I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country. I’m looking to interview real estate agents and brokers, lenders, property attorneys, rental property professionals, and other housing experts for the following article, with a July 16 deadline:
COMING UP WITH THE DOWN PAYMENT: why this can be challenging, especially for younger buyers, and strategies to save and collect enough for a down payment on a home. Trulia recently reported in its survey results (found at
http://info.trulia.com/millennials-down-payment) that almost half of Millennial home buyers plan to ask their parents for a down payment, and findings show that finances are the biggest barrier to home ownership but they’d rather ask their parents for help than give up their car. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to for this story. Please e-mail me back your interest, availability and phone number. My deadline is noon central time, Wednesday, July 16.
1.
Why is it so difficult today, especially for Millennials (adults born from the early 1980s on), to come up with a down payment on a home?
2.
Is it also harder for other/all buyers today to come up with a down payment? Why? Do you have any numbers to back that up? Is a bigger down payment now required with tightened lending restrictions?
3.
What are some interesting facts/findings you take away from that Trulia study on Millennial home buyers that add insight into this topic?
4.
What are some things that buyers, especially Millennials, may have to give up/sacrifice in order to save enough for a down payment?
5.
What tips can you provide for working toward a down payment (besides asking mom and dad)?
6.
What is the minimum down payment %/amount a prospective home buyer needs to save up? What are the best strategies/loans to pursue if someone only has 5 or 10 percent down saved?
7.
Any other thoughts, tips, suggestions on this topic that I failed to ask about?
8.
What is your full name, title, company, and location where you are based?
