SanAntonio.homes (sharing our 700th post on this blog)

After many years of providing real estate services at www.mySATexashomes.com, we have a new, easier to remember website, www.SanAntonio.homes. It is fast, it is mobile and it is a secure site. It works on the internet device of your choice. (did we mention no ads!) Feel the difference at a San Antonio hometown site for residential real estate.

Who Is Saying Don't Buy?

They Are All Wrong If They’re Telling You Not to Buy

Some folks suggest that because home prices have risen they are no longer affordable. That is so NOT true. The percent of median income to purchase the median priced home is lower today at 21.4% vs 1995-1999 at 24.2% or 2000-2003 at 26.2%. Checkout today’s report and see the 47 out of 50 states where home affordability is better today that it was in the 90’s.


Mortgage Interest Going Up… Should I Wait to Buy?

Some folks are also concerned that the 3.5% mortgage is not available and homes are unaffordable. Too low, too long has confused the situation. Checkout the link to today’s report – rates remain at historical lows (get them while you can). The charts in the report show only as high at 12.7% - I remember as high as 18% and I was right in the middle of buying an apartment building at the time. Markets adjust and people adjust. Still best not to wait when you can get a bargain today!


Interest Rates Have a Big Impact on Your Purchasing Power

If all things are equal in terms of how much you have to put down and what you can afford monthly, then the higher your interest rate, the lower priced house you can afford. So, the kneejerk reaction is a plan to wait and “save more” and that can be a big mistake. While you are saving, prices are going up, rates may go up – and, oh by the way – you helped your landlord pay their mortgage by how many dollars?

We have an expanded page on Purchasing Power - check it out!


Cost of NOT Owning Your Home

So why help the landlord? There are cost to not owning your home – very simply, money you will never see again. And, even worse – a new bill next month when the landlord expects payment again.

Consider that “owning” is a forced savings plan. It allows fixing your monthly cost and provides tax savings. You can live in your investment – you cannot live in a bank or in the stocks and bonds. The experts say that a homeowner’s net worth is 44x greater than a renter. Which do you prefer to be?


Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy

So, you are still thinking next year? Next year just happens to be next week. Hopefully, you are thinking 2018 and not 2019. In the last 12 months, home prices have risen around 7% (averages) – but whatever the number – use your choice. At 7%, a $100,000 home is about $107,000 (think about that each year). Therefore, if you wait – your cost goes up. If you wait, your interest rate may go up. If you plan to wait until you can save up enough – can you keep up with that? You can go the other way – buy now and if you can make extra payments on your mortgage, your mortgage will be paid sooner or you will achieve greater equity sooner, which you may use to purchase your next home!


The Truth about Home Affordability

On this one, I am just going to ask you to go directly to the link above and checkout the charts. In the very first paragraph today, we discussed home affordability. You will find the truth in these charts.


Making Your Dream Home a Reality

It is sometimes said that perception is reality. That does not apply here. Either you buy a home or you do not. You can make your dream of owning a home come true with some planning and some sacrifice. It may mean giving up a few things you would like to do and learning to live on a budgeted amount of money. It is temporary to achieve your goal. Have a look at today’s report for finer details.


Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step

Ever hear the phrase “Information is Power”? Getting preapproved gives you the power and confidence knowing that you can afford a mortgage and knowing how much you qualify for. It avoids shopping for homes that you cannot afford and the disappointment that would follow. Homeowners will know you are a serious buyer and they can negotiate in confidence with you.


Why Is There So Much Paperwork to Get a Mortgage?

Regulations, regulations, regulations. If there is not a regulation to cover something, someone will invent one. Government safety controls, bank safety (they want to be paid back) – but the bottom line, it is all your best interest. You are making a huge investment and better safe than sorry. The best is to work with qualified mortgage professionals and a REALTOR that can guide you through the process.


Housing is NOT Heading for Another Crash

Earlier we said, “Knowledge is Power”. Well, here you can be an informed evangelist and spread the word on why housing is NOT headed for another crash. Sure, home prices are increasing – there was a lot of recovering to do from the great crash. And, now look at today’s report and the chart showing the increase in the four years prior to the crash and the most recent four years. Pre-crash were almost double the increase of today!


There’s More to a Bubble Than Home Prices

And, it is not just home prices that create a bubble. So much more affects the housing market. In the article today. The experts discuss fundamental value versus speculative value. Folks were buying and flipping like crazy before the crash – it was viewed as an easy way to make a fast buck. Today, flipping is down and so is speculative investing. The market is more stable.


