For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages.
Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy a home.
The Many Advantages of VA Home Loans
VA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation, and they’re a great benefit for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs:
Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home.
Limited Closing Costs: There are limits on the types of closing costs you pay when you qualify for a VA home loan. So, more money stays in your pocket when it’s time to seal the deal.
Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI. VA loans do not, which means veterans can save on their monthly housing costs.
A recent article from Veterans United sums up just how impactful this loan option can be:
“For the vast majority of military borrowers, VA loans represent the most powerful lending program on the market. These flexible, $0-down payment mortgages have helped more than 24 million service members become homeowners since 1944.”
Bottom Line
Owning a home is the American Dream. Veterans sacrifice a lot to protect our country, and one way we can show our appreciation is by making sure they know all the benefits of VA home loans. Thank you for your service.
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why.
The Numbers May Make It Tempting
The data shows many Americans have saved a considerable amount for retirement (see chart below):
It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon. But remember, dipping into your retirement savings for a home could cost you a penalty and affect your finances later on. That’s why it’s important to explore all your options when it comes to saving for a down payment and buying a home. As Experiansays:
“It’s possible to use funds from your 401(k) to buy a house, but whether you should depends on several factors, including taxes and penalties, how much you’ve already saved and your unique financial circumstances.”
Alternative Ways To Buy a Home
Using your 401(k) is one way to finance a home, but it’s not the only option. Before you decide, consider a couple of other methods, courtesy of Experian:
FHA Loan: FHA loans allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5% of the home’s price, depending on their credit scores.
Down Payment Assistance Programs: There are many national and local programs that can help first-time and repeat homebuyers come up with the necessary down payment.
Above All Else, Have a Plan
No matter what route you take to purchase a home, be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. Working with a team of experts to develop a concrete plan prior to starting your journey to homeownership is the key to success. Kelly Palmer, Founder of The Wealthy Parent, says:
“I have seen parents pausing contributions to their retirement plans in favor of affording a larger home often with the hope they can refinance in the future… As long as there is a tangible plan in place to get back to saving for their retirement goals, I encourage families to consider all their options.”
Bottom Line
If you’re still thinking about using your 401(k)-retirement savings for a home down payment, consider all your options and work with a financial professional before you make any decisions.
If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.
The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s. And here’s the data to prove it (see graph below):
The Big Reason Homeowner Net Worth Is So High
In the previous version of that report, the net worth of the average homeowner was roughly $255,000 and that of the average renter was $6,300. But in the release that just came out this year, the gap widened as homeowner net worth climbed dramatically. As the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) report says:
“. . . the 2019-2022 growth in median net worth was the largest three-year increase over the history of the modern SCF, more than double the next-largest one on record.”
One of the biggest reasons homeowner net worth skyrocketed is home equity.
Over the last few years, known as the ‘unicorn’ years for housing, home prices went through the roof. That’s because there weren’t enough homes for sale, and there was a big influx of buyers rushing to buy them and take advantage of the then record-low mortgage rates. That imbalance of supply and demand pushed prices higher and higher. As a result, most homeowners who had a home during that time saw their equity grow a lot.
If you’re still in the middle of making your decision on whether to rent or buy, you may wonder if you missed the boat on the big net worth boost. But here’s what you need to realize. As a recent article in The Ascentexplains:
“Whether your net worth increased in recent years or not, there are steps you can take to boost that number in the coming years. . . buying a home can be a great way to grow your net worth, since home values have a tendency to rise over time.”
Historically, home prices climb over time. Even now that mortgage rates are closer to 7-8%, prices are still rising in many areas of the country because supply is still low compared to demand. That’s why expert forecasts for the next few years call for ongoing appreciation – just at a pace that’s more typical for the housing market.
While it likely won’t be the record ramp-up that happened over the last few years, people who buy now should continue to grow equity in the years ahead. That means, if you’re ready and able to buy a home today, you’ll be making an investment that’ll help build your net worth in the long run.
