FOR SALE

→ 624 Annette Ave

$469,900

Vallejo

624 Annette Ave

2 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 860 sq. ft

Offered for $469,000

FEATURES

MLS: 325025736
APN# 0071-145-260
2 Bedrooms
1 Bath
860 sq. ft.
6,098 sq. ft. Lot
Year Built: 1942
Subdivision: Steffan Manor
Levels: Single Story
Garage: One Car

Roof: Composition Shingle
Utilities: PG&E
Water Source: Public
Sewer: Public
HVAC: Central Air/Heat
Refinished Hardwood Flooring
Remodeled Kitchen
Updated Bathroom
New Pain Interior and exterior
Ferry to the City

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SUMMARY

624 Annette Ave, Vallejo, CA 94591
2 Beds | 1 Bath | 860 Sq Ft | $TBD

Welcome to 624 Annette Avenue, a picture-perfect gem nestled in Vallejo’s sought-after Steffan Manor neighborhood. This lovingly updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home is move-in ready and full of heart—from its original mid-century character to its fresh, modern touches. You'll be instantly charmed by details like the heart-shaped shutters, beautifully refinished hardwood floors, and bright, welcoming curb appeal.

Inside, you'll find a thoughtfully remodeled kitchen with warm butcher block countertops, shaker-style cabinetry, stylish new lighting, and a tastefully updated bathroom. A fresh coat of paint inside and out, plus a brand-new roof, means you can move in with peace of mind. The upgraded 200-amp electrical panel is solar-ready, and the attached single-car garage with an extra parking pad offers plenty of practicality.

But the magic continues outdoors—step into a backyard oasis with over 5,000 sq ft of usable space. Enjoy the covered patio for al fresco dining, cultivate your dream garden with two garden sheds ready for tools and storage, or explore expansion opportunities like an ADU, hot tub, or home addition. This flat lot offers endless possibilities and room to grow.

Located on a peaceful, tree-lined street, this home offers ideal proximity to Steffan Manor Elementary School, plus nearby parks like Terrace Park and Hanns Memorial Park, which offer walking trails, play areas, and open space for recreation. Gateway Plaza Shopping Center, coffee shops, and local eateries are just minutes away.

Living in Vallejo means enjoying Bay Area convenience with a rich local vibe. Just a quick drive or bike ride takes you to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal, offering an easy and scenic commute to San Francisco. Take in the stunning waterfront views at the Vallejo Marina, spend weekends exploring the revitalized Mare Island Historic District, or soak up culture and history in the city’s Architectural Heritage Neighborhood, where vintage homes and civic pride still thrive.

Vallejo is one of the Bay Area’s best-kept secrets—offering affordability, diversity, art, nature, and history all in one community. Whether you're a first-time buyer or downsizing into stylish simplicity, 624 Annette Ave is the perfect place to plant roots and flourish.

LISTING AGENT

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

EVERY HOME HAS A STORY...

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.

WHY NAVIGATE REAL ESTATE

Global Connections

Connected to over 460,000 Agents Worldwide in more than 100 countries you can be assured your home will be seen around the world.

Market Share

With over five decades of combined real estate experience, our team of agents and local experts bring an exceptional level of knowledge, teamwork, and diligence to help clients achieve their real estate goals.

$4.0+ Billion

Thousands of properties sold. Over $4.0+ billion in combined volume. You can trust your dealing with experts who will get it done

Happy Campers

Check our reviews. Our client's love us. We put in the work, and always put you first. Trust, integrity, honesty and passion!

If you live here already, you know how blessed we are. If you're considering living or investing here, you've probably experienced some of the area's extraordinary possibilities: country settings and small-town communities; enthralling agricultural beauty, and true farm to fork lifestyle, If Northern California is your real estate destination, you've arrived at the right spot. Whether you're looking to buy your first home - or to sell an estate - expect nothing less from us than a Meritage blend of real estate expertise, professional service, creativity, and a passion for achieving your goals.

TESTIMONIALS

WHATMY HAPPY CLIENTS SAY...

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 fiancé 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

More Reviews

For 7/12/2025

30 Year Fixed	6.625%
15 Year Fixed	5.99%
7/6 ARM	6.75%

For general informational purposes only. Actual rates available to you will depend on many factors including lender, income, credit, location, and property value. Contact a mortgage broker to find out what programs are available to you.

Mortgage calculator estimates are provided by NavigateRE and are intended for information use only. Your payments may be higher or lower and all loans are subject to credit approval.

