Category Archives: Buyers

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Financing Misconceptions


Myth #1: You need a high credit score to qualify — Buyers can qualify for government-backed mortgages and other conventional loan programs with credit scores around 620 — and in some situations, there is no set minimum. The higher the credit score, the more options a buyer has to get a lower interest rate.

Myth #2: A 20% down payment is mandatory — Many loans can require as little as 3% down for first-time buyers, while some VA and USDA loans don’t have any down payment requirement.

Myth #3: Mortgage rates are the worst they’ve ever been — The peak was actually in October 1981, when 30-year rates hit 18.6%. Rates have bounced around the 7% range in recent years and are currently in the 6.4% range after dipping briefly below 6% in late February.

Have questions? Contact me, I’ll be happy to help!

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Buyer Preferences Are Shifting



For years, open floor plans have been the gold standard in residential real estate. Home buyers have long been drawn to the airy feel, openness and sunlight-filled spaces.
 
Yet, in recent years, with the rise of working from home, multigenerational households and a general greater emphasis on privacy, home buyers are beginning to reconsider knocking down the walls of their home.

Read more…

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The Down Payment Clock


We talk a lot about how hard it is to save for a down payment. The age of first-time homebuyers has been rising, and the ripple effects are real: delayed homeownership means delayed wealth-building, which means the gap between those who own and those who rent widens.

But, like almost everything in real estate, it’s not the same everywhere. In some markets, the “down payment clock” moves quickly. In others, it moves slowly. And understanding which clock you are on might be one of the most practical insights for buyers.

Read more details…

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Outlook for Existing-Home Sales


With sales of existing single-family houses and condos sputtering in the first three months of the year, experts now expect a modest improvement in the housing market for the remainder of 2026 rather than a robust one. The National Association of Realtors cut its 2026 forecast for existing‑home purchases from a 14% jump to a 4% rise after sales fell in March.

Read more…

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Tips for Co-buying


The median age of first-time homebuyers hit a record high of 40 last year, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. Low inventory and rising prices have pushed homeownership out of reach for many.

To make housing more affordable, some people are embracing a nontraditional path to owning a home: co-buying with a friend.

Co-buying is a great way for buyers to boost borrowing power, but there are pitfalls. Check out these tips…

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New Rule for Non-Financed Transactions

A new federal residential real estate rule aimed at cracking down on money laundering went into effect March 1st. It impacts transactions involving buyer entities or trusts where the purchase is not financed, such as all-cash sales and sales involving non-regulated lenders. Here’s what you need to know…

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Ensuring Public Availability of Residential Listings

I’m so glad that Washington Realtors® is standing up for what is best for buyers and sellers!

“As an organization, Washington REALTORS® is committed to advocating for you – our members – and your clients. We are the leading advocates for homeownership, with a long-standing record of representing the interests of homebuyers, sellers, and property owners throughout the state through our legislative advocacy efforts. Our top public policy priority has consistently been to build communities that have a strong economy and attractive, affordable home choices.

Each legislative session, our government affairs team and legislative steering committee watch for proposed legislation that could impact REALTORS®, our clients, or the industry in our state. While there’s a lot to cover in this short session, there’s one key bill that we anticipate dropping next week that you will see a lot about in the coming weeks – a bill intended to promote equal access to housing by ensuring public availability of residential listings.”

In this video update, WR President Ryan Beckett and Annie Fitzsimmons walk through this bill and why Washington REALTORS® decided to support it: https://vimeo.com/1152370938/f0bd7de906

FAQs: https://www.warealtor.org/advocacy-legal/government-affairs/legislation/2026-legislative-session/ensuring-public-listings

Stay tuned for updates, as WR Legislative Day is January 29, and we’ll be meeting with our Legislators from across the state in Olympia to advocate for this bill, as well as others.

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Where Mortgage Payments Are Cheaper Than Rent

Over the past five years, housing prices and rents have surged, making it difficult to save for a down payment. However, in 119 out of 215 metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are lower than rent, mainly in the Midwest and South.

Explore the data collected by the National Association of Realtors.

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Buying Raw Land? Here’s What You Need To Know Before You Break Ground


Unlike a standard home purchase, land deals come with hidden complexities—zoning restrictions, utility costs, financing hurdles, and environmental red tape. One overlooked step can turn a “great deal” into an expensive mistake.

Read more…

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5 Hidden Deck Dangers to Watch For


Decks are a selling point in real estate. But decks can take a pounding during an active summer. Since this tends to happen mostly beneath the boards, homeowners may overlook the warning signs until it’s too late and becomes costly damage.

Beware of these common issues when assessing an outdoor deck…