If you're a veteran or active-duty military personnel looking to purchase or construct a home, you won't want to miss this episode of our podcast. We discuss the latest updates on VA funding fee rates, which help reduce the government's costs associated with administering VA home loan benefits. Our expert guests from the Veterans Benefits Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC, share valuable insights on the funding fee charges for loans closed on or after April 7, 2023. We also cover the qualifications for a fee waiver and reduced funding fees for borrowers with 5- or 10-percent down payments. Don't miss out on this informative and timely discussion.

Book Your Strategic Consultation Today: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyers-consultation

What happened to home sales in Hampton Roads, Virginia in January 2023? Despite a dip in sales volume across the region, sale prices remained strong. In this video, we take a closer look at the real estate market in Hampton Roads, including the overall median sales price, year-over-year changes in home prices, and active listings. Learn about the various cities in The 757, and how closing prices held up across each of them.

Schedule Your Free Strategic Consultation Today for selling or purchasing your home: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyers-consultation

Check out these recommended videos as well:

1️⃣Newly Upgraded 5 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Home in Fantastic Location - https://youtu.be/f1YqNn54zyE

2️⃣Beautiful Home in the Heart of Norfolk, Virginia - https://youtu.be/DAy2CM8OEIU

3️⃣Waterfront Property in James Landing | Great Views of Lake Queen Anne in Newport News - https://youtu.be/m5Juv73R33I

4️⃣ Parkside at Bennett's Creek | Suffolk, VA - https://youtu.be/Y-P7LGvd3jg

5️⃣ Vance Level Home Tour | Chesapeake, VA - https://youtu.be/neYxl6F4cSc

First-Time Homebuyers: What to Consider Before You Buy" is a must-listen podcast for anyone looking to purchase their first home. Our expert host will guide listeners through important considerations such as affordability, location, home condition, future plans, resale value, homeowner's insurance, and closing costs. Industry professionals will also provide valuable tips and insights to make the home-buying process as seamless as possible. Whether you're just starting your home-buying journey or in the process of making an offer, this podcast is packed with valuable information and tips to help first-time homebuyers make informed decisions and navigate the home-buying process with confidence.

Follow Oscar on Instagram: @oscartheloanofficer

Don't miss out on the latest episode of "First-Time Homebuyers: What to Consider Before You Buy" the ultimate guide for first-time homebuyers.

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Royce Kinnebrew is a two-time author, who breaks down emotional and social learning that can be essential in growth personally, professionally, and spiritually. My conversation with Royce provides insight into how entrepreneurs can help their own businesses explode through simple acts of kindness and authenticity. You are in for a treat.

Schedule your 30 Minute Buyer or Seller Consult: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

Get your free home valuation report today: https://bit.ly/freehomevaluation_craig

Get in touch w/ Royce: [email protected]

Ghetto Grave Dodger is sold here: https://a.co/d/1o5buBJ

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Schedule your 30 Minute Buyer or Seller Consult: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

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Get your free home valuation report today: https://bit.ly/freehomevaluation_craig

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Owning a home can be a fulfilling and exciting experience, but it is important to be aware of all the costs associated with homeownership so that you can make an informed decision about whether it is the right choice for you. Some of the costs to consider when evaluating the true cost of homeownership include:

Down payment: The upfront cost of purchasing a home, typically expressed as a percentage of the home's purchase price.

Closing costs: Fees and expenses associated with closing on a home, such as lender fees, title insurance, and property taxes.

Mortgage payments: Monthly payments to a lender to pay off the balance of the loan used to purchase the home. These payments typically include both principal (the amount borrowed) and interest (the cost of borrowing the money).

Maintenance and repairs: Regular upkeep and repairs to maintain the condition of the home, such as painting, replacing broken appliances, and fixing leaks.

Homeowners insurance:   Insurance that covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding the home in the event of damage or loss. Property taxes: Taxes levied by local governments on the value of the property.

Homeowners association (HOA) fees: Monthly or annual fees paid to a homeowners association for the maintenance and upkeep of common areas in a neighborhood or condominium complex.

Schedule your 30-Minute Buyer or Seller Consult: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

Follow Oscar Avila on Instagram: @oscartheloanofficer

Get your free home valuation report today: https://bit.ly/freehomevaluation_craig

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcraighouston

There are many factors that can contribute to changes in home prices, including economic conditions, supply and demand for housing, and local market conditions. In general, if there is a greater supply of homes for sale than there are buyers looking to purchase them, it can put downward pressure on home prices. Similarly, if there are economic or market-specific factors that are causing people to be less confident in the housing market, it can also lead to declining home prices.

