A down payment of 20% or more can help lock in better interest rates and lower monthly payments. Buying a home under your budget can help with costs overall. NEW YORK — Conventional wisdom says it’s best to make a 20% down payment when you buy your home. While this can help you in several … Read more
Since bank wires remain the preferred method of closing escrow on a real estate transaction, the best protection is to be overly cautious. MIAMI – Question: I am buying a house and have been warned about the various scams, especially those involving wires. I spoke with the closing agent, and they will not accept a … Read more
Freddie Mac research found that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more on average than unrated homes. Making home updates don’t have to be time-consuming or costly. NEW YORK – Whether you own or rent the place you call home, ensuring that it’s energy efficient can help you save money, increase your comfort … Read more
Retirees should consider factors that include living closer to family and safety issues when determining if now is the right time to downsize. NEW YORK – Your home is your sanctuary, but it’s also one of your biggest budget items. And after you retire, it may feel like more house than you need. But in … Read more
A new study found young homebuyers are twice as likely to use family money for down payment than they were five years ago. A majority still work for the money. SEATTLE – More than one-third (36%) of Gen Zers and millennials who plan to buy a home soon expect to receive a cash gift from … Read more
The best way to start a home search is by keeping a top 10 list of essentials and deal breakers. Also, consider your lifestyle, pets, location needs and necessary features, among other things. NEW YORK – Looking for a house to buy can be a daunting task. Buying a home is typically the most significant … Read more
Wealth passed down from one generation to the next provides financial security for children and grandchildren. Buying a house is one step in the process. NEW YORK – Generational wealth is financial wealth and assets that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Most people plan to pass on their wealth to … Read more
CHERRY HILL, N.J.— Despite lingering concerns around affordability and interest rates, most first-time homebuyers still feel optimistic about the housing market in 2024 and are ready to spend, according to an annual study from TD Bank. With home prices temporarily edging downward following their all-time high in 2023, according to the January Case-Shiller Index, TD’s … Read more
Selling a home before moving into an assisted living facility presents challenges not seen in other moves. Family members can help navigate the process to make it run smoothly. NEW YORK – Families must make a number of important decisions when an aging relative decides the time is right to move into an assisted living … Read more
President Joe Biden called for a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and the construction of two million homes during his State of the Union address Thursday. WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden called for legislation that will lower homeownership costs, build millions of new homes nationwide and reduce rental costs. Biden, in his State of … Read more
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