Showing posts with label Mortgages. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mortgages. Show all posts

Friday, October 7, 2022

What Kinds of Banks Issue Mortgages?

 

What Kinds of Banks Issue Mortgages?

What Kinds of Banks Issue Mortgages?


When you’re shopping for a mortgage, it can be tempting to just talk to the first person you meet, sign the loan documents, and be on your way. But before you do that, it’s actually pretty important that you ask what type of financial institution you’re dealing with, because they’re not all the same. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences.

Traditional Banks

Traditional banks are exactly what you imagine when you think of banks. They’re big institutions that collect deposits, notarize things, and sell bonds to the public. With the funds from these activities, they also may lend their own money for the long term, or they may sell their loans to a secondary loan buyer like Fannie Mae to free up more cash.

With a traditional bank, you’ll often get a pretty good deal when it comes to fees, since there are no middlemen to pay, and a competitive lending rate. However, if you’re looking for special homebuyer programs, you’ll find that banks can’t always offer the same ones, and you may have to go to the specific bank offering the program you’re after. They can also be pretty picky when it comes to borrowers, and may not be willing to overlook blips on your credit report.

Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers often get a bad rap, but they can be very useful if you’re looking for different kinds of programs to help with things like down payment assistance or loans that are far more forgiving of credit issues or high debt-to-income ratios.

You will pay a higher fee for using a mortgage broker, but sometimes that fee is worth the value they bring. Unlike with a traditional bank, mortgage brokers can match you with loans from a portfolio of banks, making it easier for borrowers to secure the mortgage loans they’re after. They can also often close very quickly, since they should know which lenders move quickly and which are slower to respond.

Credit Unions

Credit unions generally require borrowers to be members, but they can be valuable assets when it comes to securing a loan. Like a traditional bank, they typically loan their own money, or the money of credit unions in their network, but unlike a traditional bank, can often make unusual types of loans for specific circumstances. What each credit union will or can do will vary wildly between credit unions.

The fees with a credit union will typically be on the low side, but you may find that the lending is a bit slower and more tedious, since they may not make very many loans per year. This isn’t a bad thing, but it is a thing to be aware of if you need a quick closing because a previous loan or contract fell through and you’re scrambling.

Community Development Financial Institutions

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) are specially certified organizations that have a primary aim to increase access to financial services like mortgages for low-income communities and other people who simply lack access to financing. These organizations can be banks, credit unions, or even venture capital funds.

If you qualify for a loan through a CDFI, you’ll find that you’ll receive favorable terms, as well as low fees, but may also be limited in your options when it comes to lending programs. However, the loans you can get through these organizations are generally very flexible, making it significantly easier for less than perfect borrowers to qualify.

Looking for a Lender?

Look no further than your HomeKeepr community. There are many members who are mortgage professionals who can help with a range of banking needs, from first time homebuyer mortgages to HELOCs to remodel your home for aging in place. All you have to do is ask for a recommendation, and you’ll be on your way to meeting some of the best and brightest your loan community has to offer. Best of all, HomeKeepr is free to join and to use!



Sunday, September 11, 2022

How Does a HELOC Work?

 

How Does a HELOC Work?

How Does a HELOC Work?


With home values having risen dramatically in the last few years, many homeowners are looking for ways to tap their equity without selling their home or refinancing their primary mortgage. If your home has gained significant value since you purchased it, or you’ve just paid so much of the mortgage down that you’ve got ample equity to work with, a second mortgage on your home might make sense.

Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) are popular options for homeowners in this very situation. They’re flexible loans that give you a lot of options and time to decide what you want to do with your equity, but they can also be a bit confusing because they don’t work like a more traditional home loan.

HELOCs Are Lines of Credit

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to a HELOC is that, unlike a traditional home equity loan, HELOCs are lines of credit. That means that they work much more like a credit card than a mortgage. You’re approved for a line of credit that represents the maximum amount of money you can charge to your HELOC (just like with a credit card), and your payments are based on how much of that line of credit you’ve used.

If you max out your HELOC, you can pay it down and charge again, just like with a credit card. Unlike a credit card, however, your home is being used as the security for this loan, so if you get in over your head, your home is at risk of foreclosure. So you must be very careful with this particular kind of credit line.