As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“. . . when deciding to rent vs buy, one must calculate the total cost of homeownership (maintenance, utilities, commuting, etc.) and the total financial benefit. Based on new Fed data . . . the median net worth of homeowners was $396,200 vs renters at $10,400. There is no question about the wealth gains that homeownership provides.”
Bottom Line
If you’re on the fence about whether to rent or buy a home, remember that homeownership can give your net worth a big boost over time. If you want to learn more about this or the many other benefits of owning a home, connect with a local real estate agent.
As the year winds down, you may have decided it’s time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the new year.
Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers
Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and sometimes deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down. But that gives you an opportunity to get one step ahead.
Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.
Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers
Even though the supply of homes for sale did grow compared to last year, it’s still low. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today. While some buyers may also delay their plans to move until January, others will still need to move for personal reasons or because something in their life has changed.
Those buyers are still going to be active later this year and will be seriously motivated to make their move happen because they need to. Unfortunately, the challenge they’ll face is a shortage of available inventory to meet their needs. A recent article from Investopediasays:
“. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy. Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”
Use Your Equity To Fuel Your Move
Keep in mind that homeowners today have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $290,000. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.
And as you weigh the reasons to sell before year-end, it’s important to remember the reasons that sparked your desire to move in the first place. Maybe it’s time for a new home in a location that suits you better, one that offers the perfect space for you and your loved ones, or maybe your needs have evolved over time. A local real estate agent can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.
Bottom Line
Listing your home before the new year can offer unique benefits. Less competition, motivated buyers, and your equity gains can all play to your advantage. Reach out to a local real estate agent to achieve your goals before winter sets in.
During the pandemic, second homes became popular because of the rise in work-from-home flexibility. That’s because owning a second home, especially in the luxury market, allowed those homeowners to spend more time in their favorite places or with different home features. Keep in mind, a luxury home isn’t only defined by price. In a recent article, Investopedia shares additional factors that push a home into this category: location, such as a home on the water or in a desirable city, and features, the things that make the home itself feel luxurious.
There’s no doubt today’s housing market is very different than the frenzied one from the past couple of years. In the second half of 2022, there was a dramatic shift in real estate, and it caused many people to make comparisons to the 2008 housing crisis. While there may be a few similarities, when looking at key variables now compared to the last housing cycle, there are significant differences.
Home equity has been a hot topic in real estate news lately. And if you’ve been following along, you may have heard there’s a growing number of homeowners with negative equity. But don’t let those headlines scare you. In truth, the headlines don’t give you all the information you really need to understand what’s happening and at what scale. Let’s break down one of the big equity stories you may be seeing in the news, and what’s actually taking place. That way, you’ll have the context you need to understand the big picture.
Headlines Focus on Short-Term Equity Numbers and Fail To Convey the Long-Term View
One piece of news circulating focuses on the percentage of homes purchased in 2022 that are currently underwater. The term underwater refers to a scenario where the homeowner owes more on the loan than the house is worth. This was a huge issue when the housing market crashed in 2008, but it much less significant today. Media coverage right now is based loosely on a report from Black Knight, Inc. The actual report from that source says this:
“Of all homes purchased with a mortgage in 2022, 8% are now at least marginally underwater and nearly 40% have less than 10% equity stakes in their home, . . .”
Let’s unpack that for a moment and provide the bigger picture. The data-bound report from Black Knight is talking specifically about homes purchased in 2022, but media headlines don’t always mention that timeframe or provide the surrounding context about how unusual of a year 2022 was for the housing market. In 2022, home price appreciation soared, and it reached its max around March-April. Since then, the rate of appreciation has been slowing down. Homeowners who bought their house last year right at the peak or those who paid more than market value in the months that followed are more likely to fall into the category of being marginally underwater. The qualifier marginally is another key piece of the puzzle the media isn’t necessarily including in their coverage. So, what does that mean for those who purchased a home in 2022? It’s important to remember, owning a home is a long-term investment, not a short-term play. When headlines focus on the short-term view, they’re not necessarily providing the full context. Typically speaking, the longer you stay in your home, the more equity you gain as you pay down your loan and as home prices appreciate. With recent market conditions, you may not have gained significant equity right away if you owned the home for just a few months. But it’s also true that many homeowners who recently bought their house are unlikely to be looking to sell quite yet.
