Everything About Home Buying, Selling, and Investing 

March 9, 2023

Do The Math Before Searching for A Home

Before buying a home, there are several critical mathematical calculations that you should consider. Here are a few examples:

1. Calculate your budget: Determine how much money you have available for a down payment, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments. Use a mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on your purchase price, interest rate, and loan term.

2. Determine your debt-to-income ratio: Lenders will look at your debt-to-income balance to determine how much you can borrow. This calculation compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income. Ideally, your debt-to-income percentage should be no higher than 43%.

3. Calculate your closing costs: Closing costs include various expenses, such as appraisal fees, title insurance, and attorney fees. These costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price.

4. Calculate your property taxes and insurance costs: Property taxes and insurance can add significant expenses to your monthly mortgage payment. Use online tools or work with your real estate agent to estimate these costs.

5. Consider your potential return on investment: If you're buying a home as an investment, consider the possible return on investment. Calculate the expected rental income, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the property's appreciation potential.

 

Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent and a lender who can help you navigate these calculations and determine the best financial strategy for your situation is important.

Posted in Buying a Home
March 1, 2023

Curious About Local Real Estate?

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

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You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates