This episode of Worth a Listen features guest Amber Speer as she discusses the homebuying process and answers questions like:

• How do I prepare to buy a home?
• How much should I save for the down payment?
• When is the right time to buy a home?
• What tips should I keep in mind while house searching?
• What's the difference between prequalification and preapproval?
• What's the timeframe and process from applying to closing on a home loan?
• What other expenses should you plan for as a homeowner?

Episode Notes:

1. Cash-to-close - The total amount of money needed to finalize a home purchase on closing day. Includes the down payment, property tax, homeowner's insurance, and any other fees not rolled into your loan.
2. The National Association of Relators reported in 2024 that 100% of surveyed homebuyers used the internet to search for a home with only 21% of buyers reaching out to a real estate agent to start the process. (From Highlights From the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers by the National Association of Relators).
3. Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac are shareholder-owned companies operating under a congressional charter that buy mortgages from lenders, enabling lenders to engage in further lending.
4. On 12/10/2025 the Federal Reserve cut rates by 0.25%. Rates may have changed depending on when you are watching this, please refer to federalreserve.gov for current rates.
5. Bond market - A marketplace for trading and issuing debt securities. Mortgage interest rates are affected by Mortgage-backed Securities (MBS) and U.S. Treasury Bonds.
6. The average moving cost in 2025 was $880 - $2,570 for local moves, and $2,417 - $6,863 for long-distance moves.
7. Escrow - A legal arrangement used to collect and pay property taxes and insurance payments on a home. Lenders used these accounts to ensure a property is insured and taxes are paid on time, reducing the risk to the financial institution. These costs are added onto your mortgage payment each month.
8. HOA - Home Owners Association.

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