Leveraging Your Home's Equity in Northern Virginia

Having met with hundreds of homeowners over the years, we have learned one important fact: Most people do not have an accurate idea of what their home is worth or where the market is headed. The good news is that we have a fantastic complimentary resource...our Annual Equity Review program for past clients and friends! Similar to an annual review with your financial advisor, we'll review your home's equity position and the Northern VA market so you can better understand how to leverage your equity and how this equity has impacted your overall NET WORTH. The Equity Review consists of: A researched analysis of the current closed sales in your immediate neighborhood and area. Our views on the conditions driving the real estate market Your home's current value range A projection of where we believe the market is headed over the next 12 months. Send us a message if you're interested in scheduling your Annual Equity Review with one of our agents! (P.S. this service is FREE!)   

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Saving for a Down Payment? Here's What You Should Know.

As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. The 20% Down Payment Myth If you believe you have to put 20% down on a home, you may have based your goal on a common misconception. Freddie Mac explains: “. . . nearly a third of prospective homebuyers think they need a down payment of 20% or more to buy a home. This myth remains one of the largest perceived barriers to achieving homeownership.” Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, it’s typically not required to put 20% down. According to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. There are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5%, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants. This is good news for you because it means you could be closer to your homebuying dream than you realize. For more information, turn to a trusted lender. Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Be a Game Changer A professional will be able to show you other options that could help you get closer to your down payment goal. According to latest Homeownership Program Index from downpaymentresource.com, there are over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs in the U.S., and the majority are intended to help with down payments. A recent article explains why programs like these are helpful: “These resources can immediately build your home buying power and help you take action sooner than you thought possible.” And if you’re wondering if you have to be a first-time buyer to qualify for these programs, that’s not always the case. According to an article from downpaymentresource.com: “It is a common misconception that homebuyer assistance is only available to first-time homebuyers, however, 38% of homebuyer assistance programs in Q1 2022 did not have a first-time homebuyer requirement.” There are also location and profession-based programs you could qualify for as well. Bottom Line Saving for your down payment is an important first step on your homebuying journey. Let’s connect today and make sure you have a trusted lender to help explore your options.

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