2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
Freddie Mac recently released a report entitled, “Perceptions of Down Payment Consumer Research.” Their research revealed that,
“For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the largest barrier to achieving the goal of homeownership. Part of the challenge for those planning to purchase a home is their perception of how much they will need to save for the down payment…
…Based on our recent survey of individuals planning to purchase a home in the next three years, nearly a third think they need to put more than 20% down.”
Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”
Buyers often overestimate the funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the same report:
22% of renters and 31% of homeowners believe lenders require 20% or more of a home’s sale price as a down payment for a typical mortgage today. And,
“If a 20% down payment was required, 70% of those who were planning to buy a home in the next three years said it would delay them from purchasing and nearly 30% indicated they would never be able to afford a home.”
While many believe at least 20% down is necessary to buy the home of their dreams, they do not realize programs are available which permit as little as 3%. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined!
Myth #2: “I Need a 780 FICO® Score or Higher to Buy”
Many either don’t know or are misinformed concerning the FICO® score necessary to qualify, believing a ‘good’ credit score is 780 or higher.
To debunk this myth, let’s take a look at Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insight Report, which focuses on recently closed (approved) loans.
As indicated in the chart above, 52.4% of approved mortgages had a credit score of 600-749.
Bottom Line
Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach.
Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier
How Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier to Understand In the spring, many excited buyers get ready to enter the housing market. Others continue dreaming about the homes they’d like to buy. The truth is, many potential buyers continue to dream longer than they...
The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership
The Overlooked Financial Advantages of Homeownership There are many clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, building net worth, growing appreciation, and more. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to make a plan for how homeownership can...
Why the Electoral College Is So Important
Why The Electoral College Is So Important?
Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership
Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership Some Highlights: There are many benefits to love about homeownership, and they’re not all financial. Being a part of a neighborhood, driving academic achievement, and improving mental health are just a few of these...
Home Prices Are on the Rise This Year and to 2024
Home prices are appreciating, and they're forecasted to continue doing so through the next few years. Let's connect to see if now is a great time to make your next move.
How the Housing Market Benefits with Uncertainty in the World
How the Housing Market Benefits with Uncertainty in the World It’s hard to listen to today’s news without hearing about the uncertainty surrounding global markets, the spread of the coronavirus, and tensions in the Middle East, just to name a few. These concerns have...
The #1 Reason to List Your House Right Now
The #1 Reason to List Your House Right Now The success of the U.S. residential real estate market, like any other market, is determined by supply and demand. This means we need to look at how many potential purchasers are in the market versus the number of houses that...
Underwater with Two Mortgages? Here are 5 Ways to Refinance
Underwater with Two Mortgages? Here are 5 Ways to Refinance Having a second mortgage or home equity line can make refinancing an underwater mortgage nearly impossible, but one of these five strategies might bail out your refinance. The mortgage market is awash in...
Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High
Homeownership Rate on the Rise to a 6-Year High Regardless of the lack of inventory on the market, the U.S. homeownership rate has climbed to a 6-year high. The United States Census Bureau reported that it increased to 65.1% in the fourth quarter of 2019, representing...
How Pricing Your Home Right Makes a Big Difference
How Pricing Your Home Right Makes a Big Difference Even though there’s a big buyer demand for homes in today’s low inventory market, it doesn’t mean you should price your home as high as the sky when you’re ready to sell. Here’s why making sure you price it right is...