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Showing posts from September, 2024

Finding Affordability in Lessons of the Past

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In the 1980s, home buyers faced significantly higher mortgage rates compared to today's market. Despite this challenge, many people successfully purchased homes and made them worthwhile investments. They employed a range of strategies to manage costs and ensure affordability. Here are the key tactics they used, explained in detail: To reduce the amount borrowed and thereby lower monthly payments, many buyers saved for larger down payments. By putting more money down upfront, they could decrease their loan-to-value ratio, often securing better interest rates and reducing private mortgage insurance (PMI) costs. Strict budgeting was essential. Buyers meticulously planned their finances, cutting unnecessary expenses and prioritizing savings. This disciplined approach enabled them to accumulate sufficient funds for down payments and to manage ongoing homeownership costs without financial strain. Purchasing smaller or starter homes was a common strategy. These properties

Convenient but not accurate can cost you money

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Online estimates like Zillow, realtor.com, Redfin, & Homes.com are convenient, but typically lack accuracy and may have a significant margin of error.   They are constructed using a computer-generated algorithm that utilizes historical public sales data and trends called an Automated Value Model, AVM. National AVMs derive values from automated computer modeling of public records and may not reflect the true value of a home due to the nuances of local markets.   An experienced agent, familiar with home sales in the area, takes several steps to arrive at a more accurate fair market value. Real estate agents provide invaluable expertise by leveraging their deep understanding of local market conditions. This includes insights into neighborhood trends, recent sales data, and current inventory levels. By tapping into this knowledge, agents can accurately assess the fair market value of a home. They conduct thorough property inspections, meticulously noting its condition, un