article thumbnail

More first-time buyers rely on mortgage rate buydowns to afford homes

Housing Wire

Higher mortgage rates are forcing many first-time homebuyers to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach to the market. According to HomeLight ‘s Top Agent Insights report released this week, real estate agents are feeling this and are being forced to switch up tactics to attract buyers.

Buyers 482
article thumbnail

Pending home sales rise again as buyers capitalize on more inventory

Housing Wire

Despite rising mortgage rates through much of 2024, recent indications show growing boldness among homebuyers heading into the new year. These increases are persisting despite mortgage rates near 7%. ” Housing industry experts attribute the recent increases in pending home sales to a shift in buyer attitudes about mortgage rates.

Inventory 435
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Non-Mortgage Homeownership Costs Shock First-Time Buyers

Appraisal Buzz

While some homeowners prioritize their mortgage payments, those who are not financially prepared may face significant challenges due to other essential and frequent expenses such as homeowners insurance, property taxes, utilities, repairs, and maintenance. To read the full report, including more data, charts, and methodology, click here.

Buyers 335
article thumbnail

Share of Buyers Securing ‘Below-Market’ Rates Ticks Up 

Appraisal Buzz

According to a recent Zillow poll, nearly half of recent homebuyers who obtained a mortgage did so at a rate lower than 5%. Even though mortgage rates are currently close to 7%, many purchasers who bought a home within the last year used unconventional thinking to become homeowners.

Buyers 370
article thumbnail

How will first-time buyers fare if sellers can’t offer buyer agent compensation?

Housing Wire

The arrangement known as cooperative compensation allows sellers to choose to offset the cost of buyers’ agents. By making an offer of compensation, sellers communicate to buyers, as a marketing tactic, that their transaction costs may be reduced. In a bidding war, cash buyers and investors will win, and first-time buyers will lose.

Buyers 321
article thumbnail

Buyers and Sellers Embrace Market in Wake of Mortgage Rate Dip 

Appraisal Buzz

The post Buyers and Sellers Embrace Market in Wake of Mortgage Rate Dip first appeared on The MortgagePoint. The post Buyers and Sellers Embrace Market in Wake of Mortgage Rate Dip appeared first on Appraisal Buzz. With a growth rate of 21.4%

Sellers 418
article thumbnail

More First-Time Buyers Coming Off the Sidelines

Appraisal Buzz

From rates bordering the 7% range, to record high home prices, many home buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for a seismic change to hit the U.S. New data from LendingTree shows that among those active in the market last year, first-time buyers received a larger share of offers than those who already own. housing market.

Buyers 311