Bottom Line
As with everything, knowing the context is important. If you have questions about real estate headlines or about how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market this year. In 2022, the market underwent a major shift as economic uncertainty and higher mortgage rates reduced buyer demand, slowed the pace of home sales, and moderated home prices. But what about 2023?
A new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement over your next home and a sense of attachment to your current one.
A great way to ease some of those emotions and ensure you’re feeling confident in your decision is to keep these three best practices in mind.
1. Price Your Home Right
The housing market shifted in 2022 as mortgage rates rose, buyer demand eased, and the number of homes for sale grew. As a seller, you’ll want to recognize things are different now and price your house appropriately based on where the market is today. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:
“Price your home realistically. This isn’t the housing market of April or May, so buyer traffic will be substantially slower, but appropriately priced homes are still selling quickly.”
If you price your house too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. An experienced real estate agent can help determine what your ideal asking price should be.
2. Keep Your Emotions in Check
Today, homeowners are living in their houses longer. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 5 to 10 years (see graph below):
This is several years longer than what used to be the historical norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought or the house where your loved ones grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value.
For some homeowners, that makes it even harder to negotiate and separate the emotional value of the house from fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations along the way.
3. Stage Your Home Properly
While you may love your decor and how you’ve customized your home over the years, not all buyers will feel the same way about your design. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you focus on your home’s first impression so it appeals to as many buyers as possible. As NAR says:
“Staging is the art of preparing a home to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers in your market. The right arrangements can move you into a higher price-point and help buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door.”
Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. A real estate professional can help you with tips to get your house ready to sell.
Bottom Line
If you’re considering selling your house, reach out to a local real estate professional to help you navigate through the process while prioritizing these best practices.
If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But before you dive too deeply into your options, it helps to understand the true costs of renting moving forward.
My name is John Bendele and these are words to live by.
“What is the biggest challenge you are facing in life right now and how can I help?”
I believe when you are able to help others in their struggles, it will always bring a since of joy and accomplishment that is like no other. I enjoy bringing opportunities to people in real estate and in life. To be a lifting hand and a beacon of knowledge. It brings me great joy to guide and support others when making exciting and difficult choices. I have been a licensed realtor for over 7 years in Minnesota. Coming from a construction background, I will provide a wealth of knowledge about homes. Knowing homes allows me to a better negotiator with facts and details some may not. I enjoy working with sellers, investors and buyers.
I grew up in Southwest Texas and moved to Minnesota in 2015. I have lived in the White Bear Lake area until making a move over the lake to Willernie, MN where I now reside. I love spending quality time with my teenage boys who nicknamed me “JoJo”. My favorite things to do are being outdoors on or in the water, BBQing (TX style) and going on any adventure.
I want to bring knowledge, growth, excitement and wealth to the clients I encounter through being a realtor. I look forward to assisting you in your amazing journey in real estate.
Thank you,
John A Bendele
Meet Brittany
Brittany is a mama of three kiddos, a wife of a firefighter and added more love to her home with three dogs and two cats. Outside of the fun she has as an agent and her roles at home she enjoys doing any DIY projects she can get her hands on!
Brittany fell in love with the Real Estate gig in 2019. She grew up in Apple Valley, and now owns her childhood home. I guess you could say she is a south metro pro!
You!
Hey! If you’re looking for your next role as an agent let us know! This could be you!
Meet Shea Amundson
Hey, I’m Shea and I love helping people find a beautiful home that sets their soul on fire!
