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home buying

Q&A: Newlyweds wonder if it’s the time to buy a home

May 20, 2024 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: My husband and I are newlyweds and looking into purchasing a home. However, many homes in our area sell for $50,000 and more over the asking prices, which already are pretty high. We have stable jobs, but our dilemma is whether we should go into the market now or continue to save and wait a year or two.

Answer: The best time to buy a home is when you can afford to do so. It’s hard to time any market, but that’s especially true for real estate. If you put off buying a home hoping for a correction, you could be waiting a long time.

The supply of houses for sale is low in many areas. Often homeowners are reluctant to sell, even if they want to trade up, downsize or move, because they don’t want to give up their low-rate mortgages. A drop in mortgage rates likely will induce more people to put their homes on the market, but also could increase competition as buyers get access to more affordable loans.

Also, many homes for sale in tight markets are deliberately underpriced. Sellers hope to spark a frenzy of offers over asking price. You’d be smart to get clear on how much you can afford to pay — consider consulting a fee-only financial planner — and to enlist the services of a good real estate agent who understands your local market.

Filed Under: Q&A, Real Estate Tagged With: buying a home, home affordability, home buying, homeownership, rent vs own, rent vs. buy

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

September 9, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Should students gamble on an Income Share Agreement? Also in the news: How to make a debt-free switch to cashless payments, 4 home insurance pitfalls to avoid during hurricane season, and see how much home you can afford with the 30/30/30 rule.

Should Students Gamble on an Income Share Agreement?
An ISA can be a risk for students seeking college funding. But during an economic downturn, it might be worth it.

How to Make a Debt-Free Switch to Cashless Payments
Changing how we pay during the pandemic.

4 home insurance pitfalls to avoid during hurricane season
Don’t be skimpy.

See How Much Home You Can Afford With the 30/30/30 Rule
Existing home sale prices are increasing.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: 30/30/30 rule, cashless payments, home buying, home insurance, hurricane season, income share agreement, real estate, students

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 12, 2014 By Liz Weston

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailToday’s top story: How the way you think about money could be hurting your finances. Also in the news: Determining the right time to buy a home, six secrets to getting a good deal on that home, and why your FICO score is about to look very different.

3 Money Maxims that Hurt Your Finances
Changing the way we think about money.

When Should You Wait to Buy a Home?
How to determine when the time is right.

6 secrets to getting a good deal on a house
Tips for when the time is right.

How credit scores are about to change: a Q&A
Your FICO score is about to get a makeover.

Why it’s easier to rob bitcoins than banks
Not that you should do either one, of course.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Bitcoins, Credit Scores, digital currency, FICO, home buying, money maxims, real estate

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 5, 2014 By Liz Weston

imagesToday’s top story: Why it’s so important to talk to your kids about money. Also in the news: Credit scores versus credit reports when buying a home, scary facts about delinquent debt, and a single parent’s guide to budgeting.

Dear Parents: You Need to Teach Your Kids About Money
One of the most valuable things you’ll ever teach your kids.

Credit Scores vs. Credit Reports
Which is more important when buying a home?

3 Scary Facts About Delinquent Debt and What You Should Do
Ignoring it is a huge mistake.

A Single Parent’s Guide to Budgeting
Making things work for your family.

What it Costs to Retire in 12 Great Places
Where would you like to end up?

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: credit report, Credit Score, home buying, kids and money, Retirement, single parent

Friday’s need-to-know money news

July 11, 2014 By Liz Weston

imagesToday’s top story: The biggest mistakes car buyers make and how to avoid them. Also in the news: How to land your dream home this summer, saving big on your wedding expenses, and how we can learn from the money mistakes of celebrities.

5 Mistakes Car Buyers Make
Pay attention to how long you’ll pay.

7 Ways to Land Your Dream Home During the Summer
Look for a diamond in the rough.

Easy ways to save $10,000 on your wedding expenses
Location, location, location.

5 celebrity money mistakes we can all learn from
One word: prenup.

Cash 4 Phones: 5 Tricks to Buying and Selling Used Electronics
Turn those dust collectors into cash.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car shopping, home buying, money mistakes, selling electronics, wedding planning

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

August 6, 2013 By Liz Weston

Car crashWhy students are a prime target for identity thieves, an easy way to save money on homeowners insurance, mistakes to avoid when buying a house and how cell-using drivers set themselves up for disaster.

The ABCs of Back-to-School Identity Theft Protection
Students of all ages are easy targets for identity theft.

Simple Tip Can Save You Big on Homeowners Insurance
Your deductible could be the key to savings.

The IRS Filed a Tax Lein on Your Home—Now What?
Don’t let your panic become a distraction. Buying a House? Don’t make these mistakes.
Things not to be overlooked while house hunting.

25% of Car Crashes Involved Cel Phones
Drivers using cellphones fail to see up to 50% of the information in their environment.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: car accidents, cell phones, home buying, homeowners insurance, Identity Theft

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