You don’t need to put down 20% to buy your first home — there are other options worth considering. 1. 20% Down Payment A 20% down payment is the traditional approach and avoids mortgage insurance, but it’s not the only choice. Putting down 20% on a $500,000 home means bringing $100,000 to closing. This reduces […]
Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy Your First Home? Here’s What You Should Know Read More »
1. Understand Your Equity Potential Recent data shows U.S. homeowners have an average of $319,000 in home equity, with $207,000 of that being tappable. This is wealth that can be accessed without sacrificing a secure 20% equity stake, giving homeowners a valuable asset to manage debt. 2. Calculate Your Blended Rate If you have high-interest
7 Smart Tips for Using Home Equity to Crush Debt and Free Up Monthly Cash Flow Read More »
In 2025, first-time homebuyers need to navigate a complex market, where home prices, income growth, and mortgage rates create a unique set of challenges. 1. Home Prices Are Staying Strong Home prices continue to increase, with year-over-year growth staying above the 63-year historical average of ~4.73%. The Case-Shiller Home Price Index highlights the resilience of
Housing prices are not cooling off because younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are driving demand. Let’s break down why this is the case. 1. Millennials Are Reaching Prime Homebuying Age Millennials, the largest generation in the U.S. at 73 million, are hitting their 30s and 40s—the prime years for homeownership. At age 30,
Tiny homes are making a big splash, but is downsizing to 400 square feet really your path to homeownership bliss? 1. Tiny Homes on Amazon? Yep, It’s a Thing Now. Believe it or not, you can buy a whole house on Amazon—and it’s not even Prime Day. Take this 40-foot luxury shipping container home for
The recent Fed rate cut doesn’t mean mortgage rates will drop immediately. 1. Initial Spike in 10-Year Treasury Yields Historically, when the Fed cuts rates, the 10-year Treasury yield initially spikes before declining. After past rate cuts, yields jumped up temporarily before a gradual decrease followed. We’ve seen this same spike happen recently after the
The Fed Just Cut Rates—But Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are Still Going Up (For Now) Read More »
Deciding when to buy a home is tricky, but waiting for lower mortgage rates could cost you more in the long run. 1. Mortgage Rate Decreases Are Boosting Affordability Mortgage rates have recently dipped, improving overall affordability for buyers. For the first time since 2021, national affordability is on the rise, giving prospective homeowners more
As of July 2024, the US Fixed Housing Affordability Index has fallen below 100, signaling that fewer Americans can afford real estate using the country’s median income. US Fixed Housing Affordability Index: Meanwhile, the Case-Shiller Home Price Index shows a 5% year-over-year increase in home prices. Case-Shiller Home Price Index, July 2024: With mortgage rates
Understanding the right data can make or break your home-buying decision. 1. Forecasted and Historical Appreciation Knowing how much a home’s value has appreciated over time is crucial. In Denver, CO, for example, home prices are projected to increase by 5.57% per year, raising the median price from $652,710 to $834,421 over five years—a $180,000
3 Key Insights For Homebuyers To Make The Right Decision On Where To Buy Real Estate Read More »
Home equity is one of the most powerful financial tools for homeowners, but many underestimate its potential. 1. Year-Over-Year Equity Growth is Booming In just one year, homeowners with mortgages have seen their home equity grow by 8%, adding a staggering $1.3 trillion to their wealth. The average homeowner now holds $315,000 in total equity,
Neil Christiansen NMLS 249268
Aspire Mortgage Advisors NMLS 2617555
Regulated by the Division of Real Estate
Equal Housing Lender
CONTACT
neil@aspiremortgageadvisors.com
(303) 619-2883
HOURS
Mon – Fri: 8:00 – 5:00
Weekend: By Appt
MENU
*Featured services are not an offer to enter into an agreement or a commitment to make a loan. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. All approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. VA loans subject to individual VA Entitlement amounts and eligibility, qualifying factors such as income and credit standards, and property limits. Aspire Mortgage Advisors is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from VA, HUD, or FHA, and were not approved by VA, HUD or FHA, or any other government agency. Copyright © 2024 Aspire Mortgage Advisors, branch NMLS# 2617555. 3608 Preston Rd. Suite 200, Plano, Texas 75093. www.aspiremortgageadvisors.com.
All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. In accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, Aspire Mortgage Advisors NMLS: 2617555 is required to obtain a copy of the documents used in identifying our new account customers. This notice is being provided to you for adequate notice given under this act. Aspire Mortgage Advisors does business in the following states: TX, CO, ID, FL, OK
