Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates
Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent actions from the Fed set the stage for mortgage rates to come down over time — it's going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process.Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now. While you may be tempted to wait for rates to fall, it’s really hard to try and time the market — there’s just too much that can have an impact. Instead, set yourself up for homebuying success by focusing on the factors you can control. Here’s what to prioritize if you’re looking to put your best foot forward.Your Credit ScoreCredit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. And the difference of just a few points can make a significant impact on your monthly payment. As an article from Bankrate explains:“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”With rates where they are today, maintaining a good credit score is one of the keys to getting the best rate possible. To find out where your credit score stands and what you can do to give it a boost, reach out to a trusted loan officer.Your Loan TypeThere are many types of loans, and each one offers different terms for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says:“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help you better understand all of the options available to you.”Work with your team of real estate professionals to see which loan types you may qualify for and figure out what will work best for you financially.Your Loan TermJust like with loan types, you have options when it comes to terms, or the length of your loan. As Freddie Mac says:“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”Lenders typically offer mortgages in 15, 20, and 30-year terms. And which term you go with has a direct impact on your rate. Talk to your lender about which one is right for your situation. Bottom LineRemember, you can’t control what happens in the broader economy or when mortgage rates will come down. But there are actions you can take that could help you set yourself up for success.Connect with a local real estate agent and lender to go over what you can do now that’ll make a difference when you’re ready to move.
How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today
Buying a home in today’s market can feel like an uphill battle – especially with home prices and mortgage rates putting pressure on your budget. If you’re feeling stuck, co-buying could be one way to help you get your foot in the door. Freddie Mac says:“If you are an aspiring homeowner, buying a home with your family or friends could be an option.”But there are some things you'll want to consider first. Let’s explore why co-buying is gaining popularity right now among some buyers and see if it may make sense for you too.What Is Co-Buying?Co-buying means buying a home with someone like a friend, sibling, or even a group of people. And, with today’s high home prices and mortgage rates, it’s an option more people are turning to. According to a survey done by JW Surety Bonds, nearly 15% of Americans have already co-purchased a home with someone, and another 48% would consider doing it.Why Consider Co-Buying?The same survey also asked people about the perks of co-buying a home. Here are some of the top responses (see graph below):Sharing Costs (67%): From saving for a down payment to managing monthly payments, buying a home is a big financial step. When you co-buy, you split these costs, making it easier to afford a home.Affording a Better Home (56%): By pooling your financial resources, you may also be able to afford a larger or higher-quality home than you could have on your own. This may mean getting that extra bedroom, a bigger backyard, or living in a more desirable neighborhood.Investment Opportunity (54%): Co-buying a home can also be an investment. You could buy a house with someone so you can rent out, which could help generate passive income.Sharing Responsibilities (48%): Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibilities, including maintenance and upkeep and more. When you co-buy, you share these commitments, which can lighten the load for everyone involved.Other Co-Buying ConsiderationsWhile co-buying has its benefits, there’s something else you need to consider before deciding if this approach is right for you. As Rocket Mortgage says:“Buying a house with a friend or multiple friends might be a great way for you to achieve homeownership, but it’s not a decision you should make lightly. Before diving in, make sure you understand the financial and logistical hurdles you’ll face, as well as the human and emotional elements that might affect the purchase or, more importantly, your relationship.”Basically, make sure you and your co-buyer are on the same page about things like how costs will be split, who will handle what responsibilities, and what will happen if one of you wants to sell your share of the home in the future. Leaning on an expert can help you weigh the pros and cons to make that conversation easier.Bottom LineIf you're looking to get your foot in the door but are having a tough time at today's rates and prices, co-buying could be an option to make your move happen. But, it’s important to plan carefully and make sure that all parties are clear on the details. To figure out if co-buying makes sense for you, connect with a local real estate agent.
Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs
With rising home prices and volatile mortgage rates, it’s important you know about every resource that could help make buying a home possible. And one thing you’ll want to be aware of is just how much the number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has grown lately. Take a look at the graph below to see how many new programs have been added in the last year, according to data from Down Payment Resource:More Programs, More Opportunities for YouSo, what does this increase mean for you? With more programs available, there’s a higher likelihood that one of them could help you reach your homeownership goals. And these programs aren’t small-scale help either – the benefits can go a long way toward covering a chunk of your costs. As Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, shares:“We are pleased to see a growing number of these programs, and think they are becoming a targeted way to help first-time and first-generation homebuyers struggling to save for a down payment get into a home they can afford. Our data shows the average DPA benefit is roughly $17,000. That can be a nice jump-start for saving for a down payment and other costs of homeownership.”Imagine being able to qualify for $17,000 toward your down payment—that’s a big boost, especially if you’re looking to buy your first home. With that level of help, buying a home may be more within reach than you think.But it’s worth calling out that the growth in DPA options isn’t just focused on first-time and first-generation buyers. Many of the new programs are also aimed at supporting affordable housing initiatives, which include manufactured and multi-family homes. This means that more people, and a wider variety of home types, can qualify for down payment assistance, making it easier for you to find an option that fits your needs.Talk to a Real Estate Expert About What’s Available for YouWith so many DPA programs out there, you need to make sure you’re finding the right one for you. That’s why it’s key to lean on your real estate and lending professionals for guidance. The Mortgage Reports says:“The best way to find down payment assistance programs for which you qualify is to speak with your loan officer or broker. They should know about local grants and loan programs that can help you out.”Your loan officer or real estate agent will know what’s available in your area and can point you toward programs that align with your goals.Bottom LineWith more down payment assistance programs than ever before, now’s a great time to explore how these options can help on your homebuying journey. Connect with a team of expert advisors to see which DPA programs could be a fit for you.
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