Top 4 REAL Reasons We Buy a Home

Finally – we all have reasons to buy our home and, frankly, at some point in life renting MAY be a better option albeit temporary or longer term. But if you are just beginning life’s adventure and you want to increase your wealth, perhaps have more space and privacy and certainly more control over your environment, a home wins every time. Maybe that is the key to everything we write about here – there IS no place like HOME – your own!

Thanks for reading and hopefully subscribing by email or a feed. We hope you will stay with us – or join – and that next year will be YOUR YEAR!

Our 2017 Christmas Video


Merry Christmas To All

(This is the 2017 version of the video we first made and shared in 2010)

First Time Buyer

Create a Brighter Future

Are you ready to begin living the American Dream - a Home of Your Own? Are you ready to stop paying your landlord's mortgage?

One of the biggest road blocks is the idea that you cannot get a mortgage. Maybe you can't - but, what if you could? As a REALTOR we cannot decide that - but we work with mortgage folks that can. And they look at ways to help you. If you don't qualify now, maybe they can look at how to get you there in the shortest possible time. If you can be qualified - the journey to being a Home Owner is about to begin.

But How Do I Know If I am Doing The Right Thing Right Now?

There is a first time for everybody - once. If this is your first time buying a home, just call and request "first time buyer coaching". You will receive specialized services and explanations for the new buyer. We will get you in touch with mortgage professionals who know how to get things done!

Maybe you have actually done this before? Did you know that some programs classify anyone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years as a first time buyer. Things change often - but it is a consideration that should not be overlooked! Call me - let's begin.

San Antonio Seniors REALTOR

Specialist Serving the Senior Community

Perhaps you are thinking about selling your home. Maybe retiring, downsizing or perhaps a major life event has made you consider move.

A REALTOR with special training understands that selling a home can be an emotional time, potentially involving other life decisions. A specialist understands the issues facing older adults. By taking a no-pressure approach, we can help you navigate your choices and may be able to suggest alternatives that help you stay in your home.

As we age, we demand professionals that specialize in our health needs, so why not in our housing and equity needs as well? We offer you a customized approach and work to fit your living situation in with your overall life plan. We bring expertise and patience throughout the transaction.

We patiently support you through each step. We will take the time needed to make you feel comfortable with the complex selling process and work hard to minimize the stress involved. We will tailor the marketing process to your specific needs and be there when you need us. We are interested in your best interests through all aspects of your transition not just the sale of your home and we can draw upon a network of other professionals focused on 50+ clients if you’re planning to move outside the area.

By the way, I have been asked about the picture above much more than expected so I'll share this with you. That picture used to be on our real estate website. And, yes that is my hand on the left and a friend's hand on the right. We are at my kitchen table. She is wearing a ring that used to belong to my mom before she passed in 2012. The young lady wearing the ring and now owner of it is in her 90's!

Call today and let's talk about your special situation. There really is no obligation just to chat.
Have you visited yet? Have a look: SanAntonio.homes (not an old fashioned dot com!)

Change in the Wind

After roughly 12 years, it is time for a new and modern logo. We have kept two hearts, kept the SA for our wonderful city of San Antonio and included a very subtle 2 representing our 2nd generation logo..... AND, we are moving from www.mySATexashomes.com to a very simple www.SanAntonio.homes - come visit our new, easier to navigate and faster site on your choice of mobile, desktop or any other internet connected device.

More to come - so if you are not already a subscriber, sign up for email or our news feed - find it at the top right of this page!

Feeling Stuck?

Frustrated? Feeling ‘Stuck in Place’?

It was not that long ago that folks stayed in their homes maybe 5 years and then moved on – those were the numbers when that type of data collection started in the ‘80’s. Now the number is around 10 years – double! We have gone through a market adjustment where homes prices fell radically, a market where many homes owners went upside-down, and now a market where supply and demand is radically out of sync. Many folks hesitate to move on or move up for fear of not being able to find a new home that meets their needs if they sell. So people are staying in place longer!