FOR SALE

→ 1025 Eastwood St

$489,900

Vallejo

1025 Eastwood St

3 Bedroom | 1 Bath | 1,030 sq. ft

Offered for $489,900

FEATURES

MLS: 325028542
3 Bedrooms
1 Bath
1,030 sq. ft.
5,227 sq. ft. Lot
Year Built: 1951
Subdivision: Springs Manor
Levels: Single Story
Garage: Two Car
Dual Paned Windows

Roof: Composition Shngle
Utilities: PG&E
Water Source: Public
Sewer: Public
HVAC: Central Air/Heat
Laminate Flooring
Fresh Paint
Updated Lighting
Storage Shed
Raised Garden Beds

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SUMMARY

Welcome to 1025 Eastwood Street, a lovingly cared-for home nestled on a tree-lined corner in Vallejo’s 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 Area’s last affordable pockets.

✨ Property Features:

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.

🌳 Neighborhood Highlights: Springs Manor, East Vallejo

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 — great for weekend strolls, picnics, or letting the kids run free.

Nearby schools include:

Highland Elementary School
Solano Middle School
Jesse Bethel High School

You’re also just blocks from neighborhood shopping, cafes, and freeway access for an easy commute.

🌆 Welcome to Vallejo, CA – Charm, Culture & Bay Area Convenience

Located at the gateway to the Bay Area, Vallejo is one of Northern California’s 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, it’s a cultural hub filled with artists, entrepreneurs, and families who love the balance of community and convenience.

🛳️ Transportation & Location:

Only 1 mile to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal – an easy 1-hour scenic ride into San Francisco’s 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

🍷 Things to Do & Places to Go:

Vallejo Waterfront Marina – enjoy live music, local markets, and bay views
Mare Island Brewery & Shoreline Heritage Preserve – history, hiking trails, and craft beer
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – family fun just minutes away
Napa Valley Wineries – world-class wine tasting just up the road
Downtown Vallejo Art Walk – monthly artist showcase in the historic district

🍴 Local Dining & Sipping Favorites:

Napoli Pizzeria – a Vallejo staple for over 50 years
Provisions – hip, locally owned brunch + lunch café
Zio Fraedo’s – waterfront dining with panoramic views
Mare Island Brewing Co. – top-notch craft brews and harbor views
Moschetti Coffee Roasters – local roastery offering weekend tastings

🏡 Why Buy in Vallejo?

Vallejo remains one of the Bay Area’s most affordable housing markets, with charming homes, larger lots, and real neighborhood feel — all while being within commuting distance to major job centers. Whether you’re priced out of neighboring cities or simply want more value for your dollar, Vallejo offers incredible upside, a rich cultural fabric, and unbeatable location.

📍1025 Eastwood Street, Vallejo is more than just a home – it’s your opportunity to plant roots in a community rich in history, nature, and potential.

🗝️ Schedule a showing today and come see why Vallejo might just be your next perfect move.

LISTING AGENT

WHO YOU WORK WITH MATTERS

EVERY HOME HAS A STORY...

WHY NAVIGATE REAL ESTATE

Global Connections

Connected to over 460,000 Agents Worldwide in more than 100 countries you can be assured your home will be seen around the world.

Market Share

$4.0+ Billion

Thousands of properties sold. Over $4.0+ billion in combined volume. You can trust your dealing with experts who will get it done

Happy Campers

Check our reviews. Our client's love us. We put in the work, and always put you first. Trust, integrity, honesty and passion!

TESTIMONIALS

WHATMY HAPPY CLIENTS SAY...

-Martin Vories
Bought a Single Family home in Granada heights, Vallejo, CA.

kristynreano 707
Bought a Single Family home in Glen cove, Vallejo, CA.

-Christopherpark 707
Bought a Single Family home Glen cove, Vallejo, CA

More Reviews

For 7/12/2025

30 Year Fixed	6.625%
15 Year Fixed	5.99%
7/6 ARM	6.75%

Mortgage calculator estimates are provided by NavigateRE and are intended for information use only. Your payments may be higher or lower and all loans are subject to credit approval.

Thinking about buying a home? If so, you’re probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here’s some information that can help you decide.

What’s Next for Home Prices?

Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists—what 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):

Here’s what all the green on this chart should tell you. They’re not expecting any price declines. Instead, they’re saying we’ll see a 3-4% rise each year.

And even though home prices aren’t 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 home’s value goes up by 3.78% this year, it’s set to grow another 3.36% next year. And another 3.87% the year after that.

