Blog - Leagan Realty

How Do You Make A Household Budget

June 8, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

How Do You Make A Household Budget Creating a household budget can be a helpful way to track your spending and ensure you are meeting your financial goals. You will need to examine your fixed expenses that are the same each month, such as rent or car payments and your variable expenses that change each month, such as groceries or entertainment. Dealing with debt can be challenging but incorporating it into your budgeting strategy can help you regain control of your finances. Here are some steps you can take to effectively manage your debt while budgeting:

Assess your debt: Begin by gathering all your debt information, including outstanding balances, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. List your debts in order of priority, such as high-interest debts or those with approaching due dates.

Create a budget: Develop a comprehensive budget that covers all your income and expenses. Categorize your expenses into essential (e.g., housing, utilities, groceries) and non-essential (e.g., entertainment, dining out) categories. Make sure to allocate funds for debt repayment.

Prioritize debt payments: Allocate a portion of your budget specifically for debt repayment. While making minimum payments on all debts, focus on paying extra towards high-interest debts to reduce their impact over time. This strategy is known as the debt avalanche method. Alternatively, you can prioritize the debt with the lowest balance first (debt snowball method) for psychological motivation.

Reduce discretionary spending: Look for areas where you can cut back on non-essential expenses. This might involve reducing eating out, entertainment costs, or finding more affordable alternatives for certain services. Direct the savings towards debt repayment.

Negotiate with creditors: If you’re struggling to meet your debt obligations, contact your creditors to discuss possible alternatives. They may be willing to offer reduced interest rates, extended repayment terms, or debt consolidation options. Exploring these options can help make your debt more manageable.

Consider debt consolidation or refinancing: If you have multiple debts with high-interest rates, consolidating them into a single loan or refinancing them with a lower interest rate may be beneficial. This approach simplifies your payments and can potentially save money on interest charges.

Build an emergency fund: While dealing with debt, it’s crucial to simultaneously build an emergency fund. Having some savings set aside can prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans in case of unexpected expenses. Start with small, regular contributions until you reach your desired emergency fund amount.

Remember, managing debt takes time and discipline. Stay committed to your budgeting efforts and regularly review your progress. Over time, as you reduce your debt, you’ll regain financial stability and move closer to achieving your financial goals. It may take some time to find the right balance, but creating a household budget can be an effective way to manage your finances and achieve your financial goals.

Buying Vs. Building a House

June 7, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Buying Vs. Building a House Deciding whether to buy or build a house can be a complex decision that depends on several factors. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros of Buying a House:

Convenience: Buying a house is generally quicker and more convenient than building one. You can move in as soon as you close the deal, without having to wait for construction to be completed.

Location: When you buy a house, you have the opportunity to choose a home in an established neighborhood with existing amenities such as schools, parks, shopping centers, and other essential services. You can choose a location that is convenient for your lifestyle.

Cost: Depending on the location, buying a house may be less expensive than building a new one. You can often find great deals on homes that have been on the market for a while, or in areas where the real estate market is more favorable to buyers.

No Hassle of Design and Construction: When you buy a house, you don’t have to worry about designing the home or supervising construction. You can focus on personalizing the house according to your taste, rather than starting from scratch.

Resale Value: Buying an established home often means it already has a resale value, making it easier to sell in the future.

Cons of Buying a House:

Limited Customization: When you buy an existing house, you may have limited options for customization. You’ll need to accept the home’s layout, features, and design unless you’re willing to invest additional time and money to make renovations.

Unpredictable Market: Real estate markets can be unpredictable, and the value of your home may fluctuate depending on economic conditions. There’s always a risk that the value of your home may decrease in the future.

Maintenance: As a homeowner, you’ll be responsible for maintaining and repairing the home, which can be costly. Older homes may require more maintenance than newer ones, which can add up over time.

Hidden Problems: Even with a thorough home inspection, there may be hidden problems with the house that you only discover after moving in, such as foundation issues, electrical problems, or water damage.

Pros of Building a House

Customization: You can design the house to your exact specifications, ensuring that it meets your unique needs and preferences.

