Becoming a First-Time Home Buyer:
Becoming a first-time home buyer is an exciting milestone in life, but it can also feel overwhelming and daunting. The process of buying a home involves numerous financial considerations, property searches, and navigating through complex paperwork. However, armed with the right knowledge and guidance, your experience as a first-time home buyer can be smooth and successful.
America’s Housing Affordability Problem:
The average home price has more than doubled over the past ten years. As a result, Americans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to buy a home.
- Median household income in the United States has increased by only about 3.7% per year on average for the past decade. As a result, wages have not kept pace with rising home prices.
In 2022, the median home price in the United States was $458,200 and the median household income was $70,784. This means that the median home price was 6.47 times the median household income.
* Data cited from internet sources and may not be 100% updated
About Sean Grovier:
Sean Grovier is the External Home Loan Advisor of Golden 1 Credit Union. As a seasoned residential loan officer with nearly two decades of expertise, he primarily aims to streamline his client’s home-buying or refinancing journey. Whether they are stepping into homeownership for the first time, upgrading, investing, or seeking a vacation retreat, he’s to understand their aspirations and tailor solutions to fit attentively. He provides a range of conventional and bespoke portfolio programs, focusing on loan values from $300,000 to $2,000,000. Moreover, he offers specialized programs tailored for professionals in the medical and legal sectors, ensuring his clients receive top-tier service tailored to their unique requirements. At the heart of his practice lies in building and nurturing relationships.
In this Episode:
In this first episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of the Silicon Valley real estate market. Firstly, it’s essential to understand its implications for first-time home buyers. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the unique definition of a “first-time home buyer” in the lending world. Surprisingly, even those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years qualify. Moreover, with Silicon Valley’s median home price hovering around $1.5 million, we discuss the challenges that arise with rising interest rates which potential buyers face.
On the other hand, there’s a silver lining for high-tech professionals. Because of their substantial incomes, they can offset these challenges. Furthermore, the episode explores various loan options for first-time buyers in this pricey region. For instance, it covers the popular 30-year fixed loans and also the lesser-known adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). We also delve into which loans are best suitable to the buyers needs, and the importance of pre-approvals, highlighting the difference between a regular pre-approval and a fully underwritten one.
Lastly, we share expert advice on bridge loans, home equity lines of credit, and the role of credit scores in loan approvals. This episode is a must-listen because of its treasure trove of information for anyone looking to navigate the Silicon Valley real estate market.
“Your credit score is more than just a number; it’s the key to unlocking your dream home in Silicon Valley.” – Sean Grovier
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“In the high-stakes game of Silicon Valley real estate, every penny counts. Know your loan options.” – Sean Grovier
Show Notes:
- Understanding First-Time Home Buyers in Silicon Valley: Silicon Valley’s high median home prices challenge first-time buyers, especially with rising interest rates
- When to Consider an ARM: Suitable for those planning to stay in their home for less than ten years or those seeking lower initial payments
- What loan options are available for first-time buyers
- The benefits of a 30-Year Fixed Loan
- Decoding Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM): ARMs have fixed rates for an initial period (3, 5, 7, or 10 years) and then adjust based on market indices
- Down Payment Myths Debunked: A 20% down payment is not always necessary. Various programs offer lower down payment options
- Home Equity Line of Credit vs. Bridge Loan: Both allow homeowners to access their home’s equity but serve different purposes
- Credit Scores and Home Loans: While there’s no universal minimum credit score, higher scores generally secure better interest rates
- The Importance of Pre-Approval: Getting pre-approved helps buyers understand their budget and strengthens their position in the market
- Bridge Loans Explained: Bridge loans help homeowners tap into the equity of their current home to finance a new purchase
“In the world of lending, not owning a home for three years makes you a first-timer all over again.” – Sean Grovier
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