Author: brennerhill
The 3 Rules of Home Affordability
Mortgage lenders use qualification ratios to determine the amount they will lend to borrowers. While ratios may vary slightly among lenders, they generally fall within the same range. To help determine an individual’s qualifications, mortgage lenders typically use the following three ratios. Rule of 28: Your maximum mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your … Continued
How Do I Know if I’ve Hired the Wrong Real Estate Agent?
If you’re embarking on the journey of buying or selling a house for the first time, chances are you haven’t had much experience working with a real estate agent. The excitement of the process might have overshadowed the importance of thoroughly researching and interviewing prospective agents to find the right fit. However, overlooking this crucial … Continued
Buying a Home: 10 Things NOT To Do Before Buying a Home
If you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, you’re probably assuming you can breathe easy and focus on finding the home of your dreams without needing to worry about the loan any further. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. There is a huge difference between being pre-approved for a mortgage and being approved … Continued
NW Seattle & SW Snohomish Real Estate Market Update | September 9, 2024
The week following a 3-day holiday weekend is always a bit wonky. I had expected new listings to be up in both markets. They were up by 17.5% in NW Seattle, but down by 40% in SW Snohomish. Homes going under contract were down in both markets as I expected. Interestingly, in SW Snohomish both … Continued
Buying a Home: Demystifying Mortgage Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification — What’s the Difference?
The journey to homeownership often begins with exploring your mortgage options, and two terms you’ll frequently encounter are “pre-approval” and “pre-qualification.” While these sound similar, they serve distinct purposes in the homebuying process. And one is more valuable to you when presenting an offer to buy your home. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the … Continued
Glossary: 41 Real Estate Terms
Entering the real estate world can be overwhelming, especially with all the industry jargon. Don’t let confusing terms hold you back or cause you to miss out on important information. Understanding these real estate terms will empower you to navigate the market with confidence and make informed decisions. Don’t let unfamiliar jargon hold you back … Continued
Ready to Make Your Dream Home a Reality?
Tired of watching your hard-earned money vanish into your landlord’s pocket? Longing for the day when you can make permanent design changes and truly call a place your own? It might be time for you to take the leap into homeownership. Buying a home is a significant decision, and only you can determine if you’re … Continued
The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership: Why Buying a Home Makes Financial Sense
Have you ever wondered whether it’s better to rent or buy a home? While some voices may advocate for renting, there are compelling reasons to consider homeownership, especially when it comes to long-term financial growth. In this blog post, we’ll explore how owning a home can be a smart investment, regardless of your income level. … Continued
Cybersecurity: Preparing Yourself to Buy a Home
Preparing to buy a home in the Puget Sound area involves more than just touring homes. It also requires attention to the online aspect of your identity. Here are some tips to help you with that: Anonymize your personal data — Your personal information is valuable and can be easily accessed by telemarketers and scammers. … Continued