KentuckyHomesByJudy-Blog

Homebuyers in the market who are frustrated by the low inventory are finding what they want in new construction.   Among the obvious advantages are that it is fresh and new, has never been lived in, and can be personalized to an individual's taste and needs. New construction homes can be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run. These homes are built to the latest building codes, which means they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. They also come with warranties that can help protect you from unexpected repairs. New construction homes can be a great option for first-time homebuyers. They offer a blank slate that you can customize to your liking, and they don't have the same wear and tear as older homes. Working with a REALTOR� can help you navigate the process of buying a new construction home. They can help you find the right builder, negotiate a good price, and make sure that the home is built to your specification...

Imagine you're on the verge of securing a mortgage, and a slightly higher credit score could mean a lower interest rate. The good news? There's a quicker way to make that possibility a reality. Mortgage loans are often more time-sensitive than other loans. If you find yourself in a situation where a slightly improved credit score could open doors to better rates, the solution might lie in rapid rescoring. When it comes to mortgage loans, time is of the essence. Your offer has been accepted, and you have a limited window to qualify for a new loan. But what if there was a way to boost your credit score swiftly and improve your chances of securing a lower interest rate? Enter rapid rescoring ... a powerful tool that mortgage lenders use to diagnose potential actions that could lead to a credit score increase. It's important to note that these diagnostic reports are estimates, and their accuracy can vary since different lenders employ distinct scoring formulas. Ho...

If you're in a financially stable position, now might be the perfect time to embark on your homeownership journey. Buying a home today offers several advantages, including the opportunity to build equity and stabilize your housing costs in the face of rising expenses. Explore the reasons why purchasing a home now can be a wise decision in the current market. By purchasing a home today, you can start building equity, which is an investment in your future. Additionally, opting for a fixed-rate mortgage allows you to stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long term, even as other expenses continue to rise. This stability provides peace of mind in an ever-changing financial landscape. While housing costs experienced significant increases in 2021 due to a combination of factors, such as inflation, high demand, and low supply, the market has since moderated. If you decide to buy now, you can expect relatively stable house prices and potentially face less competition f...

Moving can be stressful enough without having to worry about being scammed by a moving company. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous movers out there who prey on people who are in the midst of moving. To protect yourself from being scammed, it's important to be aware of the red flags. Here are a few things to watch out for: The mover or broker doesn't perform an on-site inspection of your household items and gives an estimate over the telephone or online. A legitimate moving company will always come to your home to inspect your belongings and give you an accurate estimate. The mover or broker doesn't provide a written estimate or says they will determine the cost after loading. A written estimate is essential to protect yourself from hidden charges. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. Legitimate moving companies will accept credit cards or checks. The mover asks you to sign blank documents. Never sign blank documents. This ...

A showing is an opportunity for a buyer to determine if a home is right for them. Each of the different types of showing plays a valid and necessary role in marketing the home. Some buyers may start by looking at homes online, which can lead them to drive by the home to see if it still meets their interest before they schedule a showing. Online showing : This is when a buyer looks at a home's listing online, including photos, videos, and a description. This can be a great way for buyers to get a general overview of a home and see if it is worth scheduling a showing. Drive-by showing : This is when a buyer drives by a home to see it in person. This can be a good way for buyers to get a feel for the neighborhood and the surrounding area. It can also be helpful for buyers to see the home's size and layout from the outside. In-person showing : This is when a buyer schedules a time to visit the home with a real estate agent. This is the best way for buyers to get a tru...

Homeowners who are facing financial difficulty are often targeted by mortgage relief scams. These scams can be very convincing, and homeowners may be desperate for help, making them vulnerable to these schemes. Scammers often pose as government officials or mortgage experts, and they may promise homeowners that they can help them avoid foreclosure or modify their mortgage loan. However, these promises are often false, and homeowners who fall victim to these scams may lose their homes and their money. If you are facing financial difficulty and you are considering a mortgage relief program, it is important to do your research and be very careful. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a mortgage relief scam: Only work with a HUD-approved housing counselor. You can find a housing counselor by calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673). Be wary of anyone who promises to help you avoid foreclosure or modify your mortgage loan for a fee. It is illegal for anyone other tha...

With new mortgage rates approaching 8%, many buyers have decided to wait for rates to come down.   While there may be some easing in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2024, assuming an existing FHA mortgage with a lower rate made in the last three or four years might be a much better alternative. Since December 1, 1986, FHA has had the right to approve the purchaser of an existing FHA loan.   Prior to that, anyone, regardless of credit worthiness or other qualifications, could assume an existing FHA loan.   Existing FHA mortgages are assumable at the current interest rate for owner-occupied buyers.   The benefit is that the rate could be much lower than a new current mortgage.   The borrower must qualify for the loan under current FHA underwriting guidelines, but it will be easier because the payment will be lower due to a lower assumable mortgage rate. The buyer's closing costs on an assumption are less than a new FHA loan because an appraisal and s...