Westwood MA Real Estate Agent
With the charged election atmosphere & such opposing attitudes toward housing, many question is it too soon to tell where the housing market will go. Market Insider discusses this question & more. To view the article, click here.
To view more insider tips and information from Market Insider, please click here.
View local housing inventory trends, some real estate listing activity, upcoming local events and much more in my January newsletter.
For low-income families, buying a home can seem out of reach. On top of financial stress, the competitive market may make buyers feel like they will never find a home they can afford. If you dream of buying a house but have lost hope because you don’t think you can afford it, don’t give up. There are several things you can do to help make your dream of buying a home into a reality.
Search in More Affordable Neighborhoods
When trying to buy a house in a competitive market, you might see high-end houses snapped up in minutes. In order to avoid bidding wars and having to either walk away or agree to a price way outside your budget, consider looking at areas with less interest. This includes neighborhoods you may have written off – you may find a hidden gem in an area you originally ignored.
Consider neighborhoods farther away from downtown, which often have lower house values. You could get more bang for your buck in terms of home size and outdoor space in these areas. Some neighborhoods on public transit lines may end up being quicker commutes than areas closer to downtown metros.
Save for Amenities
If switching neighborhoods isn’t an option, scale back on your must-have list. A great home doesn’t have to come with all the bells and whistles and you can save up to make gradual improvements after you purchase your home. Several aspects of residential properties can increase the value of a home:
Houses without these characteristics are often less expensive and a good place to start when looking for affordable homes.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are mortgages approved by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Borrowers only need 3.5 percent of the total price for a down payment and a minimum credit score of 580. These kinds of loans are helpful if you can’t afford to save tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment. Even if you have recently gone through a bankruptcy, you might still qualify for an FHA loan.
There are a few downsides to an FHA loan. You will be required to foot two types of mortgage insurance premiums: one upfront premium that’s built into the mortgage payment, and an annual premium that you break down into monthly payments. The house you want to buy must also meet Minimum Property Standards and pass an inspection from an FHA-approved appraiser.
Additionally, you must meet a number of other requirements to qualify for an FHA loan.
Reduce Utility Expenses
Owning a home comes with additional costs you should consider, especially if you’re moving to a house from a rental apartment. Not only do you need to pay a mortgage and save for a down payment, you’ll also have higher utility bills, and any repair bills fall on you. Maintaining the day-to-day aspects of a house can be expensive, but there are ways to cut these costs.
Several states and utility companies have programs to help low-income residents pay for services. These programs include energy assistance, utility assistance, housing initiatives, and more. Other options such as Access from AT&T provide low income households with internet service for as low as $5 a month. Some states even provide cell phones for low-income residents.
Be sure to do research on what programs are available for low income families at both the state and federal level – most states have numerous forms of income-qualified assistance programs.
Other Government Assistance Programs
There are dozens of programs available to assist low-income families with dreams of buying a home in the near future. Some programs are available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), while others are funded through different government branches.
Difficult finances shouldn’t keep you from living in a home suitable to your family’s needs. There are dozens of options available for individuals from all backgrounds. If you would like to reach your dream of owning a home, investigate your options and find what works for you.
Article: Coldwell Banker Insider Tips
To read this article, please click here.
Westwood Market Insider discusses the differences between leasing and buying solar power for those that are ready to take that step:
In 2015, the United States reached 27.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity. That’s enough power to serve 5.4 million homes, making 2015 the biggest solar year yet. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) predicts that residential installation of solar power in the U.S. will break more records and double that capacity this year.
Between energy savings and tax breaks, adding a solar array to your home has never been more attractive or affordable. It’s also a viable investment that both saves money and adds long-term value to a property. But when it comes to installing a solar array on your home, you may be wondering whether it’s better to buy or lease the system. To help you determine which option makes the most sense for you, we’ve put together a quick overview of solar purchasing and leasing options.
The Difference between Buying and Leasing
Ownership is the number one distinction between leasing and purchasing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. When you use cash or a solar loan to buy solar panels, you’re making payments toward owning the system outright. When you lease a solar system, the third party you’re leasing from actually owns the array and you’re just paying to use it. This difference may seem small, but it becomes significant in regard to tax credits, system maintenance, and long-term returns.
Federal and State Solar Regulations
One thing that can make a huge difference in your approach to solar financing is the regulatory climate in your state or region. Overall, 2015 was a good year for solar power. Hawaii became the first state to set a goal to achieve 100 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2045 – requiring the adoption of renewable energy statewide – while Vermont set a similar goal of 75 percent.
In addition, costs for solar installation and manufacturing continue to drop, making solar more accessible to homeowners across the country. Solar leasing is also becoming a more popular option. Overall, solar power is a positive investment in every state, with returns ranging from 3.9 percent to more than 35 percent.
It’s not all great news, though. Kansas recently repealed their RPS law, leading other states to consider following suit. Another significant factor is the pending expiration of state and federal incentive programs. At the close of the last year, Congress extended the 30 percent federal energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2019, but that benefit rate will drop sharply in the years that follow.
States also heavily regulate power purchase agreements (PPAs), a special type of solar financing – similar to regular leasing – in which a third-party provider installs solar panels on a home, and all the homeowner pays for is the power they use. PPA regulations are abound, and some states don’t allow them at all, so you’ll want to check both state and municipal regulations before looking into a PPA-financed array for your home.
To read the entire article or for more insider tips, please click here.
This morning NAR Research release the new HOME Survey. Amanda Riggs and Jessica Lautz of NAR Research discuss the highlights in this brief video that include consumer sentiment about the current housing market and views on housing as a good financial investment, if now is a good time to buy or sell a home, etc.
Elena is Top 1% Nationwide, #10 company wide, International President of the Premier Club, and the #1 selling Broker in Westwood by Volume! ... Read More
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is New England's most comprehensive real estate services organization, and a division of NRT, the nation's leading residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, which is a division of Realogy Corporation, has approximately 750 offices staffed with 45,000 sales associates in 35 of the country's largest metropolitan markets. Elena works out of the Westwood office, located at 692 High Street - Westwood, MA 02090.
