Category: Buying and Selling Strategies

Comprando tu Primera Casa? Está Bien Sentirse Nervioso

Comprar tu primera casa es emocionante, pero seamos sinceros: también puede ser abrumador. Es un gran paso, y con eso vienen muchas preguntas. Estoy tomando la decisión correcta? Realmente puedo pagar esto en este momento? Podré cubrir los gastos si hay reparaciones inesperadas? Qué pasa si pierdo mi trabajo?

Aquí va la verdad: todo comprador de vivienda por primera vez tiene estos pensamientos.

El proceso de compra de casa siempre ha sido una mezcla de emoción y nervios, y eso es completamente normal. Aquí hay algo de información que puede ayudarte a tener más perspectiva.

Enfócate en lo que puedes controlar

Como la propiedad de vivienda es algo nuevo para ti, probablemente sientes que es difícil saber cuánto presupuestar, y eso puede dar miedo. Tendrás que considerar la hipoteca, el seguro de la vivienda, el mantenimiento—quizás incluso el cuidado del jardín o las cuotas de la asociación de propietarios (HOA). Es fácil sentirse abrumado con tantos números. Como dice Zillow:

“Comprar una casa es una gran decisión, y podrías sentirte confundido o indeciso mientras evalúas tu situación financiera actual y tratas de determinar si es el momento adecuado. Tomar grandes decisiones puede venir con dudas, pero hacer cuentas y pensar en cómo quieres que sea tu vida te ayudará a tomar el camino correcto.”

Lo importante es enfocarte en lo que sí puedes controlar. Al hablar con tu asesor del Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados, podrás tener una idea clara de cuánto puedes pedir prestado para tu préstamo hipotecario, cuánto serían tus pagos mensuales y cómo afecta tu tasa hipotecaria a esos pagos. Dado que esa será probablemente tu mayor obligación mensual, la clave es asegurarte de que ese monto se ajuste a tu presupuesto.

No te estreses por las reparaciones

El mantenimiento y las reparaciones? Sí, pueden ser un poco más difíciles de anticipar. Pero no olvides que durante el proceso de compra se hace una inspección que te dará una idea clara del estado de la casa. Con ese informe en mano, sabrás qué cosas podrían necesitar atención y podrás empezar a ahorrar para estar preparado.

Y si eso sigue preocupándote, habla con tu agente sobre la posibilidad de pedir al vendedor que incluya una garantía para el hogar. Estas garantías pueden cubrir reparaciones importantes—como el sistema de aire acondicionado—durante un período de tiempo. Aunque no suele representar un gasto grande para el vendedor, su disposición a ofrecerlo dependerá del mercado local y qué tan competitivo sea.

Estirarte un poco está bien—pero no demasiado 

Recuerda que es normal que el dinero esté un poco ajustado al principio. Muchas personas que compran su primera casa reducen sus gastos en cosas como compras o comidas fuera hasta que se ajustan a su nuevo presupuesto.

Pero si al hacer cuentas ves que no te alcanza para necesidades básicas como gasolina o comida, entonces es una señal de que te estás estirando demasiado. Lo último que quieres es asumir un pago que no puedes manejar. ¿Pero estirarte un poco? Eso sí está bien. Eso es normal.

Tu ingreso probablemente aumentará 

No olvides que con el tiempo es probable que ganes más dinero. Esa pequeña estirada que hoy parece un reto, puede que mañana ya no lo sea tanto. A medida que avances en tu carrera, tu sueldo también crecerá. Comprar una casa es una decisión a largo plazo, mientras que rentar es solo una solución a corto plazo—y tú mereces salir de ahí.

Conclusión

Comprar tu primera casa es una gran decisión, y es normal sentirse nervioso. Pero si estás financieramente preparado, no dejes que el miedo te detenga. Estas emociones son normales, y tu equipo del Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados está aquí para ayudarte a superarlas. 

Qué es lo que más te pone nervioso al pensar en comprar tu primera casa?

Conéctate con tu Programa de Propiedad de Vivienda para Empleados para tener a un experto de tu lado que te explique todo paso a paso.

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com  |  800-511-2197 

La información contenida y las opiniones expresadas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud o integridad de la información u opiniones aquí presentadas. Nada de lo mencionado debe considerarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Siempre debes realizar tu propia investigación y diligencia debida, y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a comisiones inmobiliarias están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay to Feel Nervous 

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job? 

Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts. 

The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here’s some information that can give you a bit of perspective. 

Focus on What You Can Control 

Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance to think about – maybe even lawn care or homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. It’s easy to let the dollar signs be overwhelming. As Zillow says: 

“Buying a house is a big decision, and you might feel confused and indecisive as you assess your current financial situation and try to work through whether or not the timing is right. Making big life choices might come with some self-doubt, but crunching the numbers and thinking about what you want your life to look like will help guide you down the right path.” 

The important thing is to focus on what you can control. By talking with your Employee Homeownership Program Advisor, you can get a clear understanding of what you can borrow for your home loan, what your monthly payment would be, and how your mortgage rate can impact it. And since that payment will likely be your biggest recurring expense, the key is to make sure the number works for you. 

