buy a home: Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market - 09/11/23 02:15 AM

The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert who can guide you through each unique step of the process. 
The reality is, not all agents operate the same way. To truly make a powerful and confident decision as you buy or sell a home, you need a real estate expert who uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, … (4 comments)

buy a home: The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home in Salina, KS - 09/11/23 01:55 AM

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s features, there are a lot of benefits. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.
An article from The Mortgage Reports sums it up like this:
“Your Realtor or real estate agent will be key to helping you navigate this process. . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve for any possible snags along the way.”Here’s how your agent is … (2 comments)

buy a home: Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future in Salina,Kansas - 09/10/23 05:35 AM

If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Since mortgage rates impact what you can afford when you take out a home loan – and affordability is a challenge today – it’s a good time to look at the big picture of where mortgage rates have been historically compared to where they are now. Beyond that, it’s important to understand their relationship with inflation for insights into where mortgage rates might go in the near future.
Giving Context to the Sticker ShockFreddie Mac has been tracking the 30-year fixed mortgage rate since April of 1971. Every week, they release the results of their Primary … (3 comments)

buy a home: Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages in Salina,Ks - 08/23/23 04:02 AM

If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then. And after years of being virtually nonexistent, more people are once again using ARMs when buying a home. Let’s break down why that’s happening and why this isn’t cause for concern.
Why ARMs Have Gained Popularity More RecentlyThis graph uses data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) to show how the percentage of adjustable-rate mortgages has increased over the past few years:
As the graph conveys, after hovering around 3% of all mortgages in 2021, many more homeowners turned to adjustable-rate mortgages again last year. There’s … (7 comments)

buy a home: There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today in Salina KS - 08/11/23 06:25 PM

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today.
You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house. This graph from Calculated Risk can help put that into perspective: 
As the graph shows, while housing inventory did grow slightly week-over-week (shown in the blue bar), overall supply is still low (shown in the red bars). Compared to the same week last year, supply is down roughly 10% – and it … (8 comments)

buy a home: Owning Your Home Helps You Build Wealth - 07/22/23 10:44 PM
 
You may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now. But, even today, there are lots of good reasons to become a homeowner. One of them is that owning a home is typically viewed as a good long-term investment that helps your net worth grow over time.
Homeownership Builds Wealth Regardless of Income LevelYou may be surprised to learn homeowners across various income levels have a much higher net worth than renters who make the same amount. Data from First American helps illustrate this point (see graph below):
What makes wealth so much higher for homeowners? A recent article from Realtor.com says:
“Homeownership has long been tied to … (5 comments)

buy a home: Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction - 07/13/23 05:34 AM

If you’re in the process of looking for a home today, you know the supply of homes for sale is low because you’re feeling the impact of having a limited pool of options. And, if your biggest hurdle right now is that you’re having trouble finding something you like, don’t forget that a newly built home is a great option.
As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: 
“Home buyers continue to be met with limited housing options during what’s typically the real estate market’s busiest season. . . . The current supply of existing homes is about half the level it was in … (4 comments)

buy a home: Evaluating Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Matters More Today - 07/11/23 03:12 AM

When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic. Mortgage rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. And, to help offset the higher borrowing costs today, some homebuyers are taking a close look at their wish list and re-evaluating what features they really need in their next home to avoid overextending. As a recent NerdWallet article says:
“A pool, for example, may be nice to have, but it may not provide as much day-to-day value as a garage or a space for a home office . . .”While that pool may be appealing, think twice on whether or … (3 comments)

buy a home: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Investment Property Introduction - 07/06/23 02:46 AM
 Investing in real estate has proven to be a lucrative avenue for wealth creation for many individuals. Whether buying your first rental property or flipping houses, the process can be exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate the waters, we've outlined a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to buying your first investment property.
Step 1: Assess Your Financial Situation
Don't decide to invest in real estate lightly. Evaluate your current financial situation before you delve in. Are you financially equipped to handle the demands of property investment? Examine your credit score, outstanding debts, and savings. We recommend maintaining a substantial emergency fund, securing a steady … (2 comments)

