DIY Homebuyer Academy

DIY Homebuyer Academy Empowering Homebuyers | Saving You $10,000+ | Changing The Real Estate Industry

03/23/2025

What’s a Touring Agreement in Real Estate?

If you’re buying a home without an expensive buyer’s agent, you might come across something called a touring agreement. Here’s what you need to know:

🔹 A touring agreement lets a buyer’s agent show you homes without immediately locking you into a full contract.
🔹 It doesn’t require you to commit to paying the agent yet, but before making an offer, you’ll need to discuss how (or if) they’ll be compensated.
🔹 It’s not the same as a full buyer’s agency agreement, which typically locks you in for the entire home search process.

This is a newer approach in real estate, especially as commission structures are shifting. Understanding your options can help you tour homes without unnecessary commitments or extra fees!

Would you sign a touring agreement or prefer to go solo? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️

03/23/2025

Big Changes in Real Estate Commissions!

Did you know that the way real estate commissions have worked for 40+ years is being challenged? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) lawsuit is pushing for a major change: decoupling commissions.

Traditionally, sellers have paid both:
✅ Their listing agent’s commission
✅ The buyer’s agent’s commission

But here’s the issue: Why should a seller pay for an agent who’s working against their best interests? 🤔

This lawsuit is challenging the system, which could mean buyers may need to pay for their own agents—or skip them altogether and buy directly (saving thousands).

If you’re buying a home soon, understanding these changes could help you navigate the market and avoid unnecessary costs!

03/21/2025

How Much Debt Is Too Much for a Mortgage?

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the biggest factors in how much house you can afford—and what kind of mortgage rate you’ll get.

Here’s the 36% rule: Lenders typically don’t want your total debt (including your mortgage, car payments, student loans, and credit cards) to exceed 36% of your gross monthly income.

🔹 Example: If you make $10,000/month, your total debt payments should stay under $3,600/month.
🔹 If you already have $2,500/month in debt (car loan, student loans, credit cards), that only leaves $1,100/month for a mortgage.
🔹 If you have no other debt, you could afford up to $3,600/month on housing.

If you’re serious about buying a home, reducing debt before applying for a mortgage can help you qualify for a bigger loan and a better rate!

03/20/2025

How Much House Can You Afford?

Not sure how much you can afford to spend on a home? Use the 28% rule to get a quick estimate!

Here’s how it works:
➡️ Take your monthly pre-tax income
➡️ Multiply it by 28%
➡️ That’s the max you should spend on your mortgage (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance—aka PITI).

Example:
💰 $10,000/month income → $2,800/month mortgage budget
💰 $7,000/month income → $1,960/month mortgage budget

This is a general guide, but it helps you stay financially safe while buying your dream home. Want to learn how to buy a home without paying for an expensive buyer’s agent?

03/19/2025

How Much Home Can You Afford?

Ever wondered how much house you can actually afford based on your income? Here’s a quick breakdown:

💰 $50K/year → $186K home
💰 $75K/year → $279K home
💰 $100K/year → $372K home
💰 $150K/year → $588K home
💰 $200K/year → $744K home
💰 $300K/year → $1.16M home
💰 $500K/year → $1.86M home
💰 $1M/year → $3.72M home

These are rough estimates, but your actual budget depends on interest rates, down payment, and debt levels.

Want to get the most home for your money without paying for an expensive buyer’s agent?

03/18/2025

Boost Your Credit Score Before Buying a Home!

Did you know your credit score plays a HUGE role in how much house you can afford?

Your interest rate is directly tied to your credit score. A higher score = lower interest rates, which means lower monthly payments and big savings over time.

If you're thinking about buying a home, start improving your credit score now by:
📌 Paying bills on time, every time
📌 Lowering credit card balances
📌 Avoiding new debt before applying for a mortgage
📌 Checking your credit report for errors

The difference between a good and great credit score could save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Have questions about improving your score before buying a home? Drop them below!

03/18/2025

Best Long-Term Investment? School Districts Matter!

Thinking about buying a home? Don’t overlook the school district—even if you don’t have kids!

Here’s why it matters from an investment standpoint:
📉 Lower risk in downturns – Homes in top-rated school districts hold their value better when the market dips.
📈 Higher resale demand – 70% of buyers prioritize school districts, so homes in elite districts sell faster and for more.
💰 Better appreciation – In a competitive market, buyers bid more aggressively to get into these areas, driving up prices.

Even if schools aren’t important to you personally, buying in the right district could protect your home’s value and build long-term wealth.

Would you pay more for a home in a top school district? Or would you prioritize other factors? Let me know below!

03/17/2025

Best Home Investment? Buy for the School District!

If you’re buying a home, don’t just think about square footage and fancy upgrades—think about the school district! 📚🏡

Here’s why:
📈 Stronger home value – Homes in top school districts tend to appreciate faster and hold their value better.
💰 Equity protection – Even in market downturns, demand remains higher for homes in great districts.
🏠 Smart trade-offs – It’s often better to buy a smaller home in a top district than a bigger home in a less desirable area.

Think long-term. A home’s location matters more than its features when it comes to protecting your investment.

Would you choose location over size when buying a home? Drop your thoughts below!

03/16/2025

Do School Districts Affect Home Prices?

Did you know that living in a top-rated school district could cost you 20% more for the same home?

Builders sell identical homes with the same floor plans and amenities for $180K–$200K more in an elite school district compared to a nearby average one. Even within the same city!

Why? Because homes in highly rated school districts are in higher demand, which drives up prices. But here’s the thing…

✅ If schools aren’t a priority for you, buying in a less competitive district could save you hundreds of thousands 💰
✅ If you’re thinking long-term, homes in good school districts often hold value better 📊
✅ But don’t assume it’s always the best move—consider your lifestyle, goals, and future resale value

Would you pay extra for a home in a top school district, or would you rather save the cash? 🤔

Thanks for the excellent reporting on challenges consumers still face in the post NAR settlement world! And thank you f...
03/15/2025

Thanks for the excellent reporting on challenges consumers still face in the post NAR settlement world! And thank you for featuring my work serving unrepresented buyers!

Make sure yall check out her article in today’s edition on the !

03/15/2025

Who Really Pays the Buyer's Agent?

If you're buying a home, have you ever thought about who actually pays the buyer’s agent?

Most sellers assume they have to offer a full 3% commission to a buyer’s agent—but that’s not always the case. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Sellers aren’t required to offer 3%. Instead, they can wait to see what buyers negotiate with their own agents.
✅ Buyers can negotiate their agent’s commission—sometimes as low as 1%.
✅ Sellers can leave compensation TBD and decide based on the offers they receive.

This gives both buyers and sellers more control over commissions, instead of automatically paying thousands more than necessary.

If you're buying without an agent, you can use this knowledge to negotiate a better deal and keep more money in your pocket!

03/14/2025

How to Save 3% When Buying a Home!

Did you know you can ask for a 3% credit when buying a home without an agent?

If you're representing yourself, the seller doesn’t have to pay a buyer’s agent commission—which is usually 2-3% of the sale price. That means you can negotiate to have that money credited back to you instead of just saving the seller extra cash.

Here’s how to do it:
✅ Show that you’re an educated buyer who understands the process.
✅ Explain that you’re not creating extra work for the listing agent.
✅ Politely request a 3% credit since there’s no buyer’s agent involved.

Most sellers and agents won’t bring this up, but if you ask, they may agree—saving you thousands at closing! 💸

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