buying a house: Keys to Purchasing a Home with a Real Estate Agent - 08/26/24 08:39 PM
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s exciting but can also be daunting, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Partnering with a real estate agent can make the process smoother, more efficient, and less stressful. Real estate agents have the experience, knowledge, and resources to guide you through every step of the home-buying process. Here are the essential keys to purchasing a home with a real estate agent.
1. Choose the Right Real Estate Agent The first and most crucial step in purchasing a home is selecting the right real estate agent. … (7 comments)

buying a house: Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers In Salina,Ks - 07/29/23 05:01 AM

Are you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off.
In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability.
 So, if you’re considering selling your house, why does this matter to you? It helps you know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to today’s buyers. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR: 
"Buyers often seek homes that either … (7 comments)

buying a house: Exploring the Hidden Gem: Gypsum, Kansas 67448 - 05/08/23 09:29 PM
Nestled in the heart of the United States, away from the bustling cities and crowded tourist destinations, lies a hidden gem that often goes unnoticed by travelers. Gypsum, Kansas, with its serene landscapes, friendly community, and rich history, offers a unique experience for those seeking a tranquil escape. This blog will take you on a virtual journey through Gypsum, Kansas, and explore what makes this small town in the 67448-zip code so unique.
    A Snapshot of Gypsum, Kansas 67448: Gypsum, Kansas, is a small town in Saline County, in the central part of the state. With a population of … (3 comments)

buying a house: "To Pay or Not to Pay: Examining the Pros and Cons of Renting" - 04/08/23 07:22 AM
 
Building equity: When you pay rent, you're essentially paying for someone else's investment in the property. When you buy a home, you invest in your property and build equity with every payment you make. Purchasing a home can be a smart financial move since property values generally increase over time, making it a potentially lucrative investment. Predictable housing costs: Rent payments can increase year over year, making it challenging to budget and plan for the future. When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you can lock in your monthly housing costs, making it easier to prepare for the … (5 comments)

buying a house: 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)

buying a house: 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)

buying a house: There are several reasons why people may choose to purchase a home in Salina,KS - 03/14/23 08:03 PM
Security: Homeownership provides a sense of security and stability. You have control over your living space and can make it your own without worrying about rent increases or lease expirations.
Investment: A home can be a good long-term investment, as property values tend to appreciate over time. When you own a home, you have an asset that can potentially increase in value and provide a return on your investment.
Pride of ownership: Owning a home gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment. You can make improvements and renovations to your home, making it your own and reflecting your personal style.
Tax benefits: Homeownership … (7 comments)

buying a house: Why is it good to keep your credit in order when purchasing a home in Salina, KS? - 03/13/23 05:09 PM
 
Keeping your credit in good order when purchasing a home is vital for several reasons:
 
Better Interest Rates: Having a good credit score can help you get approved for a mortgage and can also help you get a lower interest rate on your loan. A lower interest rate can mean lower monthly payments and the overall cost of the loan.
 
More Loan Options: With good credit, you may be eligible for a broader range of mortgage loan options, including those with lower down payment requirements or more flexible terms. This can give you more options and help you find a loan that fits … (2 comments)

buying a house: 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)

buying a house: Prioritizing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer in Today’s Market - 02/01/23 04:06 AM
There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than last year. And if you’re considering buying a home, this may be top of mind. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this winter, you’ll need to be strategic to find a home that meets your needs and budget.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:
“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, . . . Another … (4 comments)

buying a house: Selecting A Salina Kansas Real Estate Agent - 01/21/23 08:04 AM
When buying or selling a home, you must work with a real estate agent that you can trust. This person will be responsible for helping you find the right home or buyer, and they will also be your advocate throughout the entire process.
So, how can you tell if a real estate agent is right for you? Here are ten qualities to look for in a real estate agent before you hire them:
They should have the experience where you want to buy or sell. They should be familiar with the type of property you’re interested in. They should be able to … (3 comments)