For quite a while now, I have been recommending new construction. I have personally gone that route and I believe in it as a viable option. There are so many advantages, not the least of which is getting what you want in your area of choice. Of course there will be a wait of maybe 5 months or more but, that gives you plenty of time to prepare your home for sale in order to get the best price. We’ll talk about the best renovation options in the next section


4 Home Renovations for Maximum ROI

Sometimes, homes have not been upgraded in years. Listing and selling a home that is out of date impacts the sales price – and can dramatically reduce the price that the house is ultimately sold for. Investing in certain renovations can turn the table and result not only a higher sales price, but a home that sells in a shorter amount of time. Properly done, it gives a competitive selling advantage and makes your home more desirable. The question becomes which renovation choices bring the best return (ROI). Have a look at the chart and the linked report for more on this subject


Real Reason Home Prices are Increasing

I am going to suggest you click through the link to see two graphs associated with this posting. The graphs are about the supply and demand of resale homes on the market. It is suggested that a 6 month supply of existing homes is market neutral. A shift in either direction tilts to a buyers’ market or a sellers’ market. Given that there is a shortage in homes right now, this is a sellers’ market and that tends to push prices up.

There are varying theories on why home prices continue to rise, but I strongly believe it boils down to the shortage of resale homes and that new construction has not been able to keep up. Take a look at any type of market – outside housing – same story, supply and demand affects prices. Will we see a dramatic shift soon? I doubt it. It is a great time to buy and invest – and a great time to sell, take your profits and reinvest or, if it is time for a lifestyle change, to use the investment proceeds to do that as well


Bubble Alert!

it is much easier to get a mortgage today that it was just a few years ago. Is it as easy as it was a decade or so ago - no way! Lots of folks got burned when credit was too easy. Safeguards have been put in place and the decision making is more rational. But, for a viable housing market and a strong economy, an easing of credit restrictions had to happen. More buyers today put down less than 20% to finance a home. The credit scores necessary for approval are lower than they were. And, there are an increased number of low down payment programs available.

Some folks are interpreting these relaxed changes as a road to another bubble. Fear from the last time adds fuel to the theory that we are headed in that direction. I think not. Better monitors are in place today as are standards that are incredibly different. We do not see irresponsible lending. We do see tighter standards and better judgment


4 Tips for Success - Before You Make an Offer!

So how do you prepare to deal with a tight market when you are looking to buy a home?

First, make that an absolute first – is find out how much you can be approved for. That means looking at your budget and deciding what you can afford and then talking with a mortgage person who will work with you to qualify you for a certain amount. And, let me add an additional thought here – just because you are qualified for X does not mean you have to spend that amount. I find this true for first time buyers especially. Your lifestyle is important and having enough money to live it at the end of the day may be best served with a lower mortgage!

Back on track. Once you are approved then time to shop and decide what house works for you. When you find that house, be ready to act. If you don’t someone else may! Working with your agent, make a good offer – and still be ready to negotiate. You may make a very good offer – and the seller may want something else. It is a sellers’ market. Best to decide in advance how much you are willing to negotiate – and react fast – if you really want that home

THE ANTHONY - The Day After

Yesterday, I promised to share photos of the morning after the snowfall. There is something special about the sun rising and the new day beginning and life awakens once again. Have a look

THE ANTHONY - Snow Time

A couple months ago, I mentioned that I moved to an apartment in Stone Oak. Well, I have been working on a video introduction and planned that to be the first video that I shared about The Anthony. Then snow happened. So much for planning. In San Antonio, snow like this happens every 30 years or something like that and there is an opportunity to seize the moment. Here is a look at The Anthony the night the snow came down. I am working on a sequel made the morning after - come back soon

Conforming loan limits to increase in 2018

By Luly Shannon (Guest Poster)

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2018 will increase.

In most of the country, the 2018 maximum loan limit for one-unit properties will be $453,100.00, an increase from $424,100.00. At Movement Mortgage, we believe this will be most beneficial since the average home price in San Antonio continues to rise.

In higher – cost areas, higher loan limits will be in effect putting these homes in the Conforming Jumbo Bracket. The new ceiling loan limit for higher-cost areas, which applies in areas with the most expensive homes, will be $679,650.00 on up.

The new conforming loan limits will apply to loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on or after January 1, 2018.


LULY SHANNON, RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER NMLS: 991808
(210) 408- 2600 * (210) 232- 5896

Selling During The Holidays

7 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holiday Season

Long before I became a real estate professional, I had always heard that holidays were the wrong time to sell your home. WOW! Talk about being misinformed. Exactly the opposite is true. Given that the misconception is so popular, selling during the holidays gives you a competitive advantage. No matter what time of the year - folks need houses. If many people wait until after the holidays to list, then there are fewer homes available - and less competition!

I have also heard the one about not decorating while your home is on the market - keep it all clean and spacious. Wrong again! If you normally decorate for a holiday - go for it. It makes your "house" seem more like a "home". People expect that in my opinion. If you are worried about things being in the way - remember, you control the showings. If the time is not convenient, reschedule for a time that is. If the buyer is truly motivated, they will adjust. If they are in town for only a day or two, it is up to their agent to let your agent know that - so maybe you want to be just a little bit flexible when necessary.

