Thursday, May 22, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you’ve been shopping for a home lately, you’ve probably felt the impact of higher mortgage rates. To help manage monthly costs, some buyers are exploring adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) — and usage is on the rise.
But what exactly are ARMs? And are they safe?
Let’s break it down.
Why ARMs Are Making a Comeback
High interest rates and rising home prices are prompting some buyers to consider creative financing solutions. One of the most popular alternatives right now is the ARM — and the data proves it.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the share of mortgage applications for ARMs has recently spiked to its highest level in over a year.
But if you’re concerned ARMs might bring back 2008 flashbacks, here’s what you need to know: today’s ARMs are very different.
How Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Work
As Business Insider explains:
“With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the life of ...
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Thursday, April 24, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
You’ve likely heard this before: “The best time to buy a home was yesterday. The second best time is today.”
And while that sounds like a cliché, it holds a lot of truth—especially in today’s market. Homeownership isn’t about perfectly timing the market, it’s about time in the market. The longer you wait, the more you may end up paying.
Home Prices Are Projected To Keep Rising
Over 100 leading housing experts contribute to the Home Price Expectations Survey every quarter—and they all agree: Home values will keep rising through at least 2029.
Even though we’re past the rapid price spikes of 2021–2022, a steady growth of 3–4% per year is expected—a healthy, sustainable pace. And here in Los Angeles County, especially in hot zones like Glendale, Pasadena, and Burbank, local demand will likely keep prices trending upward.
Waiting Could Cost You—Literally
You might be thinking about waiting fo ...
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Thursday, March 13, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job?
Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts.
The homebuying process has always been a mix of excitement and nerves, and that’s completely normal. Here's some information that can give you a bit of perspective, so you don’t have these concerns.
Focus on What You Can Control
Since homeownership is new to you, you’re probably feeling like it’s hard to know what to budget for. And that can be a bit scary. You’ll have the mortgage, home insurance, and maintenance to think about – maybe even lawn care or homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. It’s easy to let the dollar signs be overwhelming. Ask ...
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Thursday, February 13, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too.
But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home – or that it has to check all the boxes of what they want right out of the gate. In reality, it’s just a starting point.
Once you own a home, you start to build equity, which grows over time as home prices rise. Down the road, if you want to move — whether to a larger space, a better location, or both — the equity you’ve gained can ...
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Thursday, January 30, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.
There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.
1. FHA Loans
If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:
Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smal ...
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