Brian Ross Homes

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner

Your first home may not be as far off as it feels. When the numbers make sense for you, buying a starter home and putting down less than 20% can get you there years sooner.

Want to see which starter homes in our area could fit your budget? Let's connect.

Two Moves That Can Get You Into Your First Home Sooner For a lot of first-time buyers, owning a home can feel perpetually a few years out of reach.

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers pay closer attention to one thing: the monthly payment.

And builders know it. Right now, 13.8% of new-construction listings are advertising reduced rates, giving some buyers a way to bring that monthly payment down.

So, if you're selling near new construction, that's something worth paying attention to. But it doesn't mean you automatically need to match what a builder is offering.

Depending on your house, your market, and the buyer, competing could mean negotiating on price, helping with closing costs, offering a rate buydown, or simply doing a better job highlighting what your house offers that a new build doesn't.

The point isn't to give more away. It's to know what you're competing against so you can choose the right strategy from the start.

If you're planning to sell, let's look at what buyers can get in our area and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers

Higher mortgage rates are making buyers more cost-conscious. Builders know that, and many are responding with reduced rate, closing-cost help, price reductions, and other incentives.
If you're thinking about selling, let's look at what buyers are getting from other homes in our area – including new construction – and make sure your house is positioned to compete.

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for Home Sellers Higher mortgage rates don't just affect buyers. They can change what it takes to sell your house, too.

Appleton has a new art cafe featuring drinks, treats and stained glass workshops. See link below ⬇️

📸 Dan Powers/Appleton Post-Crescent

Some of you are scared home prices are about to crash. Others are hoping they will. But will it happen?

Fannie Mae just asked over 100 housing experts where prices are headed through 2030. And the consensus is prices are expected to rise, not crash.

Even the most pessimistic experts still forecast prices will go up 6.6%.

So, whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the forecast is clear. While some markets may see small short-term declines, home prices are going to keep going up nationally.

Have questions about what this means for your move, or what’s happening locally? Let's chat.

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In.

Whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the verdict is the same – prices are still expected to rise, not fall. Let's talk about what that means for your market and your plans.

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In. Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

The number of homes for sale just reached its highest point since 2019.

And that gives you the most choice you’ve had in 7 years.

With affordability still so tight, having that many options opens up your odds of finding a home you love that still works for your budget.

Want to see what’s on the market in our area? DM me the price point you’re looking at to get started.