Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 10, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

Some HighlightsOnce your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more.That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip this step.An inspection is your chance to avoid costly headaches and get peace of mind. Connect with an agent to talk about other ways to make your offer stand out.

The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 6, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment.For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA...

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 2, 2025. Posted in Economy, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a...

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 29, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 26, 2025. Posted in For Buyers, Infographics, Inventory, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ?There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.?

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 25, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Equity, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep ClimbingEach quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the...

What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 23, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April: This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening.And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move. You...

Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 22, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why.That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead.The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May...

Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

Written by Stuart FL Mortgage Syndicated User on April 18, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Rates Stuart FL, Stuart FL Mortgage.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer.The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why.Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your NumbersOne of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on...

Category: For Buyers