SoFi Blog

Lean how the current real estate trends are influencing the housing market with the expert advice of Compass Sales Manager Michael Schwartz.

Buying a fixer-upper can be a lot of work, but it could lead you to the house of your dreams. Consider these factors before you sign on the dotted line.

Waiting around for a good mortgage rate can make you feel a little like a ballplayer who’s been warming the bench—except there’s no coach to tell you when to get in there and play.

It’s up to you to decide if the timing and terms of any new loan are right for you.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines for a while, wondering when and if to jump in and refinance, you’ve probably noticed that mortgage rates are fluctuating with economic news but are still lower right now than they have been since late 2016. Simply put, right now the market’s hot, and it might be time to start the mortgage refinancing process.

Americans are a migratory bunch. We move for job opportunities, to be closer to the city (or farther), to be closer to family (or farther), or just because we love to adventure. Especially for young professionals, the lure to move to where the action is can be strong.

But the dream of owning a trendy loft in the heart of a big city doesn’t always come cheap. If relocation is in your future, here’s a look at the latest figures by the National Association of REALTORS© (NAR) on approximately how much income is needed to purchase a home in 10 big cities—the most expensive, and the least.

The honest answer to “How much salary may I need to buy a home?” is really an open question that depends partially on the cost difference of items on your “must-have” list, and that can include the type and size of home, the amount of land, the location, and a host of other factors.

There’s no place like home. It’s a haven from the hectic outside world, a place to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and truly enjoy yourself.

But finding a house that offers all the creature comforts your heart desires is easier said than done. It’s easy to get distracted, wistfully imagining relaxed Sunday mornings in the breakfast nook or making your home-grown produce dreams a reality. But, to get to that reality, you might have to put in some legwork.

The process required to find your dream home can be intimidating. It’s not just deciding what you want in a home—there’s a whole journey involved. Navigating the ins and outs of real estate and mortgages can be tricky, but with a little planning it’s possible.

Read on for a few ideas on how to find the house of your dreams.