What Does This Mean for You?

Knowing that prices are forecasted to keep going up should make you feel good about buying a home. That’s because it means your home is an asset that’s projected to grow in value in the years ahead.

If you’re not convinced yet, maybe these numbers will get your attention. They show how a typical home’s 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 – but if you do, buying a home is just going to end up costing you more.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking it’s time to get your own place, and you’re ready and able to do so, buying now might make sense. Your home is expected to keep getting more valuable as prices go up. Let’s team up to start looking for your next home today.

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Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s 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.

1. Partner with a Real Estate Agent

Rely on a real estate agent who can support your goals. As PODS notes:

“Making an offer on a home without an agent is certainly possible, but having a pro by your side gives you a massive advantage in figuring out what to offer on a house.”

Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for. That advice can be game changing when you’re deciding what offer to bring to the table.

2. Understand Your Budget

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 get pre-approved for a home loan. Doing so helps you be more financially confident and shows sellers you’re serious. That gives you a competitive edge. As Investopedia says:

“. . . sellers have an advantage because of intense buyer demand and a limited number of homes for sale; they may be less likely to consider offers without pre-approval letters.”

3. Make a Strong, but Fair Offer

It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home, especially when affordability is tight. However, submitting an offer that’s too low does have some risks. You don’t want to make an offer that’ll be tossed out as soon as it’s received just to see if it sticks. As Realtor.com explains:

“. . . an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted . . . 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, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.”

The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price that’s fair to you and the seller.

4. Trust Your Agent During Negotiations

After you submit your offer, the seller may decide to counter it. When negotiating, it’s 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.

Your real estate agent 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 the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs . . .”

Bottom Line

In today’s competitive market, let’s work together to find you a home you love and craft a strong offer that stands out.

4 Tips To Make Your Strongest Offer on a Home

🏠 Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because Read more…

Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper

🏠 If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to…

What To Know About Credit Scores Before Buying a Home

🏠📊 If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…

The Truth About Down Payments

🏠 Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…

Strategic Tips for Buying Your First Home

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If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into the housing market or want to stretch your budget further. According to NerdWallet:

“Buying 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. With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if you’re on a budget.”

Basically, since the number of homes for sale is still so low, if you’re 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.

Sometimes the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it.

Here’s some information that can help you pinpoint what you truly need so you can be strategic in your 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:

Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle.
Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender.
Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner.

Once you’ve sorted your list in a way that works for you, share it with your real estate agent. They’ll 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 what’s possible, what features are easy to change or add, and how to make it happen. According to Progressive:

“Many real estate agents specialize in finding fixer-uppers and have a network of inspectors, contractors, electricians, and the like.”

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.

Bottom Line

If you haven’t found a home you love that’s 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 what’s available in our area, let’s connect.

What To Know About Credit Scores Before Buying a Home

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The Truth About Down Payments

🏠 Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…

Strategic Tips for Buying Your First Home

🏡 Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership

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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:

“A credit score isn’t the only deciding factor on your mortgage application, but it’s a significant one. So, when you’re house shopping, it’s important to know where your credit stands and how to use it to get the best mortgage rate possible.”

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 doesn’t mean your credit score has to be perfect. The same article from US Bank explains:

“Your 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 don’t need that score or above to buy a home.”

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 you’re able to get. As FICO says:

“While 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 “cutoff score” used by all lenders and there are many additional factors that lenders may use to determine your actual interest rates.”

If you’re looking for ways to improve your score, Experian highlights some things you may want to focus on:

Your Payment History: Late payments can have a negative impact by dropping your score. Focus on making payments on time and paying any existing late charges quickly.
Your Debt Amount (relative to your credit limits): When it comes to your available credit amount, the less you’re using, the better. Focus on keeping this number as low as possible.
Credit Applications: If you’re looking to buy something, don’t apply for additional credit. When you apply for new credit, it could result in a hard inquiry on your credit that drops your score.

Bottom Line

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.

What To Know About Credit Scores Before Buying a Home

🏠📊 If you want to buy a home, you should know your credit score is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes…

The Truth About Down Payments

🏠 Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…

Strategic Tips for Buying Your First Home

🏡 Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership

🏠 Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.

Loan options for first-home buyers

🏦 Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot…

Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?

👩‍🦳 Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot…

If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case.

Unless specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. That means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize.

