For 29 percent of first-time home buyers, saving for a down payment on a home is the most challenging step in the home buying process, according to the 2021 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at NAR says, […]
Buying a multi-unit with owner-occupied FHA Financing
With the right planning, buying a multi-unit and living in one of the units could be a great way to start your real estate investment portfolio. (Photo: Pexels). When most people think of buying a home, condos, townhouses, or single-family houses usually come to mind. It is very rare that you might think of buying […]
A post-closing occupancy agreement: How does it work?
Using a Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement with all the issues discussed and agreed upon can be a great tool for creating a seamless home sale to meet the needs of all parties involved. (Photo: Pexels). In the Boulder-area market, possession of a home most commonly happens upon delivery of the deed. In other words, the home […]
Grow your real estate wealth one owner-occupied home at a time
Most people start investing real estate by buying their personal residence. Yet the majority of Americans will stop there in terms of building their real estate portfolio. This is because when people are motivated to buy their first investment property, they are often told they will need a 20- or 25-percent down payment. Finding it […]
Should I co-sign a mortgage for a relative?
Frequently, first-time homebuyers will turn to relatives to help with a down payment or to cosign on the loan. In Boulder County, the prices of homes have risen steadily, and even more so this year with very low inventory and high buyer and investor demand. Due to this, it has been much more difficult for […]
Buying College Housing Starts Now — Part 2
In my last article, Part 1 of “Buying College Housing Starts Now,” I discussed how purchasing a condo or house for your child to live in while attending college can be a worthwhile investment and can provide financial as well as other benefits for your college student. As you evaluate this decision, here’s a guide […]
Buying college housing starts now – Part 1
A college property purchase can prove to be an astute financial investment as well as a superb learning experience for the student. In college towns across the country every August, college students start returning for the fall semester, generating a torrent of real estate activity. Because the rental housing market tends to be tight in […]
June is home ownership month! Homeownership matters!
NAR’s “Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing” report reveals that homeowners are happier and healthier. They tend to vote more, volunteer more, and contribute more to their neighborhoods. Historically, June is one of the busiest months for real estate activity, so much so that the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has celebrated June […]
Last year set the stage for April’s Fair Housing Month
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) continues to be an industry leader in fair housing. Last year set the stage for a progressive movement in the fair housing world to support equal opportunity and ensure that people are not discriminated against with regard to housing. In fact, the leadership of the National Association of Realtors […]
Removing Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) from your mortgage
PMI is usually required on conventional home loans for which the down payment is less than 20 percent. When one thinks of “mortgage insurance” some will think of a type of life insurance that if you die, the mortgage on your house is paid off for the benefit of the survivors. Private Mortgage Insurance, known […]