HomeGirl Real Estate Consulting

11/02/2023

Mortgage rates hit their highest point in over two decades this year. There. I said it. But that’s not the end of the story. 

Here's why.

Even though interest rates are higher than many of us would like, you can still go after your homeownership dreams and save on a mortgage. Here’s what I’m sharing with prospective homeowners this November. 

1) Consider an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). 

An ARM is a great option for a monthly payment that’s lower than the payments available with fixed-rate loans or for buyers convinced rates will drop by the time the introductory period ends. 

Keep in mind that a year from now, some experts are predicting 30-year rates will be around 5.25% and 15-year rates around 4.875%.

2) Pay for points to buy down the rate. 

If you have extra funds at the time of purchase, you can pay for mortgage points. With mortgage points, you pay a percentage of the loan upfront in exchange for a lower interest rate — and a slightly lower monthly payment. 

Just make sure you calculate your break-even point. If rates drop and you can refinance before you hit the break-even point, buying down your rate may not be worth it.  

3) Work on your credit score. 

If time is on your side before applying for a mortgage, improve your credit by paying bills on time, lowering your credit utilization (using under 30% of your total credit line!), reducing credit card debt, and addressing credit report errors. In the long run, a higher credit score will save you on your mortgage.

4) Shop around. 

Always, always, always shop around for your mortgage. Same thing goes for homeowner's insurance. Rates and premiums vary widely, so talking with multiple lenders and carriers will ensure you have the best price on both. 

If you're interested in learning more about how to keep your mortgage payment low, I'd love to chat and help you explore your options to find the best solution for your needs.

Source: When will mortgage rates go down? - CBS News

6 ways to lower your mortgage costs in today's high rate environment - CBS News

10/31/2023

Home Buying during this time is a HOT topic. In my new book I cover everything you need to know to navigate, negotiate and dominate the deal you’ll land when buying a home right now.

10/30/2023

Flawless Relocations are what we are all about. Did you know HomeGirl can assist in your relocation no matter the city or state?

10/23/2023

Dreaming of a new state adventure? Whether it's a job calling, family pulling, or the need for a fresh start, our 10-Step Guide to Moving Out-of-State has your back! From researching your new home to making new friends, HomeGirl makes sure each step is crafted to make your move smoother. 🌟✈️ Remember, moving might be a big deal, but with the right plan, it's totally manageable. Tag a friend who needs this info, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need a hand!

10/16/2023

09/14/2023

We came across our very first testimonial from our first closing ever 🩷💕 stay tuned for some story telling on this one!

09/14/2023

Buying your first home can feel like a tug of war between your dream wishlist and your budget constraints.

The good news is “No” today isn’t “No” forever.  

Let me explain. 

Meet my friend Amanda. She purchased a home a few years back, buying a 2/1 in a growing neighborhood. As life moved forward, so did her dreams and her budget.

So, she sold that place and used her profits to level up to her next home. And guess what? She's planning to do it all again. 

The moral is this: Your first home is exactly that — a first home.

And while it might not check every box, it's the foundation that leads you toward where you want to be in 5, 10, or 15 years.

Not to mention that along the way, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having home equity, giving you options if you want to refinance when rates drop or take cash out for big-ticket purchases.  

What’s more, when the time is right for you to sell, you’ll likely reap even more financial rewards. 

Right now, owners who purchased their homes 3-6 years ago are seeing a 22.1% appreciation in their home’s value. Those who purchased 7-10 years ago are enjoying an even bigger percentage jump — 46.6%. 

So if you keep thinking about buying your first home but over and over again get cold feet because it feels too hard or too complicated or too out of reach, you can move forward. 

All you need to do today is comment below, and I’ll send you my FREE Let’s Find Home: Buyer Guide.

It will lay out in detail the buying process. Plus, it contains helpful assessments that will help you know if you’re ready to buy and tips to get you ready for the best part of real estate — the showings!

