Homebuyers are increasing the amount they put down to purchase a home, with the average down payment reaching 13.6% in the first quarter of 2024. Contrary to common belief, the typical down payment is still well below the 20% mark that many consider to be the gold standard for home purchases. While 20% down offers
Real Estate
As home values continue to rise, more Americans are finding themselves in a situation where they owe capital gains taxes when selling their property. This is mainly due to the fact that a growing number of home sales profits exceed the capital gains tax exclusion thresholds. The Section 121 exclusion rule is in place to
Recent data indicates a decrease in the number of homeowners taking on remodeling projects. However, this decline should not be mistaken for a slow market. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) reached its peak at 17.3% in the third quarter of 2022 but has been steadily decreasing since. Similarly, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market
Purchasing property overseas can be an enticing prospect for many Americans. However, it is crucial to approach this decision with caution as numerous factors can complicate the process. Financial planners caution that living in another country is vastly different from just vacationing there, and careful consideration is necessary before embarking on this journey. One of
The recent decrease in mortgage rates has brought about a slight increase in demand, particularly for refinances. This adjustment in rates has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the slowing job market, wage growth at its slowest pace since 2021, and the Federal Reserve’s revised plans for quantitative tightening and interest rates. According
In the United States, the most common choice for homebuyers seeking a mortgage is the 30-year fixed-rate option. This type of mortgage is considered to be a distinctly American creation, as stated by Greg McBride, who serves as the chief financial analyst for Bankrate. With a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, borrowers have the advantage of spreading
The dream of owning a home seems to be slipping further away for renters, as indicated by a recent New York Federal Reserve survey. The percentage of renters who believe they will one day be able to afford a home has reached a record low at 13.4% in 2024, down from 15% in the previous
Renting a place in a major city in Asia can be a significant financial decision, especially considering the high cost of living in urban areas. Financial experts generally recommend that individuals spend no more than about 30% of their pre-tax income on rent. After analyzing data collected in April from various government sources and real
With the recent rise in mortgage rates, consumers are searching for ways to lower their monthly payments. This has led to a surge in applications for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which offer lower interest rates compared to fixed-rate mortgages. However, ARMs are considered riskier as they come with the uncertainty of future market rates. Last week,
The housing market continues to face challenges as strong demand and tight supply push home values higher. According to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller national home price index, home prices in February surged by 6.4% year over year, marking the fastest rate of price growth since November 2022. The 10-city composite rose by 8%, while the