Remember - if you want to sell seize the moment. There is a seller's market right now. Run with it


Home Sales Slowed by Lack of Listings

As we said above, this is a seller's market. There is simply not enough houses available to meet the demand. If you list now, it would be for a good cause!

Worried about finding a new house? My number one recommendation right now is - order a new one. When you are ready, let's talk about the reasons why


Access is Important in Getting Your House SOLD!

I have a great picture of two wrists in handcuffs that I thought about posting here. Maybe another time - but point made. If you are looking to sell, flexibility is key.

Of course there are some inconveniences but that is part of the process (I have personally bought and sold - I get it). The bottom line is the more restrictions on showing times, the longer it takes to sell


Your House Must Be Sold TWICE

You have heard the story about how much you think your house is worth, how much the tax man thinks your house is worth, and how much the buyer thinks your house is worth? And, don't forget the real estate agent who has an opinion too! But, unless the buyer is paying cash for your home, the BANK is likely to have a say in it as well.

Say you list on the high side - after all, prices are going up - right? Then along comes a buyer who is willing to pay what you want for your home. If they have cash, chances are it will be a nice straightforward transaction and everybody goes on with life. If the buyer has 25% or more down, something along those lines could happen too. BUT - when a buyer has less than that as a down payment, the bank is going to take a close look to make sure they are comfortable making a loan which would be secured by the value of the property. if not, then more money down, a lower price negotiation - or no loan.

So, what do we mean about selling your home twice. You need to sell it to a buyer - and then the bank (or mortgage company). Bottom line is let your real estate professional price it right. And, especially in today's market, if it is not selling, consider a price reduction. Remember, it is costing you money every month to stay there


San Antonio Lifestyles

We had to move the videos - so we are sharing once again.







And, for you dog lovers....

San Antonio Library

Well now, I have not had a library card in ___________ (a long time). With the advent of the internet and a Kindle, I kind of let that fall by the wayside. Somehow, I let get past me all the special services that the Library System offers. If you are a regular here, you may know that I am a Property Tax Arbitrator for Texas. Texas Tax Arbitration. Most of the time, I conduct Arbitration hearings by teleconference. Occasionally, I hold an in-person hearing and a meeting room is required. The San Antonio Library System offers use of a conference room to it's members. Depending on the size of the library, one or more rooms may be available. They offer so much more! Check out the San Antonio Public Library and find out what is available to you

Sellers Surveillance

This may be the first time I am sharing a link to the Texas Realtors Magazine. It is about what a seller can - and cannot - do.
http://texasrealtor.epubxp.com/i/895615-november-2017/26

Questions To Ask The Neighbors

If you are buying into an existing community, you may want to ask the neighbors a few informal questions. Here are three….

“How would you describe the area and what it is like living here” – opens the door to anything they may want to share without restriction including how long they have lived there, what they like, what they don’t – their version of helpful tips and warnings. Avoid asking about the specific house initially or risk setting the tone of the conversation (they may love the seller – or hate them). After listening, then ask about the house you may buy if they have not already covered it.

“If you could change anything at all about the neighborhood, what would it be?” – allows them to tell you what they perceive as negatives or there may be none.

“What do you look for or hope for from new neighbors moving in to the area” – is an extension of your friendliness and willingness to be a part of the community. It also sets the stage to discover the open arm friendliness of the community toward new neighbors.

Those are just the basics. You may have questions to ask that are important to you. Just opening a conversation helps to get to know your future neighbors – and for them to know you. Great beginnings!
Housing Bubble? Industry Experts Say NOT SO!

I am not going to offer much on this one. Check out the post and see what the experts have to say. I do not see a bubble coming either. I see equity having returned and pocket areas where prices have climbed rapidly. But, I think those price rises are due to the supply demand aspect of our system. The market is not like it was prior to the crash. In those days one could say the requirement for being approved was simply "breathing" That is no more - thankfully


Home Sales Expected to Increase in 2018

Total agreement here. There is a backlog of sales due to the short inventory supply and there is a lot of rebuilding to do following all the disasters the country has suffered. I am looking to a strong 2018 and beyond. Real estate is back


Low Inventory Causes Home Prices to Grow

So many times we have said this - the low inventory is pushing prices up. If you are looking to sell - now is a great time in a seller's market. If you are looking to buy, I would not stand around waiting for prices to get lower. Prices are likely going higher


