The Rocky Road to Homeownership: Overcoming Hurdles as a Single Lady

Ah, the journey of homeownership! It's a path filled with excitement, dreams, and investment opportunities. But for single ladies, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Don't worry, independent women, because we've got your back. In this blog post, we'll dive into the hurdles you may face while buying a house solo and provide you with practical tips to conquer them like the boss you are!

1. The Financing Obstacle:

The first hurdle on your path to homeownership might be securing that all-important mortgage loan. As a single lady, it's crucial to have a solid financial foundation. Ensure your credit score is in good shape, gather all necessary documents, and shop around for the best mortgage rates. Don't be discouraged by rejection or a slow process—keep pushing forward until you find the perfect loan for your dreams!

2. Overcoming the Down Payment Challenge:

Saving up for a down payment can be a daunting task, especially if you're relying solely on your income. Start by creating a budget and cutting unnecessary expenses. Consider alternative methods like down payment assistance programs or exploring loans with lower down payment requirements. Remember, every small step counts, and you can achieve your goals with determination.

3. Navigating the Market Alone:

House hunting can be overwhelming, but it's not a solo endeavor anymore. Leverage the power of the internet—join social media groups, forums, and platforms where you can connect with other single homebuyers or experienced real estate professionals. Their insights, recommendations, and support can make a world of difference. Don't hesitate to seek guidance; after all, great minds think alike!

4. Tackling Home Maintenance and Repairs:

As an independent lady, you might face concerns about handling home maintenance and repairs on your own. Break free from self-doubt and embrace your inner handywoman! Educate yourself about basic repairs, build a network of reliable contractors, and invest in quality tools. If you're not confident in your DIY skills, remember that professional help is just a phone call away. With a little resourcefulness and a can-do attitude, you'll conquer any maintenance adversity.

5. Cultivating a Strong Support System:

One of the greatest strengths you have, single lady, is your ability to create and nurture meaningful relationships. Surround yourself with a support system comprising friends, family, and professionals who can offer guidance and lend a helping hand during your home-buying journey. Share your dreams, challenges, and victories—because together, we rise!

Conclusion:

The path to homeownership may present hurdles for single ladies, but it's nothing that can't be overcome. Embrace your independence, tap into your determination, and tackle each challenge head-on. Remember, you have the power to create a space that represents your dreams, aspirations, and personal style. The journey may have its ups and downs, but at the end of the rocky road, you'll unlock the door to your very own sanctuary. Keep pushing forward, single lady—your dream home awaits!

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Thinking About Buying an Abandoned Property? Here’s What You Need to Know

Buying an abandoned home could present an opportunity to snag a property at a bargain price. But before you decide to start shopping for abandoned properties, there are things you need to know.

A recent article from realtor.com outlined key things buyers need to know about buying abandoned properties, including:

• You’ll need to get pre-qualified/pre-approved for a mortgage. If you want to buy an abandoned property, you’ll need to follow the same process as buying any other type of real estate, including getting a pre-qualification or pre-approval letter for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much budget you have to work with, which will inform what properties might be a right fit.

• The right search terms can help you find abandoned properties. Want to explore abandoned properties in your area? When searching listings, use search terms that might indicate a property is abandoned or unclaimed, like “immediate possession,” “below market value,” “must sell,” or “under appraisal.”

• It’s important to understand the risks. Buying an abandoned home can be a risky investment; for example, an abandoned home that’s been vacant for years could have a number of maintenance issues, including wiring issues, water leaks, or gas leaks — all of which could be expensive to repair. Make sure you fully understand the risks (and potential costs) before making an offer.

Busting Myths about USDA Loans

In this video, we're going to talk about USDA loans, a potential financing option for those looking to buy a home. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about USDA loans that prevent people from exploring them. If you're looking for a loan that will fit your unique situation, then you should check out a USDA loan.

These loans are available to people from all economic backgrounds and can be a great option for borrowers with good credit. In this video, I'll show you why USDA loans are a great option for borrowers and how you can get the best possible loan for your needs! Schedule a FREE consultation with me today!

https://www.laurakey.net/schedule-a-call

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If It’s Such a Bad Time to Buy Real Estate, Why Are the Wealthy Doing It?

According to this Housing Wire article, 75% of people recently polled by Fannie Mae felt pessimistic about the real estate market, and that it’s not a good time to buy a house. So, if you’re among the many who feel that way, and you’re thinking about holding off for prices to come down, you’re not alone.

Considering that interest rates are up and prices haven’t dropped as much as buyers would like, it isn’t surprising to hear that news. Some marginally qualified potential homebuyers have legitimately been priced out of the market. But many others are simply being cautious, not wanting to make a mistake by buying in this market, especially when so many other buyers don’t seem to think it’s a good time to buy.

But that still leaves 25% of people who don’t think it’s a bad time to buy real estate. Who are they, and why do they feel that way?

Well, wealthy people may not comprise that entire 25%, but they’re at least among the people who feel like it’s a fine time to buy real estate. Yahoo finance just reported that billionaires have a growing appetite for buying houses, even as the market slows down.

