Home Buying Tips Archives

How to Bridge the Gap Between Selling and Buying – The Duvall Group

Oct 26 2022

OCTOBER 2022 HOW TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SELLING AND BUYING Can you buy before you sell? There are many ways to bridge the gap between selling your home and buying a new one. We... »
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The Mission of Changing Homeownership

Oct 24 2022

Homebridge

At Homebridge, our vision is to make the dream of homeownership a reality for every customer, every day. One way we live that vision is by providing greater access to homebuyer education. By... »
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Why Rate Isn’t Everything

Sep 1 2022

Michael Pennington

If you’re in the market to purchase a home and concerned that rising interest rates could price you out of the home you’re looking at, then this article is for you. First, you... »
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Why the Market Won’t Crash

Aug 19 2022

Michael Pennington

No Crash Zone. A Current Outlook on the Housing Market. By: Michael Pennington Are you concerned that the housing market will crash like it did in 2008? That the cost of homes has skyrocketed so... »
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Are 3D Printed Homes The Answer to Our Housing Issues? – The Duvall Group

Aug 15 2022

Anne

AUGUST 2022 ARE 3D PRINTED HOMES THE ANSWER TO OUR HOUSING ISSUES? A recent collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and Alquist has created the world’s first owner-occupied 3D printed home. While it might be hard... »
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FHA Loans: What Are The Benefits And Features

Aug 8 2022

Homebridge

FHA loans offer a 3.5% down payment requirement as well as lenient Debt-to-Income ratios (DTI) and credit requirements. They are ideal for low-to-moderate income earners, and people buying a home with less-than-perfect credit. Backed... »
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Helping 1099 Contract Employees Buy A Home

Jul 11 2022

Homebridge

There are definite benefits to being a freelance worker or independent contractor. You’re able to set your own schedule, and you can spend only a few hours at different jobs to get a... »
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The Fed Increase: For Better Or Worse?

Jul 8 2022

Homebridge

Why Interest Rates Increase To Combat High Inflation Inflation rates are at a forty year high and consumers across the country are feeling the impact. From the higher cost of gas to higher prices... »
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What Determines Your Mortgage Interest Rate?

Jun 23 2022

Homebridge

Current mortgage interest rates are always a hot topic for homebuyers or those who are curious about the affordability of homeownership. Knowing the general market rate can be helpful when budgeting for an... »
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Benefits of Pre-Approval: Get the Upper Hand

Apr 27 2022

Homebridge

The supply of houses on the market has fallen from an average of 1.6 million units monthly in 2018 and 2019 to just over 1 million in 2021 – and the monthly figures... »
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4 Stops Along the Road to First Time Homebuying

Mar 31 2022

Homebridge

Your first time buying a home will be exciting, offering a window into the setting of your future. At Homebridge, we delight in the opportunity to help first-time homebuyers because we are reminded... »
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USING GIFT FUNDS TO BUY A HOME

Feb 1 2022

Homebridge

USING GIFT FUNDS TO BUY A HOME For many homebuyers, gift funds are a needed boost to help them cover the necessary down payment on their dream home. Although it’s common practice to receive... »
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New Conforming Loan Limits – The Duvall Group

Jan 1 2022

Anne

JANUARY 2022 New Conforming Loan Limits The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently announced 2022 conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC) loans. Limits increased for single-family homes from $548,250 to... »
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5 Tips For Getting a Home Loan

May 25 2021

Homebridge

Becoming a homeowner may be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. But before you start picking out a living room set, you'll want to take a step back and start... »
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5 Reasons to Buy A Home

Aug 4 2020

Homebridge

Making the move from living with others to renting your own home is the first step many of us take in establishing our independence. As time goes on, however, you may begin to... »
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5 Actions to Avoid Before Homebuying

Aug 4 2020

Homebridge

Buying your first home is an exciting process. But as one of the most significant purchases you'll ever make, it can also be a little intimidating. To ensure a fun and straightforward experience,... »
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5 Factors That Make Buying a Home More Affordable

Jul 29 2020

Jamie Zeitz

Buying a home can seem overwhelming. As possibly the largest purchase you’ll ever make, you may even convince yourself that homeownership is financially beyond your reach. However, there are several factors you can... »
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4 Major Reasons Why Physical Lenders Are Better Than Digital Ones

Jun 1 2020

Homebridge

Today’s world is digital. Financial transactions such as a mortgage are no exception. Many companies offering majority-digital or completely digital transactions have opened within the past 10 years, making it appear as though... »
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How an FHA Loan Can Help You Secure Your Ideal Home

May 18 2020

Homebridge

In your search for the perfect place, you may have found homes in your market that are a bit out of your price range. Or, you may have found that you don’t have... »
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Four Ways to Capitalize on Homebuying During 2020

Apr 30 2020

Homebridge

The current turbulent economic and social environment has changed how many Americans spend their time and money; that’s a fact. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have the home you’ve always wanted. Whether... »
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Three Factors that Affect the Move to Your Next Home

Mar 23 2020

Ben Chapman

Moving to a new home can mean grappling with second guesses and big decisions. However, your move can be made much easier if you focus on the three factors critical to the choice... »
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How to Prepare for Buying a New Home

Mar 11 2020

Homebridge

After a lot of thought, you’ve decided to buy a home. Great decision! Mortgage interest rates are at a record low. This makes it a perfect time to buy a home. Before you meet... »
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Lowest. Rates. Ever.

