It’s Tax Season… Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings!

Amanda RobinsDown Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers

According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year. Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals; for anyone looking to buy a home … Read More

2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

Amanda RobinsBuying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that “eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.” Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a … Read More

Home Prices Up 7% from Last Year

Amanda RobinsDown Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index, national home prices have appreciated by 7.0% from October 2016 to October 2017. This marks the second month in a row with a 7.0% year-over-year increase. A lack of supply of homes for sale has led to upward pressure on home prices across the country, especially in areas where both existing and new … Read More