Meet Katie
Katie comes from the busy world of entertainment and being a Traveling Operations Manager. She transitioned to Real Estate back in 2018 and has been hooked ever since! Katie thrives on training, developing new systems, and helping agents grow! Katie joins Voila with the determination to help every agent and client make their dream a reality whether it be building their business or finding that dream home!
When Katie isn’t working, she is a full-time student at Metropolitan University. She enjoys cooking foods from all over the world, traveling, and has a habit of getting a new tattoo wherever she goes. She is huge into animal conservation and spending time with her dog Sawyer who often joins her on travels!
Meet Sarah Beth Lindstrom
Sarah wants to live in a world filled with innovative businesses daring enough to break the mold…monthly auto-shipments of Laffy Taffy’s, and lots and lots of laughter!!!
Having been in the real estate industry since 2005, her go to role has always been supporting her teams in any way that she can! She has gone from Listing and Transaction Management, to Team Manager, and now Director of Support! She is an ‘introverted extrovert’ that finds the, ‘behind the scenes’ with a hint of showing homes – to be a perfect blend.
When she’s not supporting her Voila Family, she is out getting one more rep in at the gym, finding new healthy recipes to attempt (and then trick her teenager into eating somehow), and enjoying quick road trips to…well, anywhere! She also plays on a competitive volleyball team in the winter, sand volleyball in the summer and softball in the spring and fall.
“Two things define you. The patience you have when you have nothing and the attitude when you have everything.”
Meet Jessi Andersen
In June of 2020 Jessi joined team of Voila…and…it’s that easy!
Ha! No really, it did all begin in June. New to this side of Real Estate, Jessi joined in hopes to take her chatty, outgoing self and bring some good of it! Her natural tendencies of networking and love of growth and goals, have been set in direction – expanding Voila!
Where is Jess when she isn’t nurturing the growth of Voila? Adventuring with her family outside in nature. Or perhaps baking up a new recipe while dancing the day away – and of course cheering for her little athletes at home, as well as the MN Vikings/Twins!
“In the end it is not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years” ~ Abe Lincoln
Meet Wyatt Lemon
Wyatt is a Real Estate Extraordinaire, and a Loving Husband, and a Lover of Life and a PAW-rent to 3 awesome dogs. Huge believer in the idea that life is what you make of it, so with that being said I guess you could say the glass is half full! Things I enjoy outside of work are Yoga, being a big time Foodie, and spending time with my family. I grew up in Hugo MN and have been a local resident my whole life. I studied Marketing at Century College as well as St. Cloud State University. I got into Real Estate in October of 2018 and have loved every minute of it!
Meet James Andersen
James Andersen is a human being who believes that the best in others is a reflection of the energy we bring.
Magnanimous behavior is the standard not the exception.
10+ years Army Career
5+ years Married
5+ years Father of Calendar Crushers
5+ years Real Estate Career
30+ years Life Experience
Let’s learn and grow together.
Meet Joey Torkildson
You are writing your own story in life! Is what you are doing right now supposed to be in that story? I hope so!
That’s why my goal is to always sign up, get uncomfortable, inspire through doing, shoot, then aim. We don’t have enough time on this planet to stay mundane and there are too many experiences to be doing one thing for too long! It’s all about the short term experiments!
Quick background: 19+ year US Army Master Sergeant vet; 10+ year transformer of lives through ownership (AKA: Realtor) ; 2+ year CEO of an Expansion Team with Hergenrother Realty Group ; Director of Agent Training with that same organization; Self employed for 12+ years; starting in late 2019 CoFounded a new disruptive real estate brokerage, Voila; Contagiously energetic teacher who loves helping people discover they can accomplish anything; Dad of two extremely crazy and loving boys; Husband of an amazingly supportive and ultimate gardener wife.
Let’s be curious explorers together! I love connecting with people and helping them achieve their goals and I’m a firm believer in the fact that you are one introduction away from your entire life changing!
Two quotes I live by: Amazing things rarely happen in your comfort zone and only those who attempt the absurd achieve the impossible!