Feb 28 2020

Homebridge

Bonds love bad news, uncertainty and fear, which are causing rates to move lower. This past week, the escalation of the coronavirus fears caused enough anxiety to push rates down to the lowest levels... »
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How to Financially Prepare for Homebuying

Feb 5 2020

Homebridge

Buying your first home is the biggest and arguably the most important purchase you will ever make. Preparing for that transition will require you to look at your finances in a different way.... »
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How Does Your Down Payment Affect Homebuying?

Feb 5 2020

Homebridge

The down payment is one of the most important elements of the homebuying process. Your down payment could affect your finances for years to come. In this article, we’re going to breakdown the... »
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3 Myths About Transitioning from Renter to Homeowner

Jan 9 2020

Ben Chapman

After years of rising rent prices and an inability to make your home truly yours, you’ve had enough and are ready to officially break up with your landlord. You’re ready to become a... »
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Is Buying a Home the Next Step for You? (to Buy or Not to Buy)

Dec 6 2019

Homebridge

For many, buying a home is a major transition in life. It’s one that comes with a long list of benefits like building long-term equity, the freedom to personalize your living space, and... »
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Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac loan limit increases to $510,400

Nov 26 2019

Chapman Lending Team

Chapman Lending Team at HomeBridge Financial The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced Tuesday that it is raising the conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to more than $510,000. In most of the U.S., the 2020 maximum conforming... »
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Mortgage Mythbusting: First-Time Homebuyer Edition

Oct 21 2019

Homebridge

Are you on the hunt for your first home? Rethink what you’ve been told and take a look at these commonly thought of mortgage myths. MYTH: “My credit score isn’t good enough to buy... »
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How to Qualify for a Mortgage as a Self-Employed Professional

Jun 18 2019

Ben Chapman

As a self-employed business owner, you have a lot on your plate. While running a business and tending to your daily responsibilities, starting the home process might feel daunting. You may have even... »
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How to Use and Build Equity in Your Home

Jun 18 2019

Ben Chapman

If you’re like most Americans, your home will be a major source of your net worth. As you continue to pay your mortgage, you will build equity in your home, which allows for... »
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Is now the right time to refinance my home loan?

May 2 2019

Ben Chapman

As of June 2021, interest rates are still at record lows. This means it’s a great time to buy a home, or in some cases, refinance. Refinancing is not only used to get... »
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Should You Use Your 401(k) to Help Purchase a Home?

May 2 2019

Ben Chapman

You may be in the process of looking for a home or you may have already gotten pre-approved. You’ve been saving for months or even years and your down payment is still short.... »
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Should I Use a Renovation Loan to Improve, Buy, or Sell My Home?

May 2 2019

Ben Chapman

You’ve decided you want to renovate your home, or maybe you have your eye set on a home that needs a little work. Great! As the biggest renovation lender in the United States,... »
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Advice for New Homebuyers from a Mortgage Industry Veteran

Apr 29 2019

Ben Chapman

According to a survey issued by Bank of the West, 69% of millennial homebuyers experienced some form of “buyer’s remorse” over their recent home purchase. Most said they wished they had been more prepared... »
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10 Reasons for Housing to Celebrate

Apr 5 2019

Homebridge

Spring is the peak home buying season for many parts of the country. After years of softer home sale activity — thanks to low housing inventory, affordability issues, and more — this Spring... »
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Fantasy or Reality? Setting Reasonable Expectations for Buying Your First Home

Mar 29 2019

Ben Chapman

Dreaming of owning a home is great but setting realistic expectations can help make the process that much easier. A lot happens from the day you decide to buy a new home to... »
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How Pre-approval Can Help You Secure Your Ideal Home

Mar 29 2019

Ben Chapman

In a competitive homebuying market, sellers want to sell their homes quickly to someone who will be able to buy it with no issues. A pre-approval letter is an official document explaining the... »
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The Difference Between Pre-qualification and Pre-approval

Mar 29 2019

Ben Chapman

The terms “pre-approval” and “pre-qualification” have likely come up while doing your research as a homebuyer. Understanding the differences between the two well set you up for success down your path to homeownership. Pre-qualification:... »
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Can I Afford to Buy a New Home?

Mar 29 2019

Ben Chapman

You’ve always dreamt of owning your own home. You’ve thought about it, imagined it, and now you’re seriously considering it. At this point, you may have started to research homebuying and there’s a... »
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