HELOCs Have Two Separate Loan Periods

HELOCs start out their lives as open lines of credit, allowing you to charge or pay off as much as you wish at any given time. You’re usually expected to make at least an interest payment each month, but beyond that, you can charge a lot or a little and only pay based on the percentage of the credit line you’ve utilized. This is known as the “draw” period.

This period of the HELOC, where it functions as a line of credit, is usually about 10 years, but can be more or less, depending on the loan you take out. Immediately following this period, your HELOC becomes a set loan, and you can no longer charge anything else to the line of credit.

In the repayment period, your HELOC becomes much more like a traditional second mortgage, with a payment that’s based on the amount of credit you ultimately used during the draw period. From here on, your payment is more or less fixed, but can vary if you have an adjustable rate loan. The repayment period is usually about 20 years, but, again, can be different based on your agreement with your bank.

There is often a balloon payment due at the end of the repayment period, so if this is a concern for you, make sure that your loan either will fully amortize or that you’re paying extra each month to ensure your last payment takes your note to a zero balance.

HELOC Requirements

Like other home equity loans, you’ll need to be able to qualify for a HELOC with a reasonable credit score (ask your lender for specifics), a debt-to-income ratio of about 40% or below, and a high amount of home equity. Most lenders won’t lend more than about 85% of your home’s equity back to you, in case of default.

Of course, there are exceptions to all of these rules of thumb, so it’s very important to consult with multiple lenders before you make your final decision on who will be servicing your HELOC. You’ll also need an appraisal to assess the current value of your home, as well as minimal closing paperwork to finalize and record the loan.

Ready to Find Your HELOC Lender?

There’s no better place to look than HomeKeepr. Not only are all the best mortgage lenders here, they’re also coming to you with recommendations from the people you trust most. Just ask your community for their favorite lenders and you’ll be ready to start your HELOC adventure!




Sunday, May 15, 2022

Choosing a Loan That’s Right for You

 

Choosing a Loan That’s Right for You

Choosing a Loan That’s Right for You



Finding the right loan to meet your needs can be one of the hardest parts of buying a new home. There are a number of mortgage options out there, and if you choose one that isn’t really ideal for your situation, then you might end up paying a lot more for it in the long run. With so many options, though, how do you know that you’re getting the best loan to match your situation?

It might take a little bit of homework, but there are actually a few different ways to sort through potential loans to find the best one for you. A lot of things can affect the loans that are available to you, including where you live, what your credit history looks like, and even the state of the economy. With that said, here are a few things that you should keep in mind when shopping around for loans to help ensure that you get the loan that best meets your needs.

Interest Considerations

Getting a good interest rate on a mortgage loan is obviously a big concern for most potential buyers, since even a small difference in interest rates can result in large savings when choosing between two mortgages. This is one of the big reasons that it’s recommended that you shop around for your mortgage, comparing quotes from a few different lenders to find the one that offers you the best interest rate. The rate alone isn’t the only thing that you need to consider when comparing loans, though.

Interest can take multiple forms on mortgage loans. Fixed-rate loans lock in a single rate for the entire repayment period, while variable-rate loans can change over time (usually once per year and with the amount of change capped, but the exact details can differ between loan providers). Some mortgages even act as a hybrid between these two, locking in a low rate for a specific period and then changing it after that period has ended. Understanding the type of interest that a mortgage features and how it will work over the course of the loan can help you avoid unexpected payment changes down the line.

Loan Terms and Features

The term of your mortgage is another thing that you should pay careful attention to, since it can affect both your monthly payment and the amount that you pay in interest over time. Longer-term loans may cost you more in the long run, especially if you have a loan that will increase in interest over time. Likewise, shorter-term mortgages can save you money in interest, but might be harder to pay each month due to a higher overall payment. You should also watch out for loans that only have you pay against interest during the first part of the loan’s term; this starts you off with a low monthly payment, but isn’t reducing the amount that you owe at all until the payment increases.

There are other mortgage considerations that you should keep in mind as well. Most mortgages will require you to cover a portion of the property being purchased in a down payment, and the down payment amount can vary significantly between lenders. Different loan programs such as loans secured by the FHA can reduce this and some other costs as well. Just be sure to do your due diligence in exploring your loan options first.