If You Are Thinking About Buying Know Your Credit Score

Credit prior to the crash was pretty easy. Things have changed and easy credit simply is not true today. Better standards are in place and there are safeguards to protect everyone. It makes sense to give mortgages to folks who can pay them don't you think? Having said that, mortgages are readily available. The way to begin is to find out if you qualify - and if you don't at the present time, find out what you need to do to fix that. Are you ready


Don't Let Fear Stop You - Apply for a Mortgage

In a way, I hate to use this comparison - but, yeah - it is true. If you want to win the lotto, you must buy a ticket (or have someone give you one). You cannot win without a ticket. And so, if you want a mortgage, you cannot get one without applying and starting the process (again, unless you know someone that will give you one without applying). Nothing to be hesitant about. You simply see a mortgage professional who will guide you along the way. If you do not know a mortgage person, we can help with that. And, NO, they will not being paying us a commission or a referral fee. It does not work like that. So, now - are you ready


Veterans Affairs Loans - Check the Numbers

Just a few words here - rather you look at the chart and the report. Veterans have borrowed almost 200 BILLION in 2017 - so far. You all have earned it. We have a huge veteran population in San Antonio. We would be glad to help you get going on your new home


Multigenerational Households - An Answer to Price Increases?

There are so many possibilities with family - and friends! A multigenerational household is very common around the world. Actually, it can help financially but it can be a lot of fun and an opportunity to learn. Seriously, think about it - for the more senior generation - an opportunity to learn more about what is happening today - you will be immersed! For the youngest of generations, you too have a great opportunity - to learn what life was like and from the experiences of those who have already been there. For that in between generation, who needs an empty nest? Seriously, everyone can share in being a part of the family nucleus in whatever way that unfolds. By the way, I have already done it


Reasons Homeownership Makes ‘Cents’

Cents or sense - in so many ways. Yes, owning a home is an investment (call it a forced saving plan) - and a unique one in that you can LIVE in it. It allows you to pretty much fix your basic cost, live for less than renting and avoid the rent increases of the future. It is pretty much spelled out in today's report, so why not have a look at it. It is worth it

Homes For Sale - WANTED

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying or Selling!

There are reasons we see certain specialist – Accountants, Attorneys and Realtors! All are professionals and well trained in their own discipline. The real estate professional must know the current market, know and understand pricing and be a skilled negotiator. There are more essentials but these basics have not changed. Today, regulations and paperwork make the typical real estate transaction complicated. Do you have the necessary skills to go it alone? A misstep anywhere along the way can cost you a lot of money. For more information, have a look at today’s article


The #1 Reason to List Your House, NOW!

Today’s article will expand on that idea, but I am going to suggest the number ONE reason is – to get on with your life! Seriously, whatever YOUR reason for thinking about selling – moving up, downsizing, wanting a new neighborhood, change in family or work status – any of your personal reasons for considering selling is the number ONE reason. Now is good because the market is tipped in favor of the seller. There is a shortage of houses out there and now a shortage of construction workers and materials for new homes since those guys are occupied fixing or replacing homes damaged by one disaster after another. That won’t change any time soon.

You may be thinking about your next home if you do sell. Well, time to get out and look. Maybe, time to build (not all workers and materials are going to damage repair) – this is a wonderful time to build and have a home no one has had before – your home! Ready to list and ready to buy? Call me Al


Why Now Instead of Later?

This is a relatively easy question to answer. Think about the law of supply and demand. When demand exceeds supply prices tend to go up. Buyers are out there shopping. There are just not enough homes to meet the demand. Are you ready to take the leap

All In An Hour

What Difference Does An Hour Make In Real Estate?

Actually - a lot. Over 600 homes sold - per hour. Multiple that times 24 in a day. Almost 350 homes regain positive equity - in an hour! And, median home prices continue to rise. So, what does all that mean? It means a healthy market and increased wealth for those who own. Think about that - an investment you live in. And the market could be even stronger if there were more homes available for sale. Are you ready to own and live in your investment

Need An Apartment?

If you are a regular reader, you already know my view on owning vs renting. But, as with almost everything in life, there is sometimes a need for an alternative. A month or so ago I mentioned that right now I am in an apartment in Stone Oak. The house was sold and I had to move - fast! I have been a licensed Realtor for a long time and I help folks buy or sell homes so how hard could it be to lease an apartment? And then BOOM - a bit of an ego bruise but I quickly found that searching for an apartment was not for me. I needed a specialist. My rationale was simple - if I was a Gynecologist and I needed a heart bypass I would not attempt to do it myself. Extreme? Maybe, but it helped heal my ego as I sought out a professional with the right expertise.

