With the national median home price surpassing $400,000 since March 2023 and just 37.7% of existing homes sold during the fourth quarter of 2023 deemed affordable to families earning the median income of $96,300, it’s certainly understandable that would-be homebuyers might be hoping for a price crash in order to grab their first rung on the housing ladder. Similarly, existing owners might be trying to time the market to maximize their equity gains versus risking a decline.The average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage interest rate reached more than 7% in October and...
The process of buying a home can feel intimidating, whether it’s your first real estate purchase or your third. The housing market we’ve experienced over the past several years doesn’t help either, as buyers struggle with unaffordable home prices, higher mortgage rates and limited inventory.The key to making it less scary is to know what’s ahead and surround yourself with knowledgeable professionals who can help guide you. Here’s a step-by-step checklist for buying a house:1. Understand the Current Housing MarketThe housing market has been extremely volatile over the last several...