Thinking about buying a home? If so, you’re probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here’s some information that can help you decide. What’s Next for Home Prices? Each quarter, Fannie Mae and Pulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and […]
Category Archives: Home Buying Tips
What You Should Know as a First-Time Home Buyer in Metro DC
Purchasing your first home in the DC Metro is a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in your life. However, navigating the complex world of real estate can be daunting. To help ease your journey towards homeownership, here are some essential tips for first-time homebuyers. Set a Realistic Budget: Determine how much you can comfortably […]
The Truth About Down Payments
If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case. Unless specified by your loan type or lender, […]
Don’t Let the Latest Home Price Headlines Confuse You
Based on what you’re hearing in the news about home prices, you may be worried they’re falling. But here’s the thing. The headlines aren’t giving you the full picture. If you look at the national data for 2023, home prices actually showed positive growth for the year. While this varies by market, and while there were some months with slight […]
Should I Move to a DC Metro Condo or Townhome?
Downsizing, whether due to empty nesting or seeking a simpler lifestyle, often prompts the question: Should I move to a condo or a townhome? Both options offer low-maintenance living, but understanding the nuances can help you make the right choice as you embark on this new chapter in your homeowner journey. Condo Living Condo living […]
Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Metro DC Mortgage
If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s a list of things […]
Why Older Metro DC Homes Might Be More Appealing to Buyers
For homebuyers in Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia today, there are many choices associated with local real estate. From when to buy or when to sell, which mortgage type is best and which community is the best fit, there is also one other important question homebuyers must ask themselves— new construction or existing? The prices […]
Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer
If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip. So, before you start picturing yourself in your new living room or dining on your future all-season patio, be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to prioritize this essential step. Here’s why. While home […]
Red Flags to Watch for When House Hunting in Metro DC
As winter blankets the DC Metro real estate market with a serene layer of snow, house hunters brave the cold in search of their dream home. While the winter months can offer unique advantages, such as less competition and potentially lower prices, it’s crucial to be vigilant and identify potential red flags during your winter […]
Experts Project Metro DC Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years
Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think prices will fall over the next 12 months. That’s nearly one in four […]