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First-Time Homebuyers

Preparation Is Key for First-Time Home Buyers

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on October 20, 2018 - 10:06am

We know that buying your first home can be very intimidating and even a bit scary. If you hope to buy a home within the next year, there are things you should be doing right now to prepare yourself for the process. In order to make the best decision for your future, it's extremely important that you are equipped with all the knowledge needed to achieve your goals. Tackling each challenge one at a time may get you there faster than you think!

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How Small Is The Median Down Payment For First-Time Buyers?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on July 14, 2017 - 11:39am

Although the median down payment for a home for first-time home buyers is 6%, many buyers secure mortgages for as low as a 3% down payment, and veterans qualifying for a VA loan can realize a zero down payment. 

So, for a $250,000 home, a buyer could conceivably invest less than $10,000 by having the seller pay for most of the closing costs. Some loan programs even permit the down payment to be a gift from a relative. The approximate monthly payment for a $250,000 home, with a 3% down payment, assuming a 30-year fixed mortgage with a rate at 4%, would be $1,150 per month. Add in taxes and homeowners insurance for the complete payment amount, which will vary per property.

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Buying Your First Home?

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on March 30, 2016 - 4:26pm

Are you a first-time home buyer?  If so, you might not know where to start.  The first thing you need to know is how much home you can afford, and if you can get approved for a mortgage. Once you have these answers, you can start looking for the perfect home.

To learn about what to expect throughout the home-buying process, ask your REALTOR®, who can explain everything from start to finish and answer all your specific questions.  In the meantime, this short video is a quick way to get some good advice.

There Is A 32% Or Greater Chance Your Home Will Be Purchased By An 18-34 Year Old

Submitted by Joseph Pettinella on May 8, 2015 - 9:33am

According to a recent National Association of REALTORS® survey, the group of Americans referred to as 'Millennials', 18 to 34 year olds, made up 32% of the home buying market last year.  As this group matures, it is predicted that they will become an even larger group of homeowners than the 'Baby Boomers' . . . there are more of them.

Typically this group of young home buyers do their research on line to learn about home buying ins and outs, they pretty much know what they want, where they want to live, and have found homes on line that they want to see.  They are busy, want to cut to the chase, and rely on their real estate agent to handle all the details more than any other group of buyers.

Rising rents, new low down payment loan options, the reduction in private mortgage insurance, and the improving job market have all been major contributing factors driving young people to purchase their own home.   Here are a few interesting statistics about the 'Millennial' buyers:

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