Finding the Perfect Loan

The key to finding the mortgage that’s right for you is finding lenders that you can trust. Fortunately, HomeKeepr can help you with this. Our app can connect you with lenders and loan professionals so that you can compare offerings and secure the best mortgage that you can find. Creating an account is free, so sign up today and get started in your hunt for the perfect mortgage loan. Your dream of becoming a homeowner is just a few steps away!


Friday, March 11, 2022

Home Loan Programs: 2022 Updates

 

Home Loan Programs: 2022 Updates

Home Loan Programs: 2022 Updates



Buying a home is a dream that’s shared by many people. Making that dream come true isn’t always as simple as just going out and applying for a mortgage loan, though. Some potential homeowners need a little bit of assistance in keeping loan requirements manageable, even though they are fully able to afford the loan itself. Fortunately, there are a number of home loan programs that can help make home ownership attainable even for first-time buyers and those who worry that they might not meet all of the requirements for a traditional mortgage loan.

It’s important to keep in mind that the rules and requirements for these loan programs are updated from time to time. Before starting out looking for the home of your dreams, you should make sure that you are up to date on the exact terms of the loan program you’re considering using. Here is some information on some of these updates to help you along your way.

FHA Loan Updates

Loans that are insured through the Federal Housing Administration are usually known as “FHA Loans,” and the programs offered by the FHA are some of the most commonly used by potential homeowners. The FHA doesn’t offer these loans directly, but instead creates an environment where loans can be more easily attained from FHA-approved lenders. Because this is a federal program, the terms of the loan programs are often tweaked to better match data from other federal agencies based on economic trends.

For 2022, there were a few updates made to FHA loan programs. There were some changes to things like the maximum amount that can be borrowed using an FHA loan, though this amount varies based on local factors, so it was not an across-the-board increase. For the most part, though, the changes mostly affected details on the lender side of things. FHA-approved lenders now have new requirements regarding things like loan reporting and how they handle verification of applicants, but this doesn’t affect the borrower’s experience very much. Requirements such as having a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for maximum financing (and 500 to qualify for the program at all) and supplying income documentation such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns remain the same from previous years.

Exploring Loan Programs

If you’re looking at loan programs that aren’t offered through the FHA but are instead offered by private companies, there may be changes from previous years that you’ll need to consider as well. Many of these programs fall largely in line with the requirements of FHA-backed loans, though there may be some differences. While there weren’t many major updates to non-FHA programs announced last year, it’s possible that there were some changes that you weren’t expecting to the specific program you’re considering. Fortunately, finding updates about the requirements and functions of these programs isn’t difficult so long as you know what you’re looking for.

Most updates for loan programs are released in the fall, so check for any announcements regarding program changes that were made around October or November of last year. If you’re downloading information about the loan program, you should also be sure to download directly from the program’s homepage and select the latest available information if there are multiple documents listed. By taking the time to find out the latest information about the program you’re considering, you can avoid surprises when it comes time to apply.


Friday, October 8, 2021

If You're a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?

 If You're a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?

If You're a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?


In todays real estate market, buyers shouldn't shop for a home with the expectation they'll be able to negotiate a lower sales price. In a typical housing market, buyers try to determine how much less than the asking price they can offer and still get the home. From there, the buyer and seller typically negotiate and agree on a revised price somewhere in the middle.

Things Are Different Today

Todays housing market is anything but normal. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes today are:

  • Receiving an average of 3.8 offers
  • Selling in just 17 days

Homes selling quickly and receiving multiple offers highlights how competitive the housing market is right now. This is due, in large part, to the low supply of homes for sale. Low supply and high demand mean homes often sell for more than the asking price. In some cases, they sell for a lot more. Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains how these stats can impact buyers:

The imbalance between robust demand and dismal availability of for-sale homes has led to a continual bidding over asking prices, which reached record levels in recent months. Now, almost 6 in 10 homes listed are selling over the asking price.

You May Need To Rethink How You Look at a Homes Asking Price

What does that mean for you? If you've found your dream home, you need to be realistic about todays housing market and how that impacts the offer you'll make. Offering below or even at a homes asking price may not cut it. In todays market, the highest bidder often wins the home, much like at an auction.