As The Mortgage Reports says:

“Although putting down 20% to avoid mortgage insurance is wise if affordable, it’s a myth that this is always necessary. In fact, most people opt for a much lower down payment.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. In fact, for all homebuyers today it’s only 15%. And it’s 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.

Learn About Resources That Can Help You Toward Your Goal

According to 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, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA loans 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.

Don’t let the misconception that you have to have 20% saved up hold you back. If you’re 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 you’ve saved up 20%, it may actually cost you in the long run. According to U.S. Bank:

“. . . there are plenty of reasons why it might not be possible. For some, waiting to save up 20% for a down payment may “cost” too much time. While you’re saving for your down payment and paying rent, the price of your future home may go up.”

Home prices are expected to keep appreciating over the next 5 years – meaning your future home will likely go up in price the longer you wait. If you’re able to use these resources to buy now, that future price growth will help you build equity, rather than cost you more.

Bottom Line

Keep in mind that you don’t always need a 20% down payment to buy a home. If you’re looking to make a move this year, let’s connect to start the conversation about your homebuying goals.

The Truth About Down Payments

🏠 Planning to buy your first home can be daunting, especially with the common belief that a 20% down payment is required, but that’s…

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🏡 Navigating the excitement and challenges of buying your first home involves overcoming today’s market hurdles with three key tips to make your dream…

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Loan options for first-home buyers

🏦 Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot…

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👩‍🦳 Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot…

Experts Project Home Prices Will Increase in 2024

📈 Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. What experts forecast will happen with…

Buying 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, it’s a dream you can make come true, but there are some hurdles you’ll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply of homes for sale and ongoing affordability challenges.

So, if you’re ready, willing, and able to buy your first home, here are three tips to help you turn your dream into a reality.

Save Money with First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Paying the initial costs of homeownership, like your down payment and closing costs, can feel a bit daunting. But there are many assistance programs for first-time homebuyers that can help you get a loan with little or no money upfront. According to Bankrate:

“. . . you might qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan or assistance. First-time buyer loans typically have more flexible requirements, 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.”

To find out more, talk to your state’s housing authority or check out websites like Down Payment Resource.

Expand Your Options by Looking at Condos and Townhomes

Right now, there aren’t enough homes for sale for everyone who wants to buy one. That’s 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. Realtor.com explains:

“For many newbies, it might just be a matter of making a shift toward something they can better afford—like a condo or townhome. These lower-cost homes have historically been a stepping stone for buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to a single-family home.”

One reason why they may be more affordable is because they’re 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 at Realtor.com, says:

“Condos 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. It can be a really great entry point.”

Consider Pooling Your Resources To Buy a Multi-Generational Home

Another way to break into the market is by purchasing a home with 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. According to Money.com:

“Buying a home with another person has some obvious advantages in the mortgage department. With two incomes in the mix, buyers can likely qualify for a larger mortgage — a big help in today’s high-cost market.”

Bottom Line

By exploring first-time homebuyer assistance, condos, townhomes, and multi-generational living, it can be easier to find and buy your first home. When you’re ready, let’s connect.

Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership

🏠 Dive into why becoming a homeowner is such a heartfelt journey and why it’s easy to fall in love with owning a home.

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Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional.

So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if you’re ready to buy a home this year, here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with homeownership.

Customizing to Your Heart’s Desire

Your house should be a space that’s uniquely you. And, if you’re a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of white, you don’t have much control over the upgrades, and you’ve got to be careful how many holes you put in the walls. But when you’re a homeowner, you have a lot more freedom. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.”

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.

Greater Stability for the Ones You Love Most

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? It’s like you’re 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 a Money Geek article:

“Homeownership 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 don’t want to risk having them change schools because your landlord doesn’t renew your lease. Owning a home would remove much of the risk of having to move.”

A Feeling of Belonging

You may also find you feel much more at home in the community once you own a house. That’s because, when you buy a home, you’re staking a claim and saying, I’m a part of this community. You’ll have neighbors, block parties, and more. And that’ll give you the feeling of being a part of something bigger. As the International Housing Association explains:

“. . . 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.”

The Emotional High of Achieving Your Dream

Becoming a homeowner is a journey – and it may have been a long road to get to the point where you’re ready to take the plunge. If you’re seriously considering leaving behind your rental and making this commitment, you should know the emotions that come with this owning a home are powerful. You’ll be able to walk up to your front door every day and have that sense of accomplishment welcome you home.

Bottom Line

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 you’ve accomplished. Let’s connect if you’re ready to break up with your rental and buy a home.

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Loan options for first-home buyers

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%.