Samantha Welch+FollowWhy Everyone Wants a 'Vintage' Starter HomeForget those shiny new houses in the burbs—first-time buyers are all about older, smaller homes now. High prices and steep down payments have made new builds a luxury, so folks are hunting for charm, bigger yards, and lower taxes in established neighborhoods. Plus, you can put your own spin on a fixer-upper and maybe even score a bidding war! Who knew grandma’s house would be the new dream home? #RealEstate #HomeBuyingHacks #StarterHome76Share
Samantha Welch+FollowHow Are People Even Buying Houses?!Ever wonder how anyone is snagging a house these days? With sky-high prices and mortgage rates, buyers are getting creative: some are paying extra upfront to lower their interest (think: buying a cheaper monthly payment), while others are haggling for perks like cash or repairs. And a bunch of folks? They're calling the Bank of Mom and Dad for help with the down payment. If you’re not ready to buy, you’re not alone—many are waiting it out in rentals until things cool off. #RealEstate #HomeBuyingHacks #MoneyMoves1951Share
randerson+FollowHow I Snagged a 3% Mortgage in 2024Ever heard of an assumable mortgage? I lucked into one and scored a 3% rate when everyone else is stuck with 6%. Basically, I took over the seller’s old, low-rate loan instead of getting a new one. It meant a lot less stress about monthly payments—my mortgage is way cheaper than renting nearby. Heads up: not every loan can be assumed, and you’ll need to jump through some hoops, but if you spot one, it’s a total money hack for homebuyers! #RealEstate #HomeBuyingHacks #MortgageTips10Share
russellolson+FollowWhy Your First Home Might Be a ShoeboxThinking about buying your first home? Get ready to downsize your dreams—literally. Thanks to sky-high prices and mortgage rates, builders are making starter homes smaller than ever. Forget the big backyard; today’s buyers are snapping up cozy spaces, flex rooms, and open kitchens just to get a foot in the door. If you want more space for your money, the Midwest and South are still your best bet, but even there, the square footage is shrinking. Time to get creative with your living space! #HomeBuyingHacks #StarterHome #RealEstate00Share
russellolson+FollowCould Renting Finally Count for Mortgages?Big news for anyone dreaming of owning a home: the folks who make the mortgage rules are asking if it's time to shake things up. They're thinking about letting things like regular rent payments help you qualify for a mortgage, which could be a game-changer for first-time buyers, retirees, and the self-employed. If you’ve been paying rent on time, that might soon count as proof you can handle a mortgage. Stay tuned—this could make home-buying way more doable for lots of us! #HomeBuyingHacks #MortgageTips #FirstTimeBuyer24Share
MysticMandala+Follow5 Essential Tips Every First-Time Homebuyer Should KnowBuying your first home is both thrilling and nerve-wracking—I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions! Here are five tips that helped me navigate the process: 1) Get pre-approved for a mortgage to know your budget. 2) Don’t skip the home inspection, even if the house looks perfect. 3) Factor in extra costs like closing fees and moving expenses. 4) Take your time touring different neighborhoods to find the right fit. 5) Trust your instincts—if something feels off, don’t rush. These steps made my journey smoother and less stressful. What’s your biggest concern about buying a home for the first time? Share your thoughts below! #HomebuyingHacks #FirstTimeHomebuyer #LifeHacks30Share
Brian Sanchez+FollowHow to Score $60K for Your First HomeDreaming of your own place but feeling priced out? Raleigh, NC is offering up to $60,000 to help first-time buyers with their down payment—no waitlist, but you’ll need to pay it back (interest-free). The catch? It’s only for certain homes and income levels, and you’ll need to take a homebuyer class. Still, it’s a rare shot at making homeownership less of a fantasy and more of a plan. Worth checking if you’re house-hunting! #HomeBuyingHacks #FirstTimeBuyer #RaleighNC #RealEstate00Share
Heather Moore+FollowWould You Live in a Modern Trailer Park?Ever thought about skipping the sky-high mortgage and buying a home straight from the factory? Modular and manufactured homes are on the rise, especially as traditional houses get pricier. The twist: modular homes are more like regular houses (built in pieces, set on a foundation, and can grow in value), while manufactured homes (aka mobile homes) are cheaper upfront but may lose value and can be moved. If you want quick, affordable housing and don’t mind a park address, manufactured could be your ticket. But if you’re thinking long-term investment, modular might be the smarter play. #HomeBuyingHacks #AffordableLiving #RealEstateTrends #RealEstate90Share
Matthew Jackson+FollowHow I Hacked My Mortgage Rate DownDid you know you can actually haggle your mortgage rate? With rates creeping close to 7%, homebuyers are feeling the pinch. But here’s the scoop: lenders have some wiggle room, especially now that fewer people are buying. Clean up your credit, shop around, and don’t be shy—ask for a better deal or even for fees to be knocked off. Every little bit you save now adds up big time over 30 years! #HomeBuyingHacks #MortgageTips #MoneyMoves #RealEstate10Share
Denise Kemp+FollowThinking of Ditching Your Mortgage Co-Signer?Buying a home is tough these days—prices and rates are sky-high! That’s why more folks are teaming up with family or friends as co-signers to snag a mortgage. It’s a great shortcut if your credit isn’t perfect, but remember: if you miss a payment, your co-signer’s wallet (and credit score) takes a hit too. Want out? You’ll need to refinance, check if your loan is assumable, or (worst case) look at bankruptcy. Always read the fine print before making moves! #HomeBuyingHacks #MortgageTips #MoneyMatters #RealEstate10Share
