Home Buyers

  Whether you are a first-time or established renter, it’s important for you to make financial decisions that will help you achieve your future goals — whatever they may be. Here, we’ve collected tips to help renters budget, save and grow their credit. Full article here: Personal Finance Tips for Renters (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you are unable to open the...

  Contract signings for home sales jumped in March, which could indicate a reversal of slowing many markets have experienced this spring. Pending home sales—a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings—climbed 6.1% in March compared to February. The rise in pending home sales could hint at a turnaround, says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. Full article here: Signs...

  A record-high 6.8 million households shared their housing with unrelated housemates, roommates or boarders in 2023. While college-age and young adults make up the largest subset of house sharers (close to 41%), this type of living arrangement is gaining popularity among older householders fastest, with the 55+ segment accounting for 30% of all house-sharing households in 2023. Full article here:...

  Before 1974, women couldn’t secure a mortgage without a male co-signer. That was before passage of the Fair Housing Act’s prohibitions against sex discrimination and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. But today, single women have emerged as a major segment of homebuyers. In fact, single women have outpaced single men in homebuying for more than 40 consecutive years. Full article here: Single...

Last year was the slowest existing home sales market since 1995. It's wasn't that people didn't want to buy -- there simply wasn't much for sale. The big question now is whether a frozen market can begin to thaw. Signs suggest things are starting to shift, with more inventory coming on the market. In February, there were 17% more existing homes for sale compared to last year, followed by a 10% increase...

  Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help you pay for some of these expenses? Let Credit Karma explain… Full article here: Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a Home (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If you...

  More single women are buying homes than ever before. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors, the percentage of single women buying homes has nearly doubled nationwide over the past four decades, despite the fact that women still typically earn less than men do. Full article here: Single women account for nearly a quarter of first-time homebuyers (512) 853-0110...

  As housing affordability remains a critical challenge across the country, mortgage rates continue to play a central role in shaping homebuying power. Mortgage rates stayed elevated throughout 2023 and early 2024. Recent data, however, shows a modest decline in mortgage rates. Even slight declines can have a significant impact on housing affordability, pricing more households back into the...

Homeownership is a symbol of financial stability for most Americans—but for those living in states where the cost of living is higher, it might seem like they're working solely to keep a roof over their heads. The median home price nationally is $412,000, according to the Realtor.com. Full article here: The Number of Days You Need To Work To Afford a Monthly Mortgage Payment  (512) 853-0110...

  A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.​ Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of...