homebuying: Builders Are Building Smaller Homes - 04/11/24 06:27 AM
There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.
Newly Built Homes Are Trending SmallerDuring the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from … (5 comments)

homebuying: Don’t Let Your Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Plans - 04/08/24 01:34 PM
If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need.
A Bankrate article explains:
“Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For … (3 comments)

homebuying: Top 5 Reasons To Hire an Agent When Buying a Home - 04/05/24 07:43 AM
Some Highlights Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market. They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you're agreeing to. Plus, they're good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal. Expert advice from a trusted real estate professional is priceless. Let’s connect today.  
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy … (2 comments)

homebuying: Newly Built Homes Could Be a Game Changer This Spring - 04/03/24 10:07 AM
Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both?
If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at newly built homes. Here’s why.
New Home Construction Is an Inventory Bright SpotWhen looking for a home, you can choose between existing homes (those that are already built and previously owned) and newly constructed ones. While the number of existing homes for sale … (2 comments)

homebuying: Single Women Are Embracing Homeownership - 03/31/24 08:34 AM
In today's housing market, more and more single women are becoming homeowners. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single men.
If you're a single woman trying to buy your first home, this should be encouraging. It means other people are making their dreams a reality – so you can too.
Why Homeownership Matters to So Many WomenFor many single women, buying a home isn't just about having a place to live—it's also a smart way to invest for the future. Homes usually increase in value over time, so … (3 comments)

homebuying: Is It Easier To Find a Home To Buy Now? - 03/28/24 08:15 AM
One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.
The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show there are more homes on the market in 2024 than there have been in any of the past several years (2021-2023):
Does That Mean Finding a Home Is Easier? The answer is yes, and no. As an article from Realtor.com says:
“There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier . . . That alone could jolt the housing … (4 comments)

homebuying: What’s the Latest with Mortgage Rates? - 03/26/24 09:41 AM
Recent headlines may leave you wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Maybe you’d previously heard there were going to be cuts this year that would bring rates down. That refers to the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and what they do to their Fed Funds Rate. While cutting, or lowering, the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates, it does tend to impact them. But when the Fed met last week, a cut didn’t happen — at least, not yet. 
There are a lot of factors the Fed considered in their recent decision and most of them are complex. But you … (2 comments)

homebuying: What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs - 03/25/24 10:04 AM
Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you're busy saving for the down payment, don't forget you’ll want to prep for closing costs too.
Here’s some helpful information on what those costs are and how much you should budget for them.
What Are Closing Costs? A recent article from Bankrate explains:
“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and … (3 comments)

homebuying: Why So Many People Fall in Love with Homeownership - 02/14/24 09:48 AM
Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional.
So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if you’re ready to buy a home this year, here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with homeownership.
Customizing to Your Heart’s Desire Your house should be a space that’s uniquely you. And, if you’re a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of … (1 comments)

homebuying: What’s Really Happening with Mortgage Rates? - 02/12/24 06:32 AM
Are you feeling a bit unsure about what’s really happening with mortgage rates? That might be because you’ve heard someone say they’re coming down. But then you read somewhere else that they’re up again. And that may leave you scratching your head and wondering what’s true.
The simplest answer is: that what you read or hear will vary based on the time frame they’re looking at. Here’s some information that can help clear up the confusion.
Mortgage Rates Are Volatile by NatureMortgage rates don’t move in a straight line. There are too many factors at play for that to happen. Instead, rates bounce … (0 comments)

homebuying: Winning Plays for Buying a Home in Today’s Market - 02/11/24 07:40 AM
Some Highlights In today's housing market, you can still come out on top if you have the right team and plan. To win when buying a home, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd. Let’s connect today to make your winning move.  
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the … (5 comments)

homebuying: Why Pre-Approval Is Even More Important This Year - 02/07/24 08:46 AM
On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024.
What Pre-Approval Is As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. According to Investopedia, this includes things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, bank statements, and more.
From there, they’ll give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow. Freddie Mac explains it like this:
… (2 comments)

homebuying: Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home - 02/05/24 07:56 AM
Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you.
But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps … (1 comments)

homebuying: Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House - 02/01/24 01:40 PM
As you think about the year ahead, one of your big goals may be moving. But, how do you know when to make your move? While spring is usually the peak homebuying season, you don’t actually need to wait until spring to sell. Here's why.
1. Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage Rates Last October, the 30-year fixed mortgage rates peaked at 7.79%. In January, they hit their lowest level since May. That means you may not feel as locked-in to your current mortgage rate right now. That downward trend in rates has made moving more affordable now than it was just … (2 comments)

homebuying: Why It’s More Affordable To Buy a Home This Year - 01/26/24 06:07 AM
Some Highlights Home affordability depends on three factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. Mortgage rates are down from their recent peak, home prices are expected to rise at a slower pace, and wages are increasing faster than usual. That’s good news if you want to buy a home because it means affordability is getting better.  
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information … (3 comments)

homebuying: Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn - 01/19/24 06:52 AM
Some Highlights Buying a home is a big deal and can feel especially complicated if you don't know the terms used during the process. If you want to become a homeowner this year, it's a good idea to learn these key housing terms and understand how they relate to the current housing market. That will help you feel confident when you buy a home. Let’s connect so you can get expert help with any questions you have.  
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not … (0 comments)

homebuying: Achieving Your Homebuying Dreams in 2024 - 01/05/24 08:13 AM
Some Highlights Planning to buy a home in 2024? Here’s what to focus on. Improve your credit score, plan for your down payment, get pre-approved, and decide what’s most important to you. Let’s connect so you have expert advice on how to achieve your homebuying goals this year.  
Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com
Let’s Connect:
Facebook
Linkedin
Twitter
Instagram
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be … (3 comments)

homebuying: Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions - 01/03/24 08:25 AM
If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage rates are coming up a lot.
Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself as you make your decision, including the data that helps cut through the noise.
1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading?One reliable place you can turn to for … (3 comments)

homebuying: 3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024 - 01/02/24 09:12 AM
If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus.
Over the last year, the economy had a big impact on the housing market, and likely on your wallet too. That’s why it’s critical to have a clear picture of not just the market today, but also on what you want out of it when you buy or sell a home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“The key to making a good decision in … (4 comments)

homebuying: Get Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score - 12/26/23 08:06 AM
As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it's never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to prepare for homeownership is building a solid credit score.
Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. An article from CNBC explains:
“When it comes to mortgages, a higher credit score can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. This is because your credit … (4 comments)