Martha P. Agramonte

02/12/2024

Saving for a down payment can feel like climbing a steep hill.

But did you know there are options out there to make it more like a gentle slope? Allow me to introduce you to Down Payment Assistance programs.

What is down payment assistance? These are aid options that help you with the cash you need for your home's down payment. They come in two forms: grants and loans.

1) Grants

Free money that you don't repay.

2) Loans

Low-cost or no-interest loans, some with deferred repayment or forgivable terms.

How to qualify?

Down payment assistance programs are typically offered at the state, county, or city level. Just research what's available in your area, work with participating lenders, and pay attention to terms and eligibility requirements.

Curious about which down payment assistance programs you could qualify for? Schedule a 15 minute call with me at the link in my bio – there just might be an option waiting for you to take advantage of!

02/09/2024

While Super Bowl Sunday is thrilling, the real excitement lies in what comes next.

If you're playing around with selling, here's why the day after the Super Bowl should pique your interest.

• The day after the Super Bowl signifies the start of the spring real estate season, revving up after the holiday lull.

• Mid-February sees motivated buyers beginning their house-hunting journey, providing sellers with an opportunity to face less competition.

• Listing your property in February and March not only means less competition but also faster closing times. Banks tend to have fewer mortgage applications, expediting paperwork processing.

• With motivated buyers and less competition, sellers who list early may even see a higher sale price.

Feel free to DM me or comment below — let's work together to create your game plan and explore if selling soon(er) might be the right move for you.

02/06/2024

*Reminder* You don’t have to be actively buying or
selling a home to start a conversation with me.Link on bio!

Swipe for 6 questions you can ask me now (it's never too early to start planning!)

02/02/2024

Swipe left to reveal some of my fave local businesses, not just this February but all year long!

02/02/2024

The chilly month of love is HERE – happy February! Let’s continue creating the momentum for a great year.

Keep reading for all the February updates like events in our city!

01/30/2024

Just moved in? Here's how to quickly fall in love with your new neighborhood:

1) Host a housewarming and invite your neighbors over for drinks and appetizers.

2) Get involved. Attend local town hall meetings to listen and learn the latest news and happenings.

3) Explore meetup.com for local interest groups. Shared hobbies are a fantastic way to connect.

4) Peruse a local farmers market to support local businesses and take in the community vibe.

5) Join your area’s association. Most neighborhoods have an association. Join yours to get involved and meet neighbors!

6) Take after-dinner strolls. Explore the neighborhood by going on leisurely walks at a time when most of your neighbors are home. It's a great way to discover hidden gems and meet fellow residents.

What's the best way for new neighbors to settle in? Share your thoughts and what's worked for you below.

01/27/2024

Considering multigenerational housing? You're joining a growing trend.

Recently, 14% of homebuyers were looking for homes that could house multiple generations. This choice isn't just a matter of preference and desire for family togetherness; it's driven by practical needs and shifting family dynamics.

Here’s a peek into why both first-time and repeat buyers are choosing these homes:

1) Financial advantages for first-time buyers.
A significant 28% of first-time buyers opt for multigenerational homes to afford larger properties, pooling multiple incomes to make this viable.

2) Space for extended family & adult children.
About 23% of first-time buyers need space for adult relatives or children over 18 who haven't moved out. Additionally, 12% are accommodating 'boomerang' children who return home after living independently.

3) Caring for aging parents.
Among repeat buyers, 30% are looking for homes that facilitate caring for elderly parents. This reflects what I believe is a growing sense of obligation toward elder care in family settings.

These figures highlight a significant shift towards homes that support extended family living under one roof. If you're considering this type of home for your unique family needs, I'm here to guide you through the options and find the perfect fit.

Let’s connect and start exploring your options in today’s real estate landscape!

Source: All in the Family: Multi-Generational Home Buying

Experts: Multigenerational Housing Needs More Support November 15, 2023

01/27/2024

Wondering what the 2024 housing market might bring for homebuyers? Sharing the latest 2024 forecast from Housingwire:

1) Mortgage rates: While rates reached more than a two-decade high in 2023, they cooled at the end of the year. Expect them to settle between 6% and 6.5% in 2024. This is higher than pandemic levels but lower than 2023 peaks.

2) Home sales: The number of home sales is predicted to pick up in 2024 but will still be below average due to ongoing uncertainties in the economy and the housing market.

3) Home prices: The direction of home prices depends on market dynamics. If sellers enter the market before first-time buyers, expect a modest dip in prices early in the year. If buyers enter first, it will be a competitive market with rising prices. However, any price drop is likely to be short-lived due to low inventory levels.

4) Inventory: Inventory will increase somewhat in 2024, but it will still be low largely due to demographic factors, such as Baby Boomers staying in their homes longer and fewer homes available for downsizing.

5) Renting: Rental deals may be more attractive than buying in the early part of 2024 due to new apartment constructions and rent declines. Nonetheless, the demand for homeownership remains strong among millennials, a group that’s underrepresented in current homeownership statistics.

Thinking about buying this year? Send me a message, and I’ll send you my Buying Guide. It lays out what you can realistically expect when you're ready to take the leap.

Source: Here's what you can expect from the 2024 housing market - HousingWire

10/13/2022

08/14/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING HOME INSURANCE

The time has come to buy your home sweet home, and now you’re thinking about all things home insurance. Let’s do a quick rundown on what you need to know:

FIRST, WHAT EVEN IS HOME INSURANCE?

Think of home insurance as a financial security blanket for your home and belongings. It protects you from the costs of rebuilding after a fire, replacing stolen items, repairing your home from storm damage, or liability claims if someone is injured on your property. If you plan to finance your home (i.e., get a mortgage), your lender will require you to have home insurance.

SO WHAT KIND DO I NEED?

The most common type of homeowner insurance is an HO-3 policy, which covers your home, belongings, liability, additional living expenses, and medical payments.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The average home insurance policy varies by state, but to give you an idea, the national average in 2022 is $1,383 per year for a policy with $250,000 in coverage. Remember that your home insurance premium is paid in monthly installments as part of your mortgage payment.

I'd love to talk if you’re looking to buy or sell a home this summer or fall or have general questions about the process. DM me, and I’ll be in touch soon!