Currently, the asking price is often the floor of the negotiation rather than the ceiling. If you really love a home, it may ultimately sell for more than the sellers are asking. That's important to keep in mind as you work with your agent to craft an offer.

Understand An Appraisal Gap Can Happen

Because of todays home price appreciation and the auction-like atmosphere in the selling process, appraisal gaps the gap between the price of your contract and the appraisal for the house are more frequent.

According to data from CoreLogic:

Beginning in January 2020, nationally, 7% of purchase transactions had a contract price above the appraisal, but by May 2021, the frequency had increased to 19% of purchase transactions.

When this happens, your lender wont loan you more than the homes appraised value, and the seller may ask you to make up the difference out of pocket. Buyers in todays market need to be prepared for this possibility. Know your budget, know what you can afford, and work with a trusted advisor who can offer expert advice along the way.

Bottom Line

Bidding wars and todays auction-like atmosphere mean buyers need to rethink how they look at the asking price of a home. Lets connect so you have a trusted real estate professional who can advise you on the current market and help determine what the market value is on your dream home.



Tuesday, October 5, 2021

3 Bedroom Homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406

3 Bedroom Homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406

3 Bedroom Homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406


3 bedroom homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406 make up about 45% of the total Richmond TX 77406 housing stock. This most common size of house is available throughout the city in every style - ranch, 2-story, multi-story and split level - in a wide range of sizes, from newly built to older homes. 

This popular size meets a wide variety of needs, from smaller families and singles to first-time home buyers and investors. And because many of these homes have basements, they can offer good options for an easy and affordable way to expand living space. 

We write market reports for 3 bedroom homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406 on a regular basis. If you'd like to check out the latest report, Click Here for Market Report for Richmond Texas 77406. 

As a popular choice for buyers, these 3 bedroom homes are in constant demand and will generally sell quickly. The current market is very competitive, and multiple offer situations are common, so buyers considering a purchase of this size home will benefit from some planning, having their financing in place and being able to move quickly. 

The inventory of 3 bedroom homes for sale in Richmond TX 77406 changes often, with new listings always arriving on the market. If you would like to follow the market for these homes, you can check this page frequently, or even better, let us help - we'll set up an on-going search especially for you, with your own customized web site - you will be notified as soon as new listings are posted. 

We're always ready to assist you with your home search, whether it's finding the right home, getting financing, or working through the home buying process. If you see a home that interests you, give us a call or text at 832-449-6061 - we’d be pleased to schedule a showing for you at your convenience. 

To see the complete list, Click Here or "View All Results" at the bottom of the Subdivisions / Neighborhoods / Communities links.

 

NEW! Neighborhoods / Subdivisions / Communities in Richmond Texas 77406 


Candela 

Builders: 

Coventry Homes 
Perry Homes 
Westin Homes 

  

Deer Run Meadows 

Builders:  

KB Homes 

 

Mandola Farms

Builders:  

Meritage Homes 

  

McCrary Meadows

Builders:  

Devon Street   
Lennar 
Westin Homes  

 

Talavera

Builders: 

Pulte Homes 

 

Harvest Green

Builders: 

David Weekley Homes 
Highland Homes 
Identity Homes   
Lennar Homes 
Perry Homes 

 

Stonecreek Estates

Builders: 

David Weekley Homes 
Perry Homes 
Westin Homes 

 
Popular Neighborhoods / Subdivisions / Communities in Richmond Texas 77406

 Bella Vista 
 Briscoe Falls
 Brynmawr Lake 
 Canyon Gate At Westheimer Lakes
 Canyon Lakes At Westheimer Lakes
 Canyon Springs At Westheimer Lakes
 Canyon Village At Westheimer Lakes 
 Colony West
 Covey Trails 
 Creekside Ranch 
 Crystal Lake Estates 
 Estates Of Brazoswood 
 Foster Creek Estates 
 Foster Crossing
 Glenwood
 Goldenrod Estates
 Grand River
 Harvest Green
 Horseshoe Ridge At Westheimer
 Hunterwood
 Huntington Oaks
 Lakes Of Bella Terra
 Lakes Of Mission Grove
 Pecan Creek
 Pecan Grove Plantation
 Pecan Lake 
 Pecan Lakes
 Plantation Place
 Richland Park
 Rio Vista
 River Forest
 Rivers Edge
 Rolling Creek
 Rolling Oaks
 Shadow Grove Estates
 Texana Plantation
 The Greens At Pecan Grove
 The Grove
 Waterside Estates
 Westcreek
 Whispering Oaks
 Woods Edge