Schedule your 30 Minute Buyer or Seller Consult: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

Follow Oscar Avila on Instagram: @oscartheloanofficer

Get your free home valuation report today: https://bit.ly/freehomevaluation_craig

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcraighouston

First-time homebuyer programs are designed to help people who are buying a home for the first time to be able to afford a mortgage. These programs can provide financial assistance in the form of grants, low-interest loans, or tax credits to help with the down payment and closing costs associated with buying a home. Some programs are specifically designed for first-time homebuyers, while others are available to anyone who meets certain income or credit requirements. There are several types of first-time homebuyer programs, including:

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans: These are mortgages that are insured by the FHA and are available to first-time homebuyers with a credit score of at least 580.

Veterans Affairs (VA) loans: These are mortgages that are guaranteed by the VA and are available to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.

USDA loans: These are mortgages that are insured by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are available to first-time homebuyers in rural areas.

State and local programs: Many states and local governments offer financial assistance to first-time homebuyers, including grants and low-interest loans. To be eligible for a first-time homebuyer program, you may need to meet certain income, credit, and/or asset requirements. You may also need to attend a homebuyer education class or counseling session to learn more about the process of buying a home. If you're a first-time homebuyer and are interested in learning more about these programs, it's a good idea to speak with a lender or a housing counselor to find out what options are available to you. They can help you understand the eligibility requirements and assist you in applying for a program that fits your needs.

Starting an Airbnb business can be a great way to earn extra income by renting out a room or your entire home to travelers. I interview AirBnB Ambassador Lauren Coats who provides an outline of some key points to consider in kicking off your AirBnB business.  Which are:

Determine if Airbnb is right for you: Before you start, consider whether you are comfortable with the idea of having strangers stay in your home. Think about any concerns you might have and how you will address them.

Choose a property: If you don't already own a property, you'll need to decide whether you want to rent out a room in your home or an entire property. Consider factors such as location, size, and amenities when selecting a property.

Set up your listing: Once you have a property, create a listing on Airbnb's website. This will include taking photos, writing a description of the space, and setting pricing and availability.

Prepare your space: Make sure your space is clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Consider providing amenities such as towels, linens, and toiletries for your guests.

Market your listing: Promote your listing to potential guests through social media, local events, or word-of-mouth. You can also encourage positive reviews from past guests to attract future bookings.

Manage your reservations: Once you start getting bookings, be sure to communicate with your guests and make sure their stay goes smoothly. This may include providing directions, answering questions, and being available in case of any issues.

Starting an Airbnb business can be a rewarding and lucrative venture, but it's important to do your research and be prepared for the responsibilities that come with it.

Get Your FREE Buyer/Seller Consult Here: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

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Contact Lauren Coats Here: [email protected] 

Lauren’s new course Airbnb Express: Start hosting in 14 days.   lauren-coats-s-school.teachable.com/p/airbnb

**Coupon Code: Craig***  Gets you 20% off course price between December 23, 2022 - January 13, 2023.

**Coupon Code: Houston*** Gets you 10% off course price between January 14, 2023 - June 14, 2023.

Lauren’s new host Airbnb referral link. Receive $40 travel credit and free mentorship when you create your first listing. www.airbnb.com/r/laurencoats

Airbnb Beginner’s Guide to Hosting: How to set up and run your own Airbnb business by Lauren Coats on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Airbnb-Beginners-Guide-Hosting-business/dp/B0BBY1KVL3/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667517375&sr=8-1

Realtor Craig Houston & Mortgage Broker Oscar Avila break down what they see ongoing in the real estate market and share their views on how buyers can benefit from the period the real estate market is currently experiencing in their weekly real estate market show.

FREE 30-Minute Buyer or Seller Consult: https://calendly.com/thecraighoustonpodcast_1/buyer-seller-consultation

Free Home Valuation Report: https://bit.ly/freehomevaluation_craig

Follow Craig Houston on Instagram: @iamcraighouston

Follow Oscar Avila on Instagram: @oscartheloanofficer

On this podcast, I address questions from viewers on what the new Inflation report received actually means for the Housing Market! I break down my thoughts on some key metrics that you should pay close attention to and how this can play a role for home buyers and sellers. Email me your questions or concerns at [email protected] or leave them in the comments below.