New materials and technology: You can take advantage of the latest building materials and technology, which can make the house more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

No hidden problems: Since the house is new, there should be fewer hidden issues or problems to deal with.

Cons of Building a House

Cost: Building a house can be more expensive than buying an existing one, especially if you choose high-end materials or features.

Time-consuming: Building a house can take months or even years to complete, which means you’ll need to be patient and flexible.

Uncertainty: There may be unexpected delays or complications during the construction process, which can be frustrating.

Buying a house can be a smart and practical option for many people, especially those who prioritize convenience, location, and cost savings, buying a house is a big decision that requires careful consideration of both the advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to do your research and weigh your options before deciding.

When Buying Land to Build a New Home, Don’t Forget These Important Factors

June 6, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

When Buying Land to Build a New Home, Don't Forget These Important Factors Buying land for a new home is a significant investment, so take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision. It’s essential to do your due diligence and research before buying land to build a new home. Here are some important things you shouldn’t forget:

Determine your budget: Before you start your search, it’s important to have a clear idea of your budget. This will help you narrow down your search to properties that are within your price range.

Choose a location: Consider the location where you would like to build your new home. Look for areas that are safe, have good schools, and are close to amenities like shops and restaurants. Also, consider the proximity to your work or other important places you regularly visit.

Check zoning laws: Make sure that the land you’re interested in is zoned for residential use and that you can obtain the necessary building permits.

Evaluate the site: When evaluating a potential site, consider factors such as the size of the lot, the topography, and the soil type. Also, consider the orientation of the lot in relation to the sun, wind, and views.

Get a land survey: A land survey will help you determine the exact boundaries of the property and identify any potential issues, such as easements or encroachments.

Utilities and Services: Before you buy the land, make sure you research the availability of utilities and services such as water, electricity, gas, sewage, and internet connectivity. If these services aren’t readily available, it could add significantly to the cost and complexity of building your new home.

A real estate agent can help you find suitable land and guide you through the buying process. They can also help you negotiate the price and advise you on any potential issues with the land. By keeping these important considerations in mind, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision and ensure that your new home is everything you want it to be.

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Show Mixed Readings in March

June 2, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Show Mixed Readings in March March readings for the S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index showed that month-to-month home prices rose by 0.40 percent in March. The 20-City Home Price Index, which is considered a benchmark indicator by U.S. real estate professionals, rose by 0.50 percent month-to-month in March but posted a negative reading of -1.10 percent year-over-year. Analysts said that the slim supply of homes for sale drove up prices as demand for homes exceeded available inventory.

Homeowners took a “wait and see” position as mortgage rates rose and concerns over the economy persisted. Those who refinanced their mortgages to low rates during the pandemic weren’t looking to buy new homes or refinance at current mortgage rates near seven percent. Prospective homebuyers faced affordability challenges and concerns over buying at the top of their local real estate markets.

Southeast leads the U.S. in home price growth

U.S. home price growth dominated the S&P Case-Shillere 20-City Home Price Index in March; the top three cities reporting the highest year-over-year home price appreciation rates were Miami, Florida with 7.7 percent growth. Tampa, Florida reported 4.8 percent home price growth and Charlotte, North Carolina held third place with 4.7 percent year-over-year home price growth.

The Western region continued to lag as year-over-year home prices fell by -1.10 percent from March 2022 to March 2023 as compared with 0.40 percent year-over-year growth in February. Data included in S&P Case-Shiller readings are seasonally adjusted. All 20 cities reported home price gains on a month-to-month basis, which indicates that housing prices continue to recover from the lows that occurred during the pandemic. Home prices will indicate further developments in the economic recovery based on how home prices and sales perform during the typically busy summer home-buying season.

FHFA reports 3.6 percent year-over-year home price growth in March

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees government-sponsored mortgage enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reported 3.6 percent seasonally-adjusted year-over-year growth in home prices for U.S. properties owned and sold by the two government-sponsored organizations. FHFA reported regional home price growth rates for the nine U.S. Census divisions; month-to-month results ranged from -10 percent in the Pacific division to 1.20 percent growth in the Mountain division.

