Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?

By |2023-11-10T12:38:34-06:00November 10, 2023|Real Estate|

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. [...]

Killeen-Temple MSA September 2023 Housing Report

By |2023-10-18T10:51:47-05:00October 16, 2023|Market Reports|

Please keep in mind this is for the entire *metropolitan statistical area. If you want zip code specific stats, I am happy to get them to you! Hey there, Killeen- Temple area neighbors! Ashley Billins here, your trusted REALTOR®. Let's dive into the latest market trends for September 2023. Did you know that there's currently a 3.5 Months Supply of Inventory? That means we are still in a seller's market, but finally approaching more balance between supply and demand in our area. And guess what? Over the last 12 months, Months Supply of Inventory has increased by a whopping +43.3% [...]

Austin- Round Rock MSA September Housing Report

By |2023-10-18T10:49:14-05:00October 12, 2023|Market Reports|

Please keep in mind this is for the entire *metropolitan statistical area. If you want zip code specific stats, I am happy to get them to you! Hey Austin area buyers and sellers! Ashley Billins, your trusted REALTOR® here with an exciting market update for September 2023! Let's dive into the latest trends and numbers that will help you make informed decisions. Did you know that currently, there's a 4.0 Months Supply of Inventory in the Austin metropolitan area? That means we are approaching a more healthy balance between supply and demand. Similarly, over the last 12 months, the Months [...]

Austin- Round Rock MSA August 2023 Housing Report

By |2023-09-14T17:37:52-05:00September 14, 2023|Market Reports|

Please keep in mind this is for the entire metropolitan area. If you want zip code specific stats, I am happy to get them to you! First off, we have the Months Supply of Inventory, which currently stands at 3.8. This metric represents the number of months it would take to sell all the available homes on the market, given the current sales pace. A lower supply indicates a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers. Next, let's consider the 12-month change in Months of Inventory, which shows an increase from 2.8 months of [...]

Killeen-Temple MSA August 2023 Housing Report

By |2023-09-14T17:16:02-05:00September 14, 2023|Market Reports|

When it comes to understanding the real estate market, there are several key metrics that can provide valuable insights for both buyers and sellers. Let's dive into the correlation between these metrics and what they mean for you. First, let's take a look at the months supply of inventory, which stood at 31 in August. This metric represents the number of months it would take to sell all the available homes on the market, given the current sales pace. A lower months supply indicates a seller's market, where demand outpaces supply, putting sellers in a favorable position. However, it's important [...]

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

By |2023-08-02T08:00:17-05:00August 2, 2023|Real Estate|

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles. Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below): But today, the typical 30-year fixed mortgage rate offered to buyers is closer to 7%. As a result, many homeowners [...]

What’s in Store? Decoding Mortgage Rate Trend Predictions

By |2023-12-01T12:17:32-06:00July 19, 2023|Real Estate Video|

In this brief video, I dive into the burning question everyone wants to know: "What's going to happen with mortgage rates?" While I can't predict the future, I'll share valuable insights from industry experts and tell you the advice I’m currently giving to my Austin, TX home buyers. My goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of the housing market, empowering you to make informed decisions whether you're a prospective home buyer or just curious about economic trends. If you have any questions or would like talk about real estate or your home buying and selling goals, please [...]

Home Buying Process Explained: The ‘Cliff Notes’ Version

By |2023-08-10T13:05:40-05:00May 11, 2023|Real Estate Video, Video|

This is just a quick, literally very brief, and simple overview of the home buying process. In just a couple of minutes, you'll get a glimpse of some of the key steps involved in buying a home, including getting pre-approved for a mortgage, finding the right property, making an offer, and closing the deal. While this video is a helpful introduction to the process, it's important to remember that buying a home can be a complex and sometimes overwhelming experience. That's why it's always a good idea to work with an experienced real estate who can guide you through each [...]

How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget

By |2023-05-04T14:38:39-05:00May 4, 2023|Real Estate|

It's not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers muscle out first-timers by offering stronger, often cash-heavy bids.2 In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, only 26% of last year's homebuyers were first-timers—the lowest share on record and down from 34% a year prior. This underscores just how steep a hill new [...]

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