For the third year in a row folks 35 and under are deciding to buy instead of renting in ever-increasing numbers, leading the charge to bring the real estate market back to prerecession levels. According to research from the National Association of Realtors® 35 percent of recent homebuyers are Millennials, with 26 percent being from Generation X (36-50 years old).n
nBeing a generation saddled by student loan debt isn't holding them back any longer. Those who are making strides to pay down their debt and save for a down payment are leaving urban areas and trying to find a space to make their own and settle down. Younger buyers aren't afraid of buying older homes either, according to the study the younger the buyer the older the home that they purchased.n
nThere are so many great tools online to help educate you if you're thinking about making the leap from renter to homeowner. Since so many folks use a mobile device to start their search, app-makers have created numerous helpful Apps that can help you find great information about everything from how easy it is to pick a paint color to which neighborhoods have the best schools. There are various online calculators that can help you determine if it is more cost effective to rent or buy, examples are available on the New York Times and Freddie Mac. Kahn Academy, a non-profit educational company, hosts a video series offering advice on how to determine what is the best choice for you. And the plethora of sites offering various styles of home searches make it easier than ever to narrow down the search for your new home. While homebuyers are doing more research on the internet than ever before, 87% are still seeking the advice and guidance of Real Estate Agents to help them make the most of the home buying process.n
nWhat tools and apps do you like to use when looking at real estate?n
nWhat do you find most valuable in a Realty website?n
nWe would love to hear what would make your home search easier. Leave a comment, or send us an email.n
n
n