Don’t Stress About Repairs 

The maintenance and repairs? Those can be a little bit harder to anticipate. But don’t forget you’ll get an inspection during the homebuying process to give you a better look at the condition of your future house. And with your inspection report in hand, you’ll have a good idea of what needs work. This way, you can start saving up so that you’re ready if and when something breaks. 

But even then, if this is something that’s still really nagging at you, talk to your agent about asking the seller to throw in a home warranty. Those can cover repairs for some of the bigger systems in the house, like the HVAC, if they break within a specific time frame. While this isn’t a huge expense for the seller, the likelihood of a seller agreeing to one depends on what’s happening in your local market and how competitive it is right now. 

It’s Okay To Stretch – Just Not Too Far 

And remember, chances are that money will be a little tight – at least at first. And that’s kind of to be expected. A lot of times when someone buys their first home, they cut down on things like shopping and eating out for a while until they get a better idea of how their expenses will shake out in the new home. 

But if you’re crunching the numbers and you won’t have enough money left for things like gas, food, etc. – it’s a sign you’d be stretching yourself too far. The last thing you want is to take on a payment that’s too much to handle. But stretching a little? That’s different. That’s normal. 

Your Income Will Probably Change  

And don’t forget, you’ll likely earn more down the road, so that slight stretch now won’t seem so bad as time wears on. As you advance in your career, you’ll probably start to make more money too. So, as your paycheck grows, the payments will get easier. Renting is a short-term option – and it’s one you deserve to get out of. Buying a home is a long-term play. 

Bottom Line 

Buying your first home is a big decision, and it’s okay to feel a little nervous about it. But if you’re financially ready, don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. These emotions are normal, and your Employee Homeownership Team can help you get through them. 

What makes you nervous when you think about buying your first home? 

Connect with your Employee Homeownership Program so you have an expert on your side to explain everything along the way. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com  |  800-511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

La verdad sobre los pagos iniciales (no es lo que piensas)

Mito 1: “Necesito reunir un gran pago inicial.”

Este frena a muchas personas desde el principio. Una encuesta reciente de Morning Consult y NeighborWorks muestra que el 70 % de los estadounidenses cree que necesita dar al menos un 10 % de enganche para comprar una casa. Y un 11 % ni siquiera sabe qué se requiere exactamente (ver gráfico abajo):

La verdad? Según la National Association of Realtors (NAR), el pago inicial típico para compradores por primera vez ha estado entre el 6 % y el 9 % desde 2018. Pero hay más. Si calificas para un préstamo FHA, es posible que solo necesites dar un 3.5 % de enganche. Y los préstamos VA normalmente no requieren ningún pago inicial. Así que hay opciones disponibles que realmente pueden marcar la diferencia para muchos compradores.

Mito 2: “Me tomará una eternidad ahorrar para el pago inicial.” 

Claro, ahorrar puede tomar tiempo. Pero puede que no sea tanto como crees. En muchos estados, alcanzar tu objetivo puede suceder más rápido de lo esperado, especialmente si conoces tu presupuesto y tienes un plan de ahorro claro.

Según un estudio reciente, el tiempo que tarda en alcanzarse varía dependiendo de dónde vivas. El mapa a continuación muestra, en promedio, cuántos años tomaría ahorrar para un enganche del 10 % según los valores típicos de vivienda e ingresos en cada estado (ver mapa abajo):

Pero recuerda, en la mayoría de los casos ni siquiera necesitarás un pago inicial tan grande como el 10 %. Además, sin importar cuánto dinero pongas de enganche, no todo tendrá que salir de tu bolsillo. Aquí te explicamos por qué:

Mito 3: “Tengo que hacerlo todo por mi cuenta.”

Este es uno de los mitos más grandes de todos. La realidad es que existen programas de asistencia para el pago inicial, y la misma encuesta de Morning Consult y NeighborWorks muestra que el 39 % de las personas ni siquiera sabe que existen.
Eso significa que muchos compradores potenciales podrían estar más cerca de ser propietarios de una vivienda—simplemente no lo saben. Estos programas de asistencia están diseñados para ayudar a personas como tú, que están listas para tener su propio hogar, pero que solo necesitan un pequeño impulso para comenzar.

Conclusión 

Si has estado posponiendo la compra de una casa porque el pago inicial te parece inalcanzable, habla con un agente de bienes raíces local. Puede que no necesites tanto como piensas, y hay muchos recursos disponibles, así que no tienes que hacerlo solo. Solo necesitas un experto que te guíe en la dirección correcta.

Si el pago inicial ya no fuera un obstáculo, ¿estarías listo para comenzar tu búsqueda de casa?

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com  |  800-511-2197 

La información contenida y las opiniones expresadas en este artículo no deben interpretarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Advantage Home Plus no garantiza ni asegura la exactitud o integridad de la información u opiniones aquí contenidas. Nada de lo aquí mencionado debe considerarse como asesoramiento de inversión. Siempre debes realizar tu propia investigación y diligencia debida, y obtener asesoramiento profesional antes de tomar cualquier decisión de inversión. Las contribuciones a comisiones de bienes raíces están disponibles según lo permitan las leyes estatales.

