Buyer Advice

One of the biggest reasons people delay buying a home is this belief: “I need to save 20% before I can buy.” Here’s the good news: For many buyers, that simply isn’t true. While putting 20% down is an option, many people buy homes with much less. Depending on the loan program, some buyers qualify with as little as 3%–5% down—or even 0% down in certain situations. So, how much money do you really need for a down payment? Let’s break it down. First: What Is a Down Payment? A do

One of the biggest myths in home buying is this: “I can’t buy a house until I have perfect credit.” The truth? You may be closer than you think. While credit score matters when buying a home, there is no single magic number required to qualify for a mortgage. Different loan programs have different requirements, and lenders often look at your entire financial picture—not just one score. If you’re wondering whether your credit is “good enough” to buy a home, here’s what you sho

Buying a home comes with a lot of new terms—and one that surprises many buyers is earnest money. If you’re wondering whether it’s an extra fee, a down payment, or money you might lose, you’re not alone. Here’s what earnest money is, how it works, and what home buyers in the Philadelphia area should know before making an offer. What Is Earnest Money? Earnest money is a good-faith deposit a buyer puts down after an offer on a home is accepted. Think of it as a signal to the sel

If you’re debating whether to rent or buy a home in Philadelphia, you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions people make—and the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some people benefit from buying sooner. Others are better off renting for a little longer while they build savings, improve credit, or figure out where they want to settle. So how do you know what makes the most sense for you? Let’s break it down. The Biggest Question: How Long Are