The Biggest Homebuyer Myth When Buying a Home

The biggest myth we see with homebuyers: You need 20% down payment to purchase a home. A recent survey by the NAR (National Association of Realtors) showed that 44% of people who purchased a home in 2022 put less than 20% down.

For years, the idea of having to save up 20% of a home's purchase price for a down payment has been ingrained in many people's minds. However, this is no longer the case. While a 20% down payment may have been the norm in the past, there are now many options available for homebuyers to purchase a home with a much smaller down payment.

In fact, some programs allow for as little as 3% down payment for a conventional loan, and there are also

5 Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know if You are Searching for a Home.

For the past three years the inventory levels in the Cedar Valley have not been able to support the demands of buyers. Our team meetings have been focused on how to support our buyers in this time where there is a feeling of losing. From these conversations, we decided to make a post to help all the buyers in the Cedar Valley. Here is what your Realtor wants you to know if you are searching for a home.

1. We See That You are Tired - Some buyers have been looking for a week, a month or even a year. We see that you are tired of looking at house after house with disappointment, but as your Realtor® we will not stop working until we find the perfect house for you.

Balancing Your Wants & Needs as a Homebuyer

Article from Keep Current Matters

Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years. The Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com puts it this way: 

“While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”

The current housing shortage has an impact on how you search for a home this spring. With limited options on the market, buyers who consider what’s a necessity versus what’s a

How to Win as a Buyer in Today's Housing Market

As our team gears up for the spring and summer market, educating our clients is our number one priority, especially buyers. With low housing inventory in the Cedar Valley, buyers need to have a strategy and plan if you are serious about buying a home this year. Below are 5 tips to prepare and set yourself up for success as a buyer!

1. Build Your Team: Make sure you have trusted, local, professionals on your side specifically your realtor & lender. Having a local professionals will provide opportunities you need to move quickly and efficiently.

2. Strategic Planning: Do you have a plan when it comes to buying? Have a meeting with your realtor to learn what the Cedar Valley market is like and

The Market Has Shifted - Here is What That Means For Buyers

In the past year we have seen a shift in the Cedar Valley's housing market. If you are looking to buy a home this year and question if it is a "good" time to buy, this is for you! 3 reasons why it is still a great time to buy a home in the Cedar Valley!

1. There are More Homes on the Market - Inventory levels have been the lowest we have ever seen in the Cedar Valley, but that has started to change over the past year. Each month we see inventory numbers grow, giving you the opportunity to view more homes.

2. Less Competition - With less competing offers on select homes, many buyers are not having to sacrifice inspections and in some cases are able to negotiate with

The Homebuyer Checklist: Everything From Choosing Your Agent to Closing

When it comes to buying a home it can be easy to get overwhelmed. We are here to help! Today we put together a checklist for all homebuyers. This is an eight-step checklist that covers everything from choosing your agent to closing on your home! 

1. Meet with a Realtor - You'll decide what type of home you're looking for, including the style, price range, neighborhood, and more.
2. Get Pre-Approved - Your Oakridge agent can assist in getting you connected with a local lender. Getting pre-approved will determine what your price range is on the home you can afford.
3. Look a Properties - The fun part! You will view properties that match your search criteria. Be sure to take

Got a few questions about buying a house? No worries, we got you! Here are frequently asked questions our team receives from buyers.

1. What is a purchase agreement? 

A purchase agreement is a written contract between the buyer and the seller. It lays out the terms and conditions both parties agree to and serves as a legally binding contract. 

2. Do I pay my REALTOR® as a buyer? 

Typically the seller pays the agent’s commission to the broker for the listing agent and buyer’s agent. However, a buyer may be asked to pay a commission if the seller is unrepresented.

3. How long does it take to purchase a home? 

The length of time differs for each buyer. However, once your offer is accepted, you can expect a closing time of 30-60

This week we asked our Oakridge agents what are some common first-time homebuyer mistakes they see when working with first-time homebuyers. Here is what they had to say and some helpful tips if you are a first-time homebuyer!

1. Not Being Pre-Approved Before Looking

    Is pre-approval really that important before we start looking at homes? YES! Even if you are just "looking for fun" you never know how quickly a home you want could pop up! Without a pre-approval letter from the bank, you will not be able to put an offer in. This is step 1 of looking for a home and very important. Your pre-approval will help determine your budget and what your can afford.

2. Unclear Expectations and Wants

    Do you know what you want in a home? Having clear