Hello again. My name is Erik Martin and I am a reporter for a nationally syndicated real estate section published weekly in newspapers across the country (see past examples at http://www.gmnews.com/?s=%22by+erik+j.+martin%22). I have an other article that I’m seeking to interview realtors/agents, mortgage/lending professionals, real estate attorneys, and other housing experts for: STORY: FIVE WAYS TO LAND A STARTER HOME: According to TD Bank's recent First-Time Home Buyer Pulse survey (details at tinyurl.com/hpjxsfl), one in five consumers are actively looking to buy their first home, and 62 percent of potential first-time home buyers and 67% of millennials think they will purchase a home within the next two years. This story would delve into ways that first-time home buyers can take the homeownership plunge without breaking the bank. One strategy is to buy a starter home and turn it into a rental property that can help save up for a bigger/better home later; another tactic is to purchase a starter home in a growing market where home values are continuing to increase is a smart move. If the value of your home increases over time, you can profit from your starter home when it comes time to move up, and put those extra dollars towards purchasing your forever home. Below is a list of questions I’m seeking answers to. I can either conduct a phone or email interview (with the latter, please email me back full-sentence written responses that I can use as quotes). My deadline is noon central time, Thursday, April 28.
QUESTIONS:1. Why are more people today looking to buy their first home relatively soon? What is bringing them “off the fence”?2. Why are millennials particularly more motivated today to buy a first home than previously?3. What creative/sound strategies (please list at least 3, no more than 5) can prospective buyers pursue to save for and purchase a starter home, and what are the pros/cons of each strategy? (e.g., renting out the starter home for first few years, developing a winning savings plan, purchase in a growing market where home values continue to increase, etc.). Please provide details here.4. What other current resources/programs can first-time buyers pursue to help land a starter home (e.g., FHA/VA/Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac programs)?5. What do prospective buyers of a starter home need to consider carefully before purchasing? What are the risks/downsides to buying, especially if they’re not quite ready?6. Any other thoughts, tips or suggestions on this topic?7. What is your full name, title, company, city/state location, and email address?
Keywords
realtors/agents, mortgage/lending professionals, real estate attorneys, housing experts
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