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We know you know that buying a house is a major investment—one that can pay off in more ways than one, but still a major investment. This can weigh on a first-time homebuyer who has never made such a large financial commitment.
Many would-be homebuyers are feeling the pinch from rising interest rates, but you don’t have to! APM has buydown options to help you reduce your mortgage interest rate and get you the lowest monthly payments possible.
Interest rate buydowns are the key to lower interest rates, a smaller monthly mortgage payment, and saving you money.
It's the month of love and we wanted to share some financial love with you in celebration! Below are some articles about smart money moves, buying investment properties (hint: down payment requirements have changed!), and ways to save in filing your taxes this year. We even included a delicious salmon recipe if you're feeling like a spring meal!
As we move through January, we've been reflecting on the enduring values championed by Martin Luther King Jr.
The real estate waiting game is no fun. But with today’s high interest rate, some would-be buyers think it’s prudent to play if they want to secure the best homeownership deal. The problem with that is you miss out on homeownership opportunities today, including less competition and falling prices in many markets.
Do you think owning multi-family dwellings—duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes—is only for the 1%? Think again, because now all you need is 5%!
As of November 18, 2023, Fannie Mae has lowered its required down payment on owner-occupied multi-family properties from between 15% and 25% to just 5%. That’s right: Five. Percent. Down.
It’s a tough market out there right now for people who are looking to buy a house. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to move, the current mortgage rates and high home prices can be limiting. Many homebuyers are second-guessing whether now is the right time for them to buy.
If you or a loved one have served your country and are now looking to buy a home, you may wonder if you qualify for a VA loan.
VA mortgage loans offer tons of benefits, like no down payment requirements, no private mortgage insurance (PMI) monthly payment, and flexible underwriting guidelines.
Buying a home is full of questions. Should we? Shouldn’t we? Can I afford to? Can I afford not to? All these questions are deeply personal, which means their answers will depend on your financial situation and long-term goals.
When it comes to investments, many people say it’s all about timing. While that’s good advice in theory, there’s simply no way to time the market if you’re purchasing a sizable investment like buying a house. In a perfect world, interest rates and prices would both be low—and this does happen, but not very frequently.
Not everyone comes from money, but there are decisions you can make today to set up future generations for long-term success. And by long-term success, we mean a true financial legacy. One of the easiest ways for the average person to do this is through real estate.
We know buying a home can be intimidating. There are so many variables that can go into this big decision. Then there’s what you think you know—and what others think they know. A lot of this information can come from secondhand sources or even “expert” opinions you see on TV or on the internet. These opinions aren’t always wrong, but what they don’t take into account is your specific situation—or the fact that you have APM on your side.
High inflation is no fun. Though everyone pays the same higher prices, periods of rising inflation don’t have the same impact on all Americans. A person’s investment strategy—including real estate, investments in the stock market and S&P 500, and their retirement plan—can be a good inflation hedge.
Higher interest rate environments can make it difficult to buy a home, but there are silver linings and workarounds. The good news is that higher interest rates often mean less competition, lower prices, and eager sellers. These sellers can be more willing to consider concessions than they would have been in a hotter market. Today you may be able to negotiate who pays for many closing costs, including mortgage discount points.
Seller concessions almost never sound like a very good idea…to the home seller. For the prospective buyer, on the other hand, a little give here and there may be just what they need to close the deal and pay full asking price for your home. One of the most popular seller concessions in any real estate market is an interest rate buydown.
Move-Up Buyers Moonlight as Landlords
In addition to low inventory, the housing market has encountered a newer challenge: rising mortgage rates, which hit 7% recently. This has caused problems for would-be and move-up homebuyers alike.
Housing budgets are serious discussions because homes are serious investments. Home buyers expect to pay a down payment when buying a home. That amount can range based on qualification and the amount of assets available. Down payments start as low as 3% and can go as high as needed to get the payment at that comfort level.
There’s always a lot of back and forth when you buy a home. It’s called the negotiation process, and it’s one of the reasons you need a great realtor. Potential buyers want to secure the best sale price possible, while a seller wants to achieve their list price—if not more. Some sellers also want to sell as quickly as possible.
