Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership

No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.Over the last few years, we’ve fully embraced the meaning of our homes as we spent more time than ever in them. As a result, the emotional benefits our homes provide have become even more important to us.As the most recent State of the American Homeowner from Unison puts it:“. . . one thing has stayed the same: the home continues to be of the utmost importance and a place of security and comfort.”The same study from Unison notes:91% of homeowners say they feel secure, stable, or successful owning a home64% of American homeowners say living through a pandemic has made their home more important to them than everIt’s no surprise this study also reveals that homeowners now love their homes even more as our attachments to them have grown:The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also explains:“In addition to tangible financial benefits, homeownership brings substantial social benefits for [households], communities, and the country as a whole.”In other words, not only does owning a home build your net worth over time, but it also gives you and your loved ones a place to thrive. And by living near people with shared experiences, homeownership helps you connect with your community and contribute meaningfully.Bottom LineWhether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing to something that better fits your changing lifestyle, let me be the key to unlocking a home you can truly fall in love with.

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What You Should Know About Closing Costs

Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for.What Are Closing Costs?People are sometimes surprised by closing costs because they don’t know what they are. According to Bankrate:“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .”In other words, your closing costs are a collection of fees and payments involved with your transaction. According to Freddie Mac, while they can vary by location and situation, closing costs typically include: Government recording costs Appraisal fees Credit report fees Lender origination fees Title services Tax service fees Survey fees Attorney fees Underwriting FeesHow Much Will You Need To Budget for Closing Costs?Understanding what closing costs include is important, but knowing what you’ll need to budget to cover them is critical, too. According to the Freddie Mac article mentioned above, the costs to close are typically between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price of your home. With that in mind, here’s how you can get an idea of what you’ll need to cover your closing costs.Let’s say you find a home you want to purchase for the median price of $366,900. Based on the 2-5% Freddie Mac estimate, your closing fees could be between roughly $7,500 and $18,500.Keep in mind, if you’re in the market for a home above or below this price range, your closing costs will be higher or lower.What’s the Best Way To Make Sure You’re Prepared at Closing Time?Freddie Mac provides great advice for homebuyers, saying:“As you start your homebuying journey, take the time to get a sense of all costs involved – from your down payment to closing costs.”Work with a team of trusted real estate professionals to understand exactly how much you’ll need to budget for closing costs. An agent can help connect you with a lender, and together your expert team can answer any questions you might have.Bottom LineIt’s important to plan for the fees and payments you’ll be responsible for at closing. Let’s connect so I can help you feel confident throughout the process.

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How To Win as a Buyer in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights In today’s housing market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. To win as a buyer, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd. Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play.

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