Wednesday, June 4, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know
Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big conversations happen, you’ll feel informed, in control, and able to make the best decision for your unique situation. As Redfin puts it:
“Having a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you start the homebuying process will give you peace of mind now and could save you a fortune in the future.”
Here’s a bre. ...
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for buyers, first time home buyers, buying tips, agent value
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.
What Are Concessions and Incentives?
When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive.
A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal.
An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.
Today, some of the most common ones are:
Help with closing costs
Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
Discounts or price reductions
Upgrades or appliances
Home warranties
Minor repairs
For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – especially if you’re working . ...
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for buyers, buying tips
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”
But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:
What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?
Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?
If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not. ...
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for sellers, mortgage rates, selling tips
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."
That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
If you plan to move relatively soon, you’ll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isn’t on your radar yet, life can change quickly – and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You don’t want to be scrambling to fix up your hom. ...
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for sellers, selling tips, home equity
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.
But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.
Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?
Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment.
For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA loans have no down payment requirements for qualified applicants, like Veterans. So, while putting down more money does have its benefits, it’s not essential. As The Mortgage Reports says:
“. . . many homebuyers are able to secure a home with as little as 3% or even no down payment at all . . . the 20 percent down rule is really a myth.”
According to the. ...
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for buyers, first time home buyers, buying tips, affordability