Crafting a Counter-offer That Doesn’t Scare Away a Potential Home Buyer

June 1, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Crafting a counter-offer that doesn’t scare away a potential home buyer can be tricky. Here are five tips to help you navigate the negotiation process while keeping the buyer interested:

Keep emotions in check: Avoid letting your emotions drive the conversation and try to remain objective throughout the negotiation process. Keep in mind that the buyer is also looking for a fair deal, and it’s important to approach negotiations with a collaborative attitude.

Understand the buyer’s needs: Understanding the buyer’s needs and motivations can help you craft a counter-offer that meets their expectations. For example, if the buyer is seeking a quick closing, you may want to consider offering to close sooner than anticipated in exchange for a higher price.

Be clear and concise: Your counter-offer should be clear and concise, outlining specific terms and conditions. Avoid using ambiguous language and ensure that the offer is easy to understand.

Be reasonable: While you want to get the most out of your home sale, it’s important to be reasonable with your counter-offer. Consider the current market conditions and the buyer’s position and aim for a fair deal that benefits both parties.

Keep communication open: Effective communication is key to successful negotiations. Keep communication channels open throughout the process and be willing to listen to the buyer’s concerns and feedback. This will help you build trust and rapport with the buyer, making it more likely that they will accept your counter-offer.

To avoid frustrating an interested homebuyer, it’s important to be responsive and timely in your communication regarding their offer. Don’t let their offer sit for too long without acknowledging it and make it clear that you’re actively considering it and will provide a response promptly.

Successfully negotiating a home sale can be challenging, but being open and flexible in your approach can increase your chances of receiving the desired offer.

Mortgage Approval With An Unconventional Job – How Does It Work?

May 31, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Mortgage Approval With An Unconventional Job It is unlikely that an unconventional job will hurt your mortgage approval, as long as you can demonstrate a consistent and stable income stream that meets the lender’s requirements. Lenders are primarily concerned with your ability to repay the mortgage, and they will evaluate your income and employment history to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a loan.

It’s also worth noting that the type of property you are seeking to purchase, as well as your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and other financial factors, will all play a role in the lender’s decision. So while an unconventional job may not be a deal-breaker, it’s important to make sure your overall financial profile is strong before applying for a mortgage.

How an Irregular Job Influences Your Mortgage Approval

An irregular job, such as freelance work or self-employment, can make the mortgage approval process more complicated, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will be denied a mortgage. The primary concern for lenders is whether you have a stable income that will allow you to make your mortgage payments on time.

If you have an irregular job, you will need to provide more documentation to prove your income, such as tax returns, bank statements, and client contracts.

Lenders will look at your income over the past few years to determine if you have a consistent and reliable income stream. They may also consider the nature of your work and whether it is likely to continue in the future.

In some cases, lenders may require a higher down payment or charge a higher interest rate to offset the perceived risk of an irregular job. You may also need to have a higher credit score or lower debt-to-income ratio to qualify for a mortgage.

Ultimately, the impact of an irregular job on your mortgage approval will depend on a variety of factors, including your financial history, the type of property you are purchasing, and the lender’s specific requirements. Some lenders may have stricter requirements for certain types of jobs or income sources. In these cases, you may need to provide additional documentation or demonstrate a longer track record of consistent income to qualify for a mortgage.

Non-QM Option

Non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) loans are a type of mortgage loan that does not meet the qualified mortgage guidelines established by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2014. Qualified mortgages are designed to ensure that borrowers have the ability to repay their loans, based on certain criteria such as debt-to-income ratio, employment status, and credit history. Non-QM loans are typically used by borrowers who do not meet the requirements for a qualified mortgage.

Non-QM loans may have different requirements than traditional mortgage loans, such as higher interest rates, larger down payments, and shorter repayment terms. They may also be used for non-traditional properties or for borrowers who are self-employed, have irregular income streams, or have a poor credit history.