Source: Home Value Appreciation: Homeowner Expectations Vs. Reality

09/13/2023

Overpriced home prices are so last year. Like every trend, though, you can easily find a handful still hanging out on the market — but only if you know what to look for. 

Let me show you how I spot inflated home prices for my buyers so that you can feel great about the house you’re getting and the price you’re paying. 

1) Get cozy with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). 

A CMA is THE best way to determine a house's fair market value. Put together by a knowledgeable agent, it’ll compare recent sales of similar properties nearby to paint a picture of what homes are currently selling for. Keyword here? Currently.

2) Check the time on the market.

A property that’s been sitting on the market for a while may indicate an inflated price. Well-priced ones attract interest — and sell — quickly. (FYI: the average days on market in June 2023 was 44.) 

3) Appraisal vs. listing price. 

You’ll be well into the buying process before the appraisal comes back, but it’s critical in confirming a property's value. If the appraisal comes in lower than the listed price, it's a serious red flag.

4) It’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Does the home boast a shiny, new kitchen, or is it stuck in the 90s? Interior and exterior upgrades can add or subtract from a home’s value. If things don’t add up, it’s time to ask some questions. 

5) There’s no crying in pricing (or, at least, there shouldn't be). 

Sometimes, sellers get attached to their homes, leading to “emotional pricing” - pricing based on data AND sentimental value. Have compassion, but negotiate with your CMA in hand to avoid paying more than you should.

An experienced agent is your best defense against spending more than you should — that and my guide: “Is It Worth It? Decoding Property Prices.” Want your FREE copy? Comment or send me a DM with 'Guide Me!' and I'll send over the 9-page guide.

Source: June 2023 Housing Market Trends Report - Realtor.com Research

09/12/2023

In-laws coming into town for the holidays? Get that guest room ready!!

5-Star Hotel, who this?! — that’s my motto when it comes to hosting family and friends! How do I do it? 

Here's how —> My list of guest room necessities that I’ve fine-tuned (and, dare I say, perfected) over the years.

Now it's yours, free for the taking!

✓ Visible WIFI password
✓ Phone charger
✓ Luggage rack
✓ Q-tips
✓ Makeup wipes
✓ Lotion
✓ Body wash
✓ Full-length mirror
✓ Wastebasket
✓ Tissues
✓ Extra towels
✓ Extra hangers
✓ Clothes steamer
✓ Sound machine
✓ Jewelry dish
✓ Wall or door hooks
✓ TV remote
✓ Extra blankets

Plus, you can take it to the next level:
Include a handwritten welcome note on the bedside table. Share a few places to grab a coffee, breakfast, groceries and 1-2 local shops you love!
They'll feel like you've really gone above and beyond as a host!

The only downside? With this list, your guests may never want to leave!!

Happy hosting — and, of course, save this post for later, or share it with a friend who wants to up their guest room game!

08/29/2023

Wondering what it actually costs to buy a home?

Buying a home is a significant financial commitment, and understanding the potential costs involved is essential. Let's take a look at three fictional scenarios to help illustrate potential costs at different price points.
Using these characters can get a rough idea of what you would be paying at different price points. For accurate prices, interest rates, and monthly expenses, talk with a trusted mortgage advisor and get personalized information. 

Ready to take the next step? I would be happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage lender and get you set up to receive automated emails each time a home that fits your criteria hits the market (before Zillow!) Send me a message and let's get started today!

05/18/2023

One word. Inflation.
There’s no doubt that everything these days costs more. We’re here to make that dollar STRETCH when it comes to purchasing a home. We know how exciting it is to finally own your own home, but let's face it, it can also be a bit overwhelming.

Between mortgage payments, insurance, and all the little things that come with home ownership, the expenses can quickly add up.

But don't worry, friend, we’ve got some amazing tips to help you save money and manage the costs of being a homeowner like a boss!

Are you doing any of these things at the moment? Or do you have anything you'd add to these three tips? We’d love to know. Drop what works for you and your family in the comments below!