That is a true story on how I got here and a way for me to introduce - and recommend - someone to you if you are in need of an apartment. Her services are paid by the apartment folks when she finds you the right place to live and your lease is approved. And right now, when she is paid, you receive a gift card for using her services. Folks - meet Terry Hiller of Top Texas Apartments. When I called Terry it was an emergency - I needed something in two days! She readily helped me. Be a little kinder and let me know how it goes.

Boxes And More

If you are moving or have any other reason for needing boxes, I found a great bargain. I Had heard about these folks before but had never been there. Now the need was a specialized box, rather large and not too high, and one that had a high weight rating. Found one! And, it was just over 10 bucks! Check them out - they are just west of Costco on 1604/281. 1/2 Price Boxes

26 People Went To Church

And never returned home. Yesterday was a sad day for Texas and a sad day for good people everywhere. Yesterday was an eye opener. We have learned that little towns have bad things happen too. We have learned that small communities are not immune from terror or death. We have learned that life is fragile. We have been reminded never to part from our loved ones unless all anger has been resolved – for they may never return. And the words can never be undone.

But one of the biggest lessons of all, we are reminded that we cannot control the human factor any more than we can control the elements or other forces of nature. People short circuit. Sometimes people do bad things – really bad things. Opportunist will say take their weapons away and that will solve the problem. Of course that is not true. Humans have an indisputable trait called determination. That resolve insures that bad things will still happen when the mind becomes irrational.

We are a free America. We accept that our freedoms brings risks. We have learned from this tragedy that an armed Texan was able to respond quicker than authorities ever could. Lives were saved. We learn to live with this. We go forward with our lives, for what else can we do. Like the folks who live in hurricane prone areas, or those where earthquakes or forest fires are common, or countries where terror and bombing is the norm, we go forward. We do not hide. What else is there to do?

We remember those who died and honor their memory. We grieve with those who lost loved ones yesterday. And we offer our sincerest condolences. We thank those who give of themselves during this dark time.



SCARY - Buying a Home!

No it is not! But Buying a Home Can Be Scary... If You Do Not Know the Facts

Many things in life can be intimidating that first time around. I actually enjoy working with first time home buyers because it gives me a chance to teach and share the experience I have had as a buyer, a seller and a real estate agent. Once upon a time, I was a first time home buyer and someone helped me. This is about paying back.

Most of the apprehension is probably based on rumor or misinformation. That is one of the many reasons why working with a state licensed agent is your best option. As a buyer, you do not pay us any fees. We also do not earn a salary or hourly wage. Our fees are paid by the seller – whether you are buying a resale home or new construction where a builder is paying those fees.

Then there is a belief that you need 20% down – not true. Or that you need a super high credit score – not true and, in fact, far more relaxed requirements than just a short time ago. And, let’s not forget the fear of rejection that is out there. Did you know that the majority of recent applications for a home mortgage were approved? So, why don’t we look at your situation and find out what you can qualify for. I’ll be ready to answer your questions along the way


Either Way, You're Paying Someone's Mortgage

If you are a regular reader here, you already know this one. The truth is if you have a roof over your head, chances are you are paying somebody’s mortgage (mom and dad might be exceptions please!)

So the sooner you take that step forward, the sooner you are investing in yourself. Homeownership has been the American Dream for hundreds of years. There are many reasons for that


Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home

Things have changed a lot in this century. Some appear to be quite crazy and the cost of renting vs the cost of buying is perhaps near the top of that list.

Have a look at the chart and the report. Compare the income needed to afford the median apartment and the median home. What would you like to do next


Save on a Mortgage Payment

Whatever your situation in life, an option that may be worth considering is a “roommate”. Seriously, if you are uncertain about your income covering the expenses of homeownership – or you would just like to have a greater cash cushion every month, the “roommate” could be the solution you are looking for. If you are waiting to buy because you want more than just a starter home – the “roommate” could give you the edge you are looking for. It is one way toward the end objective of homeownership

Millennials And Low Down Payment Programs

Over 60% of folks buying a home as first time home buyers bought with 6% down – or less. The folks that analyze all the “who is who” and “what they do” tell us that millennials and the first time home buyers understand that qualifying and buying has a lot of flexibility right now. There is a path to wealth and ownership is a step in the right direction. There is a home waiting for you. Are you ready to look