Because they are considered riskier than qualified mortgages, non-QM loans are generally only offered by a limited number of lenders and may be subject to higher fees and interest rates. It is important for borrowers to carefully consider their financial situation and the terms of the loan before applying for a non-QM loan.

It’s important to work with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who can guide you through the process and help you find the right loan for your situation.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 30, 2023

May 30, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 29, 2023 Last week’s economic news included readings on new and pending home sales and inflation. The final monthly reading for May consumer sentiment was released along with weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims.

Shortage of previously-owned homes for sale directs buyers to new homes

Homeowners weren’t in a hurry to sell their homes due to the low mortgage rates they obtained during the pandemic. Current mortgage rates are higher than pandemic-era rates, which influenced homeowners to stay in their homes and keep their lower existing mortgage rates. Home buyers turned to new home developments as an alternative to shopping for a home within the slim supply of available previously-owned homes.

The number of pending home sales was unchanged from March as compared to the expected reading of an 0.80 percent increase in pending sales and the March reading of a -5.20 percent decrease in pending home sales. Rising mortgage rates and concerns over the economy sidelined some sellers and would-be home buyers. Rising inflation continued to impact consumers as prices for goods and services rose by 0.40 percent in April as compared to the March increase of 0.10 percent. Year-over-year inflation rose to 4.40 percent in April as compared to the March year-over-year inflation reading of 4.20 percent.

Consumer concerns about inflation and recession were supported by the government-sponsored mortgage organization Fannie Mae, which predicted a recession in the second half of 2023.

Fed forecasts a recession and raises key interest rate range

The minutes of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting revealed that policymakers were divided on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision to raise its key interest-rate range to 5.00 percent and 5.25 percent. Some Fed members indicated that May’s interest rate hike may be the last for the near future as expectations of a recession rose.

Mortgage rates and jobless claims rise

Freddie Mac reported higher mortgage rates last week as the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 18 basis points to 6.57 percent. The average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by 22 basis points to 5.97 percent.

229,000 new jobless claims were filed last week; this reading fell short of the expected reading of 245,000 initial claims filed and exceeded the prior week’s reading of 225,000 claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on public and private-sector jobs and the national unemployment rate. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

Should You Help Your Kids Pay for Their Mortgage?

May 25, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

Should You Help Your Kids Pay for Their Mortgage? Whether or not to help your kids pay for their mortgage is a personal decision that depends on your financial situation, your relationship with your children, and your beliefs about financial independence.

It’s important to evaluate your own financial situation before deciding whether to help your kids pay for their mortgage. Make sure that you can afford to provide financial assistance without jeopardizing your own financial security. Your relationship with your children can also be a factor in your decision. If you have a close relationship with your children and want to help them achieve their financial goals, then providing financial assistance may be a good option.

Some parents believe that their children should be financially independent and not rely on them for financial support. If you hold this belief, you may not want to provide financial assistance to your children. If you do decide to help your kids pay for their mortgage, it’s important to set clear terms and boundaries. Will you provide a loan that needs to be repaid or a gift? How much will you provide? Will you be a co-signer on the mortgage?

When Parents Might Want to Help with a Child’s Mortgage

Below are a few situations where parents might want to consider helping their child with their mortgage:

First-time homebuyers: If your child is a first-time homebuyer, they may not have enough savings or credit history to qualify for a mortgage on their own. In this case, you might want to consider providing a loan or gift to help them with their down payment or closing costs.
Financial difficulties: If your child is experiencing financial difficulties, such as a job loss or unexpected expenses, they may struggle to make their mortgage payments. Providing financial assistance in these situations can help them avoid foreclosure and maintain their financial stability.
Inheritance: Some parents choose to leave an inheritance to their children that can be used towards a down payment on a home. This can be a way to help their children achieve financial independence and build wealth.
Family home: If your child wants to buy the family home, you may want to consider providing financial assistance to help them keep the property in the family.

Tax Repercussions

There may be tax repercussions when parents help their children with their mortgage. Here are some things to consider:

Gift tax: If you give your child more than the annual gift tax exclusion amount, you may be subject to gift tax.