buy a home: Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers: Stepping Into Ownership with Confidence - 06/26/23 08:29 PM
Welcome, soon-to-be, homeowners! Buying a house is an exciting journey but can also be a complex maze, especially for first-time homebuyers. Fear not, though! We've created this guide to equip you with essential tips to navigate this path confidently and efficiently.
Understand Your Financial PictureThe first step is understanding your financial situation. Calculate your income, savings, and debts. By understanding this, you can actively determine the price range of the house you can afford. Remember, a practical rule of thumb is to ensure that your monthly housing payment (including insurance and taxes) does not exceed 25% of your monthly take-home pay.
… (8 comments)

buy a home: Building Positive Habits: Unlocking Your Potential for Productivity and Self-Improvement - 06/09/23 01:14 AM
                Developing positive habits plays a crucial role in our quest for personal growth and a fulfilling life. The practices we cultivate shape our actions, productivity, motivation, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore practical advice and effective strategies to build positive habits, enhance productivity, boost motivation, and embark on a journey of self-improvement.
     Understanding the Power of Habits: Habits are the building blocks of our daily lives. They shape our routines and behaviors, often operating on autopilot. By understanding the science behind habits and their formation, we can take control and intentionally create positive habits … (7 comments)

buy a home: WHICH DOWN PAYMENT STRATEGY IS RIGHT FOR YOU? - 05/10/23 08:40 PM
You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.
But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.
THE DOWNSIDE
The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance … (4 comments)

buy a home: Exploring Lindborg, Kansas 67456: A Hidden Gem in the Heartland - 05/10/23 08:24 PM
Introduction: Nestled in the heartland of the United States, Lindborg, Kansas 67456, is a small town that exemplifies the charm and warmth of rural America. With its rich history, close-knit community, and picturesque landscapes, Lindborg offers a unique experience for visitors and residents alike. This blog post will look closely at Lindborg, exploring its history, attractions, and why it is worth visiting.
A Brief History: Lindborg traces its roots back to the late 19th century when Swedish immigrants settled there. The town was founded in 1869 and named after its first postmaster, Olof Lindborg. These Swedish pioneers brought their traditions, culture, and strong work … (0 comments)

buy a home: Mastering the Art of Dealing with Difficult People: Tips and Strategies - 04/17/23 08:31 PM
Dealing with difficult people can be challenging, but it's a skill that's essential in all aspects of life, from personal to professional relationships. Whether it's your coworker, family member, friend, or even a stranger, there are ways to handle them while reducing stress and conflict. In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips on how to master the art of dealing with difficult people more humanely.
 
Stay calm and composed: The first step in dealing with difficult people is keeping quiet. Feeling defensive or angry when someone challenges you is natural, but reacting with anger will only worsen things. Take a deep breath, … (4 comments)

buy a home: Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals - 04/12/23 08:03 PM
Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses.
SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $1,798 tax refund this year. The map below provides a more detailed estimate by state:
According to Freddie Mac, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a homebuyer. If you’re getting a refund this year and thinking about buying a … (6 comments)

buy a home: Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There. - 04/08/23 06:02 AM
We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason to stick with your search. Here are a few of them.
Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Short-Term ChallengesOwning a home grows your net worth – and since building that wealth takes time, it makes sense to start as soon as you can. If you wait to buy and keep renting, you’ll miss out … (3 comments)

buy a home: How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You - 04/04/23 04:09 AM
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power.
The chart below helps show the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment:
Even a 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment. And since rates have been moving between 6% and 7% for a while now, you can see how it impacts your purchasing power as rates go … (8 comments)

buy a home: 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home - 03/31/23 11:48 AM
Harvard: 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a HomeEric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. This year he released a new paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home. Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available. “Few households are interested in … (2 comments)

buy a home: 9 Ways To Instantly Boost Your Motivation - 02/22/23 03:54 AM
It’s tough to stay motivated all the time. Life has ups and downs, and getting caught in a negative spiral of thoughts is easy. When you’re feeling low, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Fortunately, you can do some simple things to boost your motivation instantly. From changing your environment to setting small goals, these nine tips will help you get back on track and achieve your objectives.
 
Finding Your “Why”: One of the most important steps to staying motivated is having an apparent “why.” Why do you want to achieve this goal? Knowing … (15 comments)

buy a home: Harvard: 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home - 02/01/23 06:18 AM
  Eric Belsky is the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. This year he released a new paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his article, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home.
Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study:
1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.
"Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds, … (3 comments)