 

View All Results








Sunday, October 3, 2021

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth

Homeownership is still a crucial part of the American dream. For those people who own a home (and those looking to buy one), its clear that being a homeowner has considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. In addition to long-term stability, buying a home is one of the best ways to increase your net worth. This boost to your wealth comes in the form of equity.

Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.

The best thing about equity is that it often grows without you even realizing it, especially in a sellers market like were in now. In todays real estate market, the combination of low housing supply and high buyer demand is driving home values up. This is giving homeowners a significant equity boost.

According to the latest data from CoreLogic, the amount of equity homeowners have has continued to grow as home values appreciate. Here are some key takeaways from the Homeowner Equity Insights Report:

  • The average homeowner gained 51,500 in equity over the past year
  • There was a 29.3% increase in national homeowner equity year over year

To give you an idea of what that looks like in your area, the map below shows the average equity gains by state.

What does all of that mean for you?

If you're already a homeowner, you likely have more equity in your house than you realize. The numbers in the map above reflect year-over-year growth. If you've been in your home for longer than a year, you'll likely have even more equity than that. That equity can take you places. You can use the equity you've gained to fuel your next move, achieve other life goals, and more.

On the other hand, if you haven't purchased a home yet, understanding equity can help you realize why homeownership is a worthwhile goal. Homeowners across the nation gained an average of over 50,000 in equity this year. Don't miss out on this chance to grow your net worth.

Bottom Line

If you want to learn more, let’s connect. A trusted advisor can help you understand where home prices are today, how they contribute to a homeowners net worth, and the impact equity can have when you own a home.



Saturday, October 2, 2021

Reasons Renters Buy

 

Reasons Renters Buy

Reasons Renters Buy



Some Highlights

  • When deciding whether you should rent or buy, make sure you're considering these factors.
  • Buying a home means consistent monthly payments. Homeownership also helps to build your wealth. And owning a home gives you greater flexibility than renting.
  • If you're ready to take advantage of the perks of homeownership, lets connect to explore your options.


Monday, September 27, 2021

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?

 Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?


There's a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is the biggest hurdle.

That may be because those individuals assume a 20% down payment is necessary. While putting more money down if you're able can benefit buyers, putting 20% down is not mandatory. As Freddie Mac puts it:

The most damaging down payment myth since it stops the homebuying process before it can start is the belief that 20% is necessary.

If saving that much money sounds overwhelming, you might be ready to give up on the dream of homeownership before you even begin but you don't have to. According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn't been over 20% since 2005. It may sound surprising, but todays average down payment is only 12%. That number is even lower for first-time homebuyers, whose average down payment is only 7%.

Based on the Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from NAR, the graph below shows an even closer look at the down payment percentage various age groups pay:As the graph shows, the only groups who put 20% or more down on average are older homebuyers who likely can use the sale of an existing home to fuel a larger down payment on their next home.

What does this mean for you?

If you're a prospective homebuyer, its important to know you don't have to put the full 20% down. And while saving for any down payment amount may feel like a challenge, keep in mind there are programs for qualified buyers that allow them to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3.5%. There are also options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

To understand your options, you do need to do your homework. If you're interested in learning more about down payment assistance programs, information is available through sites like downpaymentresource.com. Be sure to also work with a real estate advisor from the start to learn what you may qualify for in the homebuying process.

Bottom Line

Don't let the myth of the 20% down payment halt your homebuying process before it begins. If you want to purchase a home this year, lets connect to start the conversation and explore your options.




Sunday, September 26, 2021

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You


If you're a renter with a desire to become a homeowner, or a homeowner whos decided your current house no longer fits your needs, you may be hoping that waiting a year might mean better market conditions to purchase a home.

To determine if you should buy now or wait, you need to ask yourself two simple questions:

  1. What will home prices be like in 2022?
  2. Where will mortgage rates be by the end of 2022?

Lets shed some light on the answers to both of these questions.

