Housing Wire

APRIL 7, 2025

In our community, many first-time buyers were using those to buy down interest rates or cover closing costs. Now theyre relying more on state and local grants, if available. Despite the setback, Herrera remains optimistic. Our community is resilient.

Commercial

Redfin

JUNE 5, 2025

The absence of mortgage payments, the speed of closing, and the strong appeal to sellers are undeniable benefits. Many cash buyers assume that by sidestepping a home loan, they also bypass the complex array of fees associated with closing. How much are closing costs on a cash offer?

Closing costs

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Existing homes pros include faster move-in options, lower initial costs, more design options, and are typically in developed neighborhoods. These homes are typically sold by builders or developers and can be custom-builds, move-in-ready spec homes, or homes in new residential developments. What is an existing home?

New Construction

Toronto Realty Blog

DECEMBER 9, 2024

Whether it was delays, deficiencies, material changes, closing costs, the occupancy period, or eventually – prices , I started writing about this in 2008 or 2009. Then the following year: “Ontario To Boost Penalties On Developers Who Breach Ethics Rules” CBC News March 24, 2022 Yes, sure they will.

Construction

The Living Room

MAY 2, 2025

Prospective buyers should account for closing costs, inspections, and the ongoing maintenance associated with homeownership. Consider flexibility on closing dates, a solid earnest money deposit, and minimal contingencies to appeal to sellers. Negotiate repairs wisely, balancing your budget with the home’s long-term value.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

This Redfin Real Estate article outlines practical steps every buyer should follow, from budgeting and touring homes to inspections and closing. Closing costs In addition to your down payment, plan for closing costs , which typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 10, 2025

Miki Adams , president at CBC Mortgage Agency : If you’re a first-time home buyer, definitely connect with a HUD-approved housing counselor and work on developing and understanding the budget that you’ll need to own a home. Not just the affordability of the house itself, but with closing costs rising, etc.,

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

They cover topics like budgeting, building credit, mortgage options, house hunting, and closing. State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Save for closing costs Closing costs are fees and expenses you’ll pay when finalizing the home purchase.

Purchase and sale agreement

BAM Media

AUGUST 6, 2025

What mattered most: A short, clear reminder about next steps when things got overwhelming A plain-language explanation of legal or financial documents A check-in timed around an offer, appraisal, or moment of doubt A heads-up about closing costs or insurance before they became surprises These aren’t just good service touches.

Agents

Redfin

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

From the down payment to closing costs, there are a lot of expenses to consider. Whether youre buying a house in Seattle or a home in Denver – this Redfin guide will break down every major cost to help you budget effectively and avoid surprises. home price about $420,000as a benchmark for estimating these costs.

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JUNE 23, 2025

In real estate, the due diligence period is the time between an accepted offer and closing. During a real estate transaction, the due diligence period occurs after an offer is accepted but before closing. Earnest money is a good-faith deposit held in escrow that can be applied to closing costs or the down payment.

Due diligence

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 4, 2025

Understanding Mortgage Rate Trends The reduction in mortgage rates on April 4, 2025, can be traced back to developments in the financial sector. Break-even Period : When evaluating whether to refinance, its essential to look at how long it takes to recoup the costs associated with the refinancing process.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

If you’re wondering if you’re ready to buy a house , consider these three factors: Financial stability: If you have a low credit score, lots of debt, and not enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, you may want to wait to buy a home. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

Pre-approval

AAOA

MAY 22, 2025

The more deals you look at, the faster your instincts develop. Step 6: Close and Execute the Plan With financing locked in and due diligence complete, you move to closing day, b ut this is just the beginning. For example, on a $2 million purchase, youll need to bring between $400,000 and $600,000 in equity to close.

Due diligence

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

This involves making a careful budget that includes potential costs like the down payment, closing costs, taxes, and possible renovation expenses. Once you’ve found a home, you’ll need to make an offer, inspect the property, and navigate the closing process, which may involve legal nuances specific to New York.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Many of these first time home buyer programs and grants can help cover a large amount of the “closings costs” and/or allow them to finance a higher percentage of the loan (or all of the loan in some cases). First Time Home Buyer Programs – National Visit the USDA Rural Development website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

Closing costs

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 2025

So, while the headline might focus on trade policy, the downstream effect is that it makes housing less attainable for families and reduces the incentives for investors and developers to bring new units to market. How can prospective homebuyers navigate higher costs brought on by tariffs and economic volatility?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

You’ll have the most leverage when the home is already built or the builder needs to close quickly. These homes include custom-builds, move-in-ready spec homes, and homes in new residential developments. You’re likely to have a better outcome negotiating other perks like updates, closing cost assistance, or home warranties.

