your mortgage.ā
š” If your house didn’t sell and your listing has expired, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment.
Have you ever heard theĀ termĀ āSilver Tsunamiā and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because thereās been lot of talk about it online recently. Let’s dive into what it is and why it won’t drastically impact the housing market.
A recent article fromĀ HousingWireĀ calls it:
ā. . . a colloquialism referring toĀ aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate agingĀ . . .ā
The thought is that as baby boomersĀ grow older, a significant number will startĀ downsizingĀ their homes. Considering how large that generation is, if these moves happened in a big wave, it would affect the housing market by causing a significant uptick in the number of larger homes for sale. That influx of homes coming onto the market would impact the balance of supply and demand and more.
The concept makes sense in theory, but will it happen? And if so, when?
Experts say, so far, a silver tsunami hasnāt happened ā and it probably won’t anytime soon. According to that sameĀ articleĀ fromĀ HousingWire:
ā. . . the silver tsunamiās transformative potential for the U.S. housing marketĀ has not yet materialized in any meaningful way, and few expect it to anytime soon.ā
Hereās just one reason why. Many baby boomers donāt want to move.Ā DataĀ from theĀ AARPĀ shows over half of the surveyed adults ages 65 and up plan to stay put and age in place in their current home rather than move (see chart below):
Clearly, not every baby boomer is planning to sell or move ā and even those who do wonāt do it all at once. Instead, it will be more gradual, happening slowly over time. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist atĀ First American,Ā says:
āDemographics are never a tsunami.Ā The baby boomer generation is almost two decades of births. That means they’re going to take about two decades to work their way through.ā
If youāre worried about a Silver Tsunami shaking up the housing market, donāt be. Any impact from baby boomers moving will be gradual over many years. FlemingĀ sumsĀ it up best:
Ā
āDemographic trends, they don’t tsunami. They trickle.ā
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