Tag: #stjohnsflmortgagerates
You’ve spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it’s natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.Whether you’re leaning toward staying in your house as you get older or moving to a 55+ community, the goal is the same: a home that fits the life you want, with more time for the people and things you love. So, here’s what to consider before you decide.What It Can Take To Stay PutWanting to stay in a house...
Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?
You’ve probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you’re planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.With all the headlines, it’s easy to think the Fed sets mortgage rates. That’s actually a common myth. But the Fed’s decisions can still have an impact on them.So, where does that leave you? The next few months could get a little bumpy. But the Fed is playing the long game. And with the right plan, you can still make a move that works. Let’s break it down.Why the Fed Is Raising RatesIt all comes back to...
Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner
For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach. Saving for a down payment takes time, and each year you spend renting can make owning feel further off.But buying your first home doesn’t have to happen to feel like a far away goal. Two choices you control can bring your first home years closer, even with affordability as tight as it is right now.How Long Buying Really TakesFirst, one quick definition. “Breaking even” is the point where owning has cost you about the same as renting would have over the same period. And after that...
There Are 4 Types of Housing Markets Right Now. Which 1 Are You In?
Today’s housing market splits into four distinct types. You’ve got cash buyers, buyers financing a purchase, owners who feel locked into a low rate, and builders with homes to sell. Which type you’re in changes how you should buy or sell. Ryan Serhant, CEO of SERHANT agrees:“There is no longer a housing market . . . There are four Americas.”Here’s what each looks like, and what it means for you.Cash Buyers: 1 in 4 Buyers Are Paying with CashIf you already own a home, you may be able to buy your next place in cash thanks to your equity. In fact, 26% of existing home sales this summer were...
3 Things You Can Actually Control About Your Mortgage Rate Right Now
If you’re trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night. And as you watch mortgage rates tick up again lately, it’s fair to wonder if you should just hit pause and wait for them to go down. For now, though, they’re headed the other way. Mortgage News Daily data shows how rates have risen this year (see graph below):And if you’re wondering why? There are actually a number of reasons. Mortgage rates are impacted by the situation overseas, economic data, inflation numbers, oil prices, and even decisions from the Federal Reserve (who recently decided to hike...
Selling This Fall? You Want To Get These 4 Things Right.
Selling your house this fall is absolutely doable. But there’s something you need to know about this time of year. Buyer activity typically starts to slow while the number of homes for sale climb – and you need the right strategy to get attention in this type of market.The good news? There’s a lot you can control.From how you price and present your house to how you negotiate and respond to feedback. Here are four things you’ll want to get right this fall. #1: Price To Get Buyers’ AttentionIn the fall, there are typically fewer buyers looking and more homes for them to choose from. So, you...
Fidelity Home Group | Stated Income Mortgage
Fidelity Home Group | Stated Income Mortgage
Unable to show income on your W2’s, Pay Stubs or Tax Returns? Not an issue, our Stated Income Mortgage Program is designed to use your credit history and reserves to offset your income. NMLS ID 1834853 #fidelityhomegroup #floridamortgage #floridamortgagerates #floridamortgagecompany #mortgagetips
Thinking About Tapping into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Read This First.
Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you’ve caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything.Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be TemptingData from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement...
Sellers Are Cutting Prices To Meet Buyers Where They’re At
You’re scrolling through listings on your phone and everything looks good until you see the price (or the estimated monthly payment). Then you close the app. Because even if you love the house, the numbers feel impossible. But here’s the thing.Nationally, there are more homes sitting on the market than there are people out there looking. And when sellers need buyers more than buyers need sellers, that shows up in the price.Lower asking prices. More price cuts. And homes priced for what buyers can actually afford – not what sellers hope someone might pay.And it may be enough to...
Worried About a Housing Crash? The Numbers Tell a Calmer Story.
A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.So, it’s understandable if you’ve been putting off buying or selling a home until things settle down. But you may be waiting on something that’s already happened. While everything else has felt shaky, the housing market has become one of the steadiest things out there. Look at the data.Home Prices Have Leveled OutAfter years of fast increases, data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows home...