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

Myth 1: “I need to come up with a big down payment.” 

This one stops a lot of people in their tracks. A recent poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 70% of Americans think they need to put at least 10% down to buy a home. And 11% aren’t sure what’s required at all (see graph below):  

The truth? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical down payment for first-time buyers has been between 6% and 9% since 2018. But there’s more to the story. If you qualify for an FHA loan, you may only need to put 3.5% down. And VA loans typically don’t require a down payment at all. So, there are options out there that can really make a difference for some buyers. 

Myth 2: “It’ll take forever to save up for a down payment.” 

Sure, saving can take time. But it may not have to be as long as you think. In many states, reaching your goal can happen faster than you might expect, especially when you know your budget and have a clear savings plan. 

According to a new study, the amount of time varies depending on where you live. The map below shows, on average, how many years it takes to save up for a 10% down payment based on typical home values and income levels in each state (see map below): 

But remember, in most cases you won’t even need a down payment as large as 10%. Plus, no matter how much money you end up putting down, it won’t all have to come out of your pocket. Here’s why. 

Myth 3: “I have to do it all on my own.” 

This is one of the biggest myths of all. The reality is, there are down payment assistance programs out there, and the same poll from Morning Consult and NeighborWorks shows 39% of people don’t even know about them. That means a lot of potential homebuyers could already be closer to homeownership – they just don’t realize it. These assistance programs are designed to help people like you who are ready to own a home but just need a little support getting started.  

Bottom Line 

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because the down payment feels like too much to tackle, talk to a local real estate agent. You may not need as much as you think, and there are plenty of resources out there, so you don’t have to do it alone. You just need an expert to point you in the right direction. 

If the down payment wasn’t the thing holding you back, would you be ready to start your home search? 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com  |  800-511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and the right support is going to make it a whole lot easier.  

Because while this process might be brand new to you, it’s not new to Employee Homeownership Benefits Advisor. They’ve helped plenty of first-time buyers through it. They know what works, what actually matters, and how you can move through the process with a lot less guesswork.  

Here are a few real-world tips based on that experience of helping other first-time buyers.  

Tip #1: Get Pre-Approved First  

This is one of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make. And it’s easy to see why. Looking at homes online is fun. But doing it before you know your numbers? That’s risky. You don’t want to fall in love with a house that’s way outside of your financial comfort zone. That’s a fast track for getting frustrated.  

Instead, talk to your Employee Homeownership Program Advisor early, before looking at any houses. With their help, you’ll have a better idea of what you’ll be able to borrow, which can help you set a realistic budget. Then, you can start shopping for homes that are in your financial comfort zone. More clarity, less frustration.  

Tip #2: Set a Budget and Stick To It  

Remember, just because you can borrow up to a certain amount, chances are you won’t want to max that number out. It’s really important to avoid overextending your budget, especially in today’s market. Other housing expenses like home insurance, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and taxes are on the rise, and you need to factor those in. Bankrate offers this advice:  

“When you’re building a budget to narrow your search for properties, don’t just think about how much house you can afford, but how much in recurring costs you can handle once you’ve purchased your home.”  

So, lean on the pros for advice on expenses you may not be thinking of, so you can work them into your budget.  

Tip #3: Don’t Skip the Inspection  

When you find the right home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But skipping the inspection just to make your offer look stronger is a gamble that could cost you. Instead, work with your agent to schedule a real inspection. They’ll connect you with local pros, make sure it’s booked, and help you understand the results so you can negotiate repairs or ask for money off at closing, if needed. It’s better to invest in this time up front to avoid what could be thousands in surprise repairs later.  

Tip #4: Your First Home Doesn’t Have To Be Your Forever Home  

For a lot of buyers, this is where unnecessary pressure creeps in. But remember, you don’t have to land your dream home right out of the gate. That’s why it’s called a starter home. It’s a starting point, not your final destination. An agent will help you explore all your options, including ones you may not have thought about. For example, a well-kept condo, a townhouse in a great location, or a house with good bones can be a perfect first step into homeownership. The goal? Get in. Start building equity. Then, grow from there.  

Bottom Line  

Buying your first place is a big step, but it doesn’t have to feel like a step in the dark. Talk with your Employee Homeownership Advisor about where you’re starting from, what’s stressing you out (or holding you back), and what you actually need to know. Their goal is to make the process easier and less expensive for you! 

What’s one question you wish you could ask an expert right now? 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow. 

Understanding Down Payment Assistance: What You May Qualify For

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial milestones most people reach — but saving for a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. The good news? You may not have to do it alone. 

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs exist to help homebuyers overcome upfront cost barriers and get into a home sooner than they may have thought possible. If you’ve been putting off homeownership because of savings, it’s worth learning what support might be available to you. 

SupportSquad@AdvantageHomePlus.com | (800)511-2197 

The information contained and the opinions expressed in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Advantage Home Plus does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. * Real estate commission contributions are available as state laws allow.