That probably sounds like an apples to oranges comparison. After all, the wealthy have, well…wealth. They can afford to buy real estate, regardless of whether the market is up, down, “hot” or not. It often seems like the rich get richer, and the poor get poorer, even when times are tough. (Perhaps even more so during those times…)

People have every right to look at it that way, but it probably won’t make them any wealthier. The more productive thing to do would be to look at what the wealthy are doing during times like this that the majority of people aren’t doing… and consider following their lead.

According to the Yahoo article, buying real estate is particularly appealing to them because:

• It’s a liability that tends to appreciate over time

• It provides significant tax benefits

• It can be used as collateral

• It can be passed to heirs with little or no penalty

Generally speaking, wealthy people take on debt and liabilities that make (or save) them money.
While they can certainly make bigger purchases with less concern than the average person, they aren’t in the habit of making decisions that will lose them money, if they can help it. So if they’re buying real estate in the current market, it’s a pretty good sign they’re not worried about losing money on a house in the long run. Real estate is (and always has been) meant as an asset that provides many long-term benefits.

So if you’ve been thinking about buying a house, but have concerns about whether you’ll be paying too much or lose money, take all of that into consideration. House values may seem “high” right now, but over time they’re likely to be even higher. And since the majority of people seem to be pessimistic and hesitant to buy right now, you might be able to find yourself a better deal than you otherwise could.

The Takeaway:

Nearly 75% of people feel like now is not a good time to buy a house, but the wealthy are still buying real estate.

While it’s easy to say that the wealthy don’t care about whether the market is “bad” since they have more assets and capital to work with, they’re also not likely to make such relatively large purchases if they feel they’re going to lose money.

So if you’ve been hesitant to buy because you’re worried about paying too much or losing money, take that into consideration and know that buying a house is a solid long-term investment. Capitalize on the fact that the majority of people are pessimistic, and buy a house while there’s less competition and a better chance of negotiating the price down.

Real Estate Truth - Is It The Right Time To Buy?

When is it the best time to buy?

Today I'm sharing a real estate truth that most agents won't share with you! It's important to pick an agent that will teach you how to navigate the complicated real estate market. We all want your business, but am I truly the right agent for you?

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝟑-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

🔊 Big Announcement! 📢

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝟑-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞

Buying a home is a big process. This FREE 3-Day Challenge will walk you through the first steps by showing you the advantages and disadvantages of buying a home. It is a fun and easy way to decide if it is the right time for YOU! This is a good place to start if you're considering making a home purchase in the near future.

Sign up for the next session at: www.LauraKey.net

Good Neighbor Next Door HUD Program

Special homes for 50% off for Law Enforcement, Teachers, EMT’s and Firefighters

Law enforcement officers, teachers (pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade) firefighters, and emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the home's list price. In return, an eligible buyer must commit to live in the property for 36 months as his/her principal residence.

3 Myths of Homebuying

Homebuying Myths

There are myths about the home shopping experience that must be addressed. I like to make the home buying experience as stress-free as possible, so please hear me out on these three big myths about home buying!

Two Ways You Can Win In This Market

It’s no secret that many prospective homebuyers are finding the current real estate market challenging. One of the more unexpected consequences of the Covid pandemic was the hyper-focus on one’s home. This has resulted in a robust market where sellers are seeing advancing home sales prices and multiple offers.

While competition is fierce, clearly for sellers to sell, they need buyers. If your goal is to find a new home this year, there are a couple ways you can maximize your ability to have your offer accepted.

Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market

1. Act Early - There are a couple reasons why home buyers should start early this year. With rising inflation, interest rates are likely to rise this year. While conventional wisdom may suggest lower real estate prices with an increase in mortgage rates, this is a gamble. Lower interest rates can not only save homeowners thousands of dollars over a 30-year term, but also provides better buying power with lenders, providing more choices.

2. Buy Now and Move Later - The rapid pace of the current market affects not only buyers but sellers as well. In a typical market, sellers often have weeks or months to find their replacement property. Buyers can sweeten their offer by asking about the sellers needs and allowing them extra time to move, offering to close quickly but renting to the sellers for 2-3 months to allow them time to find their new home.

The bottom line is that home loan rates and home prices will likely continue to advance throughout 2022. Potential homebuyers who move quickly can maximize their buying power and ability to win the home.

Find Your Next Home With Me! www.homesnap.com/laura-key

Strategies To Win A Home In A Sellers Market

Seller market got you down? Don't let this happen to you! There are many ways to win out over other offers. These are a few creative ways that we have helped clients win out over other offers. Use a few of these strategies and tools to give you the upper hand!

Laura Key works with buyers and sellers to make sure you get what you need. From appraisals to financing, we have it all! Call Laura today for your free consultation!

Download Your FREE Strategies Guide: bit.ly/strategiestowinahome

Laura@LauraKey.net

Cal DRE 01908085
FL SL 3524487

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t9LRV9TKZQ&t=4s

Home Loans For Medical Professional Hero's

Medical Professionals - You Deserve The Best!

There's a loan to fit your needs, whether you're a doctor, nurse, medical technician and MORE FIELDS. Come and learn more today! 100% financing with no mortgage insurance!

Download more info at: bit.ly/loansformedicalheros Recorded 2/2022

Scary Home Inspections

Unhappy with your Home Inspection Report? Let’s Talk!

Download for FREE Homebuyer’s Guide: bit.ly/letsdothishomebuyingthing

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