New Construction

Redfin

JULY 16, 2025

Benefits of a spec home Move-in ready: Spec homes are typically already built or close to being finished, so you’ll be able to move in right away. Inability to choose location: You won’t be able to choose the specific lot or neighborhood since the spec house has already been (or is close to being) built.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MAY 12, 2025

If you've been watching from the sidelines, wondering if things will ever change, listen closely. A Gentle Dip in Sales: Closed sales for existing single-family homes in March 2025 were down 1.3% The declines Zillow projects mostly in the 1% to 3% range over about a year fit the description of a correction much more closely.

Marketing

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Their website lists their inventory of foreclosed homes including what real estate agent to contact. The homes are sold to brokers who sell the property on the governments behalf.

Pre-approval

The Close

MARCH 11, 2025

This process involves multiple stages, starting with identifying an FSBO listing to securing appropriate financing and completing the closing procedures. Future development projects: Upcoming infrastructure or commercial projects can lead to increased demand and property appreciation in the near future.

Sales

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 17, 2025

Geopolitical developments, tariffs, and trade policies often induce market volatility affecting mortgage rates. It's essential for borrowers to compare refinance offers across lenders and ensure that the long-term benefits outweigh closing costs. Treasury yields, especially the 10-year Treasury note, which serve as benchmarks.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 20, 2025

I've seen first-hand how events, from policy announcements to global trade developments, can send ripples through the market. Estimate your housing costs: Research property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential maintenance costs in your desired area. as per Bankrate data. Lenders typically prefer a DTI of 43% or less.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 24, 2025

It's not as simple as just one factor; rather, it's a complex interplay of several economic forces: The Bond Market, Particularly 10-Year Treasury Yields: Mortgage rates tend to closely follow the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds. When Treasury yields rise, mortgage rates typically follow suit.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 27, 2025

For many, especially given the current market conditions centered around high borrowing costs, yes , buying a home with cash in 2025 presents a remarkably strong position, offering distinct advantages that financed buyers just can't touch, though like any big financial move, it requires careful consideration of your own situation.

Finance

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 22, 2025

Lender Fees : Beyond interest rates, potential borrowers should watch out for origination fees, closing costs, and other lender fees that could inflate the overall cost of the mortgage. Each has unique benefits and requirements, catering to different borrower profiles.

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Moreover, the real estate commission allows agents to cover their business expenses, such as advertising, professional development, and administrative costs. Additional Costs and Closing Fees In addition to the realtor fees, additional costs and closing fees may be associated with the home sale. Contact Me!

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 15, 2025

As someone who's spent years kicking the tires on properties, crunching numbers, and watching markets shift, I've developed a real appreciation for places that offer solid value and growth potential without the sky-high entry costs of coastal cities. The population is growing consistently. This signals intense demand.

Investor

HomeLight

JULY 17, 2025

Townhouses are commonly found in cities and suburban developments and can offer more space than condos or apartments. They’re often single-story and located in suburban or rural settings, though some urban infill developments now include cottage-style homes in clusters. The term can also overlap with “bungalow” in some regions.

Construction

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 7, 2025

Cost Conscious :  High mortgage rates  are top of mind for the buyers. New Construction : Buyers are considering  new construction  because builders provide rate buydowns and closing cost assistance. Consider New Construction : Builders are offering incentives such as rate buydowns and closing cost assistance.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Some programs help lower your closing costs or the taxes you pay. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, as well as employers, community organizations, and state and local governments. Closing costs : With a home equity loan, you’ll need to pay closing costs which can add up.

Loans

Redfin

AUGUST 5, 2025

They aren’t right for every borrower, but if you meet the down payment, credit score, closing cost and DTI requirements, a jumbo construction loan for building your dream home might fit your needs. Projects can include single-family homes, planned unit developments, site condominiums and modular construction.

Construction

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 12, 2025

More inventory generally means more choices for buyers and potentially less intense bidding wars, which is a positive development. In this high-cost environment, a solid financial foundation is non-negotiable. In markets with rising inventory, don't hesitate to work closely with a real estate agent to negotiate effectively.

Equity

Redfin

JUNE 17, 2025

Layout While it depends on the home, several older houses’ layouts differ from newer ones with non-standard sizing, more closed floor plans, smaller closets, etc. Builder incentives If you’re looking to build your home, there are often money-saving incentives such as help with closing costs and interest-rate buy-downs.

Renovation

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

Work closely with a mortgage professional to explore your options and get pre-approved so you know what you can realistically afford. The Bottom Line The return of mortgage rates to the 7% mark in June 2025 is a development that demands attention. What Should You Do? Stay Informed: Keep an eye on economic news and market trends.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

Bond Market Yields: Mortgage rates tend to closely follow the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. While lower rates would be a welcome development, they need to be considered alongside these existing market realities. Economic Growth: A strong economy usually means more demand for credit, which can push interest rates higher.

Mortgages