Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life […]

Being self-employed doesn’t have to make it harder to get a mortgage loan. You just have to know what kinds of documentation you need and how to make yourself more attractive to lenders. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans (35% of the workforce) freelancing to earn your keep, you know the benefits of ruling your […]

Learn how to navigate hurdles related to financing, finding and negotiating a home purchase for the first time. Buying a home, like anything you do for the first time, comes with a learning curve. And yet many first-time home buyers hesitate to ask questions that can help them avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes that often lead […]

Budgeting for a home purchase is more than just accounting for your down payment. As a buyer, you’ll also be responsible for a range of fees that cover services and ensure a smooth transaction. Some fees are related to the property itself, while others are required to close and fund your loan. Note, that if […]

Paying a fee to lower your interest rate could make sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or want lower payments in the beginning. Home buyers looking for ways to bring down their monthly mortgage costs have embraced mortgage rate buydowns and discount points in recent years, strategies that […]

Price cuts have hit a five-year high as the market shifts into a balanced territory. But that’s just part of the picture. As summer comes to an end, the national housing market that has favored sellers for the past few years has moved into “neutral” territory as fall approaches, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]

Could this be the moment for sidelined buyers? As the real estate market moves into what has traditionally been the slowest time of year for sales, buyers across the country are continuing to see price cuts and lower interest rates that could make homes more affordable than they’ve been in months. “A growing segment of […]

Buyers could find more homes for sale, price cuts and lower mortgage interest rates this Fall. If you’ve come up empty-handed after home shopping all spring and summer, you might want to keep your eyes peeled over the next few weeks. The market nationally has finally turned into neutral territory, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]

Understanding the benefits and limitations of a home’s price per square foot can signal whether you’re getting a deal or paying too much. One way to get a quick idea of a home’s value is to look at the cost per square foot. When you’re shopping for a home, price per square foot can give […]

From how to pay for it, to zoning considerations, consider this your starting guide to your biggest questions on ADUs (accessory dwelling units). Accessory dwelling units or ADUs — those separate living units tucked inside a single family home or sharing land with one — are having a rock star moment. Scores of cities and […]