What's a Good Credit Score and Why Does it Matter?

 What's a Good Credit Score and Why Does it Matter?

Your credit score is so important throughout your life that it should be taught as part of a standard curriculum for financial literacy and adulthood. Unfortunately it isn't and in this instance, ignorance is anything but bliss. In this blog, we're going to take a deep dive to explain the importance of your credit score, how it's determined and steps you can take to improve it. My NC Homes would like to help our would be home buyers understand how your credit impacts not just your ability to purchase a home but also the terms you'll be given. Just because your credit is fair on one report, it still might not qualify for the lowest available mortgage rates. You may also be rejected depending on the…

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A Homeowner’s Net Worth Is 40x Greater Than a Renter’s

A Homeowners Net Worth Is 40x Greater Than a Renter's

One of the best ways to build your family's financial future is through homeownership. Recent data from the Federal Reserve indicates the net worth of a homeowner is actually over 40 times greater than that of a renter. Maybe it's time to start thinking about buying a home, especially when they are so affordable in today's market.

Every three years the Survey of Consumer Finances shows the breakdown of how owning a home helps build financial security. In the graph below, we see that the average net worth of homeowners continues to grow, while the net worth of renters tends to hold fairly steady and be significantly lower than that of homeowners. The gap between owning and renting just keeps…

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Forbearance 101

Forbearance 101

The mass casualty of job loss in virtually every sector has seen many homeowners considering mortgage forbearance. If you own a home you've likely received notification from your lender regarding their "willingness" to work with you. Even if you don't own a home, you've likely heard on the radio or TV or online, that the Federal Government through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has made all of the lenders who do business with them (Almost all of them) to offer Forbearance and prohibiting them from foreclosing (or in the case of renters; from evicting) for 1 year. While this sounds great as usual there's much more to it than simply being forgiven your payments.

My NC Homes has always believed in supplying our clients the information…

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Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?

Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks.

The next unemployment rate will be announced on May 8th. It is expected to be in the double digits. Due to the health crisis; the economy has essentially come to a screeching halt; and many are feeling a personal financial crisis. James Bullard, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, explained that the government is trying to find ways to assist both those who have lost their jobs as well as  the companies which were forced to close (think: your neighborhood restaurant). In a recent interview he said:

"This is a planned, organized partial shutdown of the U.S. economy in the second quarter. The overall goal is to keep everyone, households and businesses, whole."

…

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4 Essential Real Estate Vendors You Should NOT Find Online

Moving is stressful and real estate transacting, whether buying or selling, is emotional. The team you use can ease emotions or add drama. We have found that buyers who choose their vendors based on digital review or paid review sites have unreliable results, at best. In our decades of experience in real estate, we have witnessed the rise of the digital professional over the word of mouth professional, and would like to offer our vendors who are proven beyond paid review or page rank. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Raleigh-Durham, contact a member of our team to begin your search.

Lenders

A reputable lender will offer fair terms and competitive rates derived from your present financial status, adjusted income, and credit history.…

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2020 Housing Market Insights

The real estate market is expected to do very well this year as mortgage rates remain at historic lows. One challenge to the housing industry is the lack of homes available for sale. Last week, move.com released a report showing that 2020 is beginning with the lowest available housing inventory in two years. Here's what industry experts are saying. 

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Everybody Calm Down! This is NOT 2008

Everybody Calm Down! This is NOT 2008

Last week realtor.com released the results of a survey that produced three major revelations:

• 53% of home purchasers (first-time and repeat buyers) currently in the market believe a recession will occur this year or next.
• 57% believe the next recession will be as bad or worse than 2008.
• 55% said they would cancel plans to move if a recession occurred.

Since we are currently experiencing the longest-ever economic expansion in American history, there is reason to believe a recession could occur in the not-too-distant future. And, it does make sense that buyers and sellers remember the horrors of 2008 when they hear the word recession.

Ali Wolf, Director of Economic Research at the real…

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Do You Know Your Credit Score?

Do You Know Your Credit Score

Many people assume their credit score is too low to qualify to purchase a home. In reality, 84% of Americans have a credit score that would allow them to become homeowners! If you'd like to find out more about what your credit score really means, (it means much more than simply whether you qualify for a mortgage or not) let's get together and chat.

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What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market

What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market

We're halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019.

Here is what some experts have to say:

Danielle Hale, Chief Economistrealtor.com

Lower mortgage rates, higher wages and more homes for sale have helped counteract rising home prices, and ultimately, made it so that buyers are able to afford more than last year.

Our outlook implies 4% growth for the remaining months of the year, predicated on more supply than last year, the decline in mortgage rates, moderating home price appreciation and improving affordability.

Lawrence Yun, Chief…

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Want To Start Saving For A Down Payment? Try These 4 Money-Saving Hacks

Buying a home is one of those big milestones in life that many expect they’ll do someday but aren’t quite sure how to get there. In order to be approved for a mortgage, you’ll need to overcome the first and biggest hurdle: having enough money for a down payment. Saving for things is hard, especially when you’re trying to save up a considerable amount. That being said, these savvy money-saving tips might be just what you need to help you get there, sooner rather than later. 

How Much Money Do You Need For A Down Payment On A Home?

The amount you’ll need for your down payment will greatly vary depending on your lender and financial situation. Typically, down payments range from 5% to 20% of the home’s value, so a home that’s $250,000 and a loan…

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