What will home prices be like in 2022?

Three major housing industry entities project continued home price appreciation for 2022. Here are their forecasts:

Using the average of the three projections (6.27%), a home that sells for 350,000 today would be valued at 371,945 by the end of next year. That means, if you delay, it could cost you more. As a prospective buyer, you could pay an additional 21,945 if you wait.

Where will mortgage rates be by the end of 2022?

Today, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near historic lows. However, most experts believe rates will rise as the economy continues to recover. Here are the forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2022 by the three major entities mentioned above:

That averages out to 3.7% if you include all three forecasts, and its nearly a full percentage point higher than todays rates. Any increase in mortgage rates will increase your cost.

What does it mean for you if both home values and mortgage rates rise?

You'll pay more in mortgage payments each month if both variables increase. Lets assume you purchase a 350,000 home this year with a 30-year fixed-rate loan at 2.86% after making a 10% down payment. According to the mortgage calculator from Smart Asset, your monthly mortgage payment (including principal and interest payments, and estimated home insurance, taxes in your area, and other fees) would be approximately 1,899.

That same home could cost 371,945 by the end of 2022, and the mortgage rate could be 3.7% (based on the industry forecasts mentioned above). Your monthly mortgage payment, after putting down 10%, would increase to 2,166.

The difference in your monthly mortgage payment would be 267. That's 3,204 more per year and 96,120 over the life of the loan.

If you consider that purchasing now will also let you take advantage of the equity you'll build up over the next calendar year, which is approximately 22,000 for a house with a similar value, then the total net worth increase you could gain from buying this year is over 118,000.

Bottom Line

When asking if you should buy a home, you probably think of the non-financial benefits of owning a home as a driving motivator. When asking when to buy, the financial benefits make it clear that doing so now is much more advantageous than waiting until next year.



Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Understand Your Options To Avoid Foreclosure

Understand Your Options To Avoid Foreclosure

Understand Your Options To Avoid Foreclosure


Even though experts agree there's no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis, there are a number of homeowners who may be coming face-to-face with foreclosure as a possibility. And while the overall percentage of homeowners at risk is decreasing with time (see graph below), that's little comfort to those individuals who are facing challenges today.If you haven't taken advantage of the forbearance period, it may be time to research and understand your options. It starts with knowing what foreclosure is. Investopedia defines it like this:

Foreclosure is the legal process by which a lender attempts to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan by taking ownership of and selling the mortgaged property. Typically, default is triggered when a borrower misses a specific number of monthly payments . . .

The good news is, there are alternatives available to help you avoid having to go through the foreclosure process, including:

  • Reinstatement
  • Loan modification
  • Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure
  • Short sale

But before you go down any of those paths, its worth seeing if you have enough equity in your home to sell it and protect your investment.

Understand Your Options: Sell Your House

Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.

In todays real estate market, many homeowners have far more equity in their homes than they realize. Over the last year, buyer demand has been high, but housing supply has been low. That's led to a substantial increase in home values. When prices rise, so does the amount of equity you have in your house.

According to CoreLogic, on average, homeowners gained 33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now 216,000 (see map below):So, what does that mean for you? Over the past year, chances are your homes value and therefore your equity has risen dramatically. If you've been in your home for a while, the mortgage payments you've made over time chipped away at the balance of your loan. If your homes current value is higher than what you still owe on your loan, you may be able to use that increase to your advantage.

Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic, elaborates on how equity can help:

Homeowner equity has more than doubled over the past decade and become a crucial buffer for many weathering the challenges of the pandemic. These gains have become an important financial tool and boosted consumer confidence in the U.S. housing market.

Dont Go at It Alone Lean on Experts for Advice

To find out what your house is worth in todays market, work with a local real estate professional. Well be able to give you an estimate of what your house could sell for based on recent sales of similar homes in your area. Since home prices are still appreciating, you may be able to sell your house to avoid foreclosure.

If you find out that you have to pursue other options, your agent can help with that too. Well be able to connect you with other professionals in the industry, like housing counselors who can look into your unique situation and offer advice on next steps if selling isn't the best alternative.

Bottom Line

If you're a homeowner facing hardship, lets connect to explore your options and see if you can sell your house to avoid foreclosure.