Tuesday, June 17, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
What You Really Need To Know About Down Payments
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Downpayment | Blog
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?
A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in time. And as the market finds its footing again, it’s time to reset expectations.
Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a global pandemic. Now that the economy is in a different place, we’re seeing mortgage rates in the high 6% to low 7% range.
And while experts currently project a slight easing in the months ahead, most industry leaders agree: rates are not going back to 3%.
Instead, many forecasts suggest mortgage rates will settle in the mid-6% range by the end of ...
Back in 2020 and 2021, 3% mortgage rates gave buyers a serious boost: more affordability, more buying power, and more opportunity. But those rates were a result of emergency economic policies during the height of a global pandemic. Now that the economy is in a different place, we’re seeing mortgage rates in the high 6% to low 7% range.
And while experts currently project a slight easing in the months ahead, most industry leaders agree: rates are not going back to 3%.
Instead, many forecasts suggest mortgage rates will settle in the mid-6% range by the end of ...
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees
When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where you decide to live.
A homeowners association is basically an organization that oversees a housing community (including shared spaces) and sets and enforces rules for things like upkeep. Some buyers love the perks that come with an HOA, others may see the fees as an extra expense. The key is knowing what they cover and whether the benefits outweigh the costs for you.
The Benefits of Having an HOA
Think about this. If you’ve fallen in love with a home because of how beautiful the community is – maybe it’s the landscaping, the well-maintained streets, or the overall curb appeal – there’s a good chance the HOA is one of the reasons why it ...
A homeowners association is basically an organization that oversees a housing community (including shared spaces) and sets and enforces rules for things like upkeep. Some buyers love the perks that come with an HOA, others may see the fees as an extra expense. The key is knowing what they cover and whether the benefits outweigh the costs for you.
The Benefits of Having an HOA
Think about this. If you’ve fallen in love with a home because of how beautiful the community is – maybe it’s the landscaping, the well-maintained streets, or the overall curb appeal – there’s a good chance the HOA is one of the reasons why it ...
Thursday, January 9, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
What To Save for When Buying a Home
Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process.
Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead.
1. Down Payment
Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options that require as little as 3.5% or even 0% down. An article from The Mortgage Reports explains:
"The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your financial goals. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available . . .. ...
Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead.
1. Down Payment
Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options that require as little as 3.5% or even 0% down. An article from The Mortgage Reports explains:
"The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your financial goals. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available . . .. ...
Friday, January 3, 2025 / by Joyce Dungca
Get Ready To Buy a Home in 2025
Some Highlights
If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen.
Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list.
But first, let’s connect so you have expert advice every step of the way. ...
If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen.
Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list.
But first, let’s connect so you have expert advice every step of the way. ...