Income tax: If you lend money to your child to help with their mortgage and charge them interest, you will need to report the interest income on your tax return. Your child may also be able to deduct the mortgage interest on their tax return.

Capital gains tax: If you gift your child a property that will appreciate in value, they may be subject to capital gains tax when they sell the property. However, if they inherit the property from you, they will receive a step-up in basis, which means they will only pay capital gains tax on the appreciation that occurs after they inherit the property.

The decision of whether to help your kids pay for their mortgage is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of all the factors involved.

In any of these situations, it’s important to consider your own financial situation and to fully understand the tax implications of helping your child with their mortgage and set clear terms and boundaries for the financial assistance you provide.

What is a Bridge Loan and How Does it Work?

May 24, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What is a Bridge Loan and How Does it Work? A bridge loan, also known as interim financing, is a short-term loan used to provide temporary financing until a borrower secures long-term financing or sells an asset. Bridge loans are commonly used in real estate transactions, such as when a buyer needs to close on a new home before selling their current home.

Bridge loans are typically secured by the borrower’s current property, which serves as collateral. The amount of the loan is determined by the equity in the borrower’s property and the value of the property they are purchasing. The loan is intended to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of the existing property.

Bridge loans often have higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans, due to their short-term nature and the increased risk associated with them. They may also require a lower loan-to-value ratio, which means that the borrower may need to put down a larger down payment to secure the loan.

Once the borrower secures long-term financing or sells their existing property, they can use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan. In some cases, the borrower may choose to refinance the bridge loan into a traditional mortgage if they are unable to sell their existing property within the loan term.

Requirements for A Bridge Loan

The specific requirements for a bridge loan can vary depending on the lender and the purpose of the loan, but there are a few general requirements that borrowers should be aware of:

Collateral: A bridge loan is typically secured by collateral, which is often the property being purchased or the borrower’s current property. The lender will require a valuation of the collateral to determine the loan amount.

Creditworthiness: Although bridge loans are often easier to qualify for than traditional loans, lenders will still look at the borrower’s credit history and credit score to determine their ability to repay the loan.

Exit strategy: Lenders will want to see a clear plan for how the borrower intends to repay the loan. This could include selling the existing property, securing long-term financing, or other means.

Loan-to-value ratio: Bridge loans typically require a lower loan-to-value ratio than traditional loans, which means the borrower may need to provide a larger down payment to secure the loan.

Fees and interest rates: Bridge loans often come with higher fees and interest rates than traditional loans due to the increased risk and short-term nature of the loan. Borrowers should be aware of these costs when considering a bridge loan.

It’s important for borrowers to carefully consider their financial situation and their ability to repay the loan before taking out a bridge loan. Consulting with a financial advisor or a reputable lender can also help borrowers determine if a bridge loan is the right option for them.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 22, 2023

May 22, 2023 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 22, 2023 Last week’s economic reporting included readings on U.S. housing markets, sales of previously-owned homes, housing starts, and building permits issued. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

NAHB: U.S. Home Builder Confidence Rises in May

The National Association of Home Builders reported a five-point gain in home builder confidence in current housing market conditions in May. The index reading for May rose to 50 in May as compared to April’s reading of 45. Analysts expected a reading of 45 for May. Readings above 50 indicate a majority of home builders are positive about current housing market conditions. Component readings of the home builder index also rose as the gauge for current market conditions rose by five points to 50; the reading for market conditions over the next six months rose by seven points and the index reading for buyer traffic increased by two points.

Builders surveyed indicated that homeowners aren’t motivated to sell as many of them bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were very low. Aspiring homeowners are turning to new homes for more options as demand for homes continues to outpace the number of previously-owned homes available.

Higher demand for homes caused developers to reduce incentives to homebuyers. Homebuilders offering price reductions on new homes fell from 30 percent in April to 27 percent in May. NAHB said home price reductions averaged six percent of original home prices.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.39 percent and were four basis points higher than for the previous week. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 5.75 percent, which was unchanged from the prior week.

242,000 initial jobless claims were filed last week as compared to 255,000 expected claims and 264,000 first-time jobless claims filed in the prior week.