Home Buyers

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...

  The much anticipated spring selling season is a few weeks away, and signs point to a friendlier market for homebuyers. The share of consumers saying that now is a good time to buy was the highest in over a year, but still only at 24%. Meanwhile, the share of those saying that it’s a good time to sell remains high, at 62%. Full article here: Good News for Homebuyers—It’s a Friendlier Market as...

  Cash for a down payment and closing costs can seem like an insurmountable obstacle for some first-time buyers. But two things may help: First, you may need less money than you think. Second, you may be surprised to find that you can qualify for homebuyer assistance programs. Full article here: How to Get the Cash You Need to Buy a Home (512) 853-0110 or robert@AustinTxHomeSales.com If...

  Many people are hoping mortgage rates will come down before they buy a home. But will that actually happen? According to the latest forecasts, experts say rates will decline, but not by as much as a lot of people want. The good news? Even if they don’t drop substantially, there are still ways to make buying a home more affordable. Full article here: How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower...

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to the lowest level of 2025, but it doesn’t seem enough to create urgency among prospective home buyers. Freddie Mac reports the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.76% this week. At this week’s 6.76% rate, the monthly mortgage payment on a $400,000 home would be $2,078, assuming a 20% down payment. With a 10% down payment, the monthly mortgage payment would...