đĄđ¤ď¸ Buying a home comes with many steps, but donât worryâDebbie & Angie have your roadmap to homeownership! Letâs connect and get started todayâcall us now! đđâ¨
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Buying your first home is excitingâbut letâs be real, it can also feel overwhelming. Itâs a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions:
â Am I making the right decision?
â Can I really afford this right now?
â What if unexpected repairs come up?
â Will I still be okay financially if something changes?
The truth is, every first-time homebuyer has these thoughtsâand thatâs completely normal. The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves. But with the right guidance, you can move forward with confidence.
As your local real estate expert, we are here to provide the knowledge and support you need. Letâs break down some key things to keep in mind.
Since homeownership is new to you, figuring out your budget might feel overwhelming. Youâll need to consider your mortgage, home insurance, maintenance, and possibly HOA fees. Thatâs a lot to think about!
The key? Focus on what you can control. By working with a trusted local agent (thatâs us! đ) and a reputable lender, youâll get a clear picture of:
âď¸ What you can afford to borrow
âď¸ Your monthly mortgage payment
âď¸ How interest rates impact your costs
Your mortgage will likely be your biggest expense, so itâs crucial to ensure the numbers work for you.
Worried about unexpected repairs? Thatâs understandable! But remember, youâll get a home inspection before you buy, giving you insight into the homeâs condition.
If repairs are a concern, consider negotiating with the seller to include a home warranty. This can help cover major systems like HVAC or plumbing for a set period after you move in. Itâs a small expense for the seller but could provide you with valuable peace of mind.
Money might feel tight at first, and thatâs normal. Many first-time buyers cut back on dining out or shopping until they adjust to their new expenses.
But if your budget doesnât leave room for essentials like food, gas, and savings, you might be stretching too far. A slight stretch is normalâa financial strain is not. Letâs find a home that fits both your dreams and your budget!
One of the biggest fears buyers have is, What if my financial situation changes? The good news is, careers progress, and incomes often increase over time. That slightly tight budget now may feel much more comfortable in a few years.
And if an unexpected job loss happens? There are options, like mortgage forbearance, that can provide temporary relief during financial hardship.
Buying your first home is a big decision, and feeling nervous is completely normal. But if youâre financially ready, donât let fear hold you back. With the right plan and expert guidance, you can confidently take this step toward homeownership.
đŹ Whatâs your biggest concern about buying your first home? Letâs chat! weâd love to help you navigate the process and answer all your questions.
đ Debbie Krogman & Angie Pittsâ Your Local Real Estate Experts
530-330-3042 / 530-308-2537
More Buyers Are Entering the Market â Is It Time for You To Sell?
If youâve been waiting for the right time to sell your home, this may be the sign youâve been looking for. More buyers are stepping back into the market, and that could mean great opportunities for sellers like you.
Over the past few years, rising mortgage rates and affordability challenges made many would-be buyers pause their home search. But now, the market is shifting. Buyers are adjusting to current conditions, and with mortgage rates beginning to stabilize, more of them are resuming their home search. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
"Home buyers seem to be getting over the shock of mortgage rates in the mid- to upper-6% range."
Thatâs great news if youâre thinking about selling. While weâre not seeing an overwhelming surge of buyers all at once, serious homebuyers are re-entering the marketâand thereâs solid data to back it up.
With buyer activity picking up, now is the perfect time to list your home. Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate, as more buyers and sellers enter the market. You donât want to miss out on this prime opportunity.
If youâre thinking about selling, REALTORSÂŽ Debbie and Angie are here to guide you every step of the way. With years of experience in the local market, they know how to position your home to attract serious buyers and get you the best possible offer.
Letâs connect today and take advantage of the growing buyer activity!
Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Right for You?
Are you struggling to find the perfect home within your budget? Or maybe you love your current home but could use extra income or a separate space for aging loved ones? No matter the reason, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the smart solution youâve been searching for in todayâs market!
According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, independent living space located on the same lot as a single-family home. It must have its own living, sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom areas, making it a fully functional separate dwelling. ADUs come in various forms, including:
ADUs are gaining momentum as more homebuyers and homeowners realize their benefits. In fact, a recent survey found that 24% of real estate agents say an ADUâsuch as a mother-in-law suiteâis one of the most sought-after home features today. Why? Because an ADU can provide extra financial security and flexibility in an ever-changing housing market. If you buy a home with an ADU or add one to your existing property, you could use it as a rental unit to help offset your mortgage costs!
Beyond the financial perks, ADUs offer many lifestyle benefits. Here are a few key reasons theyâre so appealing, according to Freddie Mac and AARP:
â Living Close, But Separate â Whether you want to keep family nearby or have guests stay comfortably, an ADU provides togetherness without sacrificing privacy. Itâs the perfect balance!
â Aging in Place â If you have aging parents who need a little extra support, an ADU allows them to maintain independence while staying close to loved ones who can help if needed.
â Built-In Childcare â Multi-generational living can offer huge benefits, including built-in babysitters! If your parents or other family members live in the ADU, they may be able to provide childcare, saving you money and giving your kids more time with family.
Itâs important to note that ADUs are typically considered secondary dwellings and usually cannot be sold separately from the main home. However, laws and regulations vary by location, and some areas are making changes to allow more flexibility. Thatâs why itâs essential to consult a local real estate expert to understand the options in your area.
In todayâs housing market, an ADU could be a game-changerâwhether youâre looking for an affordable home, extra rental income, or a dedicated space for loved ones. If youâre interested in finding a home with an ADU or adding one to your property, letâs talk! Weâll help you navigate the process and ensure you understand all the local rules and regulations.
âĄď¸ Thinking about an ADU? Letâs chat! Contact Debbie and Angie, REALTORSÂŽ, today at FoothillsProperty.com.
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If youâre like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, thereâs a major hurdle standing in your way â the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too.
But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently.
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home â or that it has to check all the boxes of what they want right out of the gate. In reality, itâs just a starting point.
Once you own a home, you start to build equity, which grows over time as home prices rise. Down the road, if you want to move â whether to a larger space, a better location, or both â the equity youâve gained can help you do just that.
So rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that works for now.
If high home prices in your favorite area are holding you back, itâs time to cast a wider net. By keeping an open mind and being flexible with location, you may be surprised at whatâs possible within your budget. Many buyers find success by looking in surrounding areas â and some even choose to move out of state.
If you want to stay local, looking just outside your preferred neighborhood could help you find something you can afford thatâs still close to your favorite restaurants, shops, and activities. Sometimes, moving as little as 10 minutes away makes a big difference.
The best way to see whatâs available is to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you identify hidden gems nearby. Debbie and Angie, your local REALTORSÂŽ, know the ins and outs of the area and can guide you to communities you may not have considered yet. These neighborhoods may have lower price tags right now but are steadily gaining value and appeal. With their expertise, you can buy your first home and set yourself up to gain equity over the years.
Todayâs cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers. But by exploring different areas and working with Debbie & Angie, you can take that first step toward owning a home â and building equity for your future.