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Ashlee Rocha

published on September 16, 2019 - 1:44 PM
Written by

While Fresno was widely predicted to be one of the hottest housing markets in 2019, homeownership rates in the county are trending below nationwide averages.

That could be troubling news for the region since higher homeownership rates benefit the community as much as homeownership benefits individuals emotionally, physically and financially. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, there are several important benefits to owning your own home, including:

  • — Higher educational performance for children
  • — Greater participation in civic and volunteer activities
  • — Lower crime rates
  • — And better-maintained neighborhoods

 

Bank of America recently released the results of its Homebuyer Insights Report, which explores the attitudes, preferences and behaviors of the modern homebuyer. The study found that 93% of those who have bought a home say they’re happier because of it, and 83% said they wouldn’t go back to renting. While many recognize the financial benefits of homeownership, 82% say they also derive satisfaction from the time they spend on hobbies and passions since purchasing a home—including new pursuits, such as gardening, cooking and interior design.

Beyond hobbies, 78% say they feel satisfied with the quality of their social life and credit homeownership with their improved ability to entertain and gather with friends and family.

Given interest rates have fallen in recent months to relatively low levels, we may see this start to change. After all, Fresno offers a desirable California location, proximity to national parks and relatively affordable homes, especially compared to our Bay Area and Southern California neighbors.

 

Whether to Rent or Buy

Some potential buyers on the cusp of homeownership may be weighing the pros and cons of buying versus renting. There are benefits to each, with renting allowing for greater ease if you’re planning on relocating frequently and requiring less money up front. But, rents are climbing throughout California, and Zillow calculates that it’s actually cheaper to buy than to rent in the Fresno area if someone stays in their home for just two years and eight months.

Unfortunately, many prospective buyers fear the upfront costs and self-select out of homeownership without getting all the details. In fact, 69% of prospective homeowners say the biggest barrier to homeownership is saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs. The good news is, solutions exist to give prospective buyers the power to get over this hurdle.

Bank of America recently launched a $5 billion affordable homeownership initiative to help more than 20,000 individuals and families overcome homebuying hurdles, including in Fresno. Benefits include a new down payment grant program that gives (no repayment necessary) eligible borrowers up to $10,000 to be used toward their down payment. Homebuyers may also be eligible to receive up to $7,500, which can be used for non-recurring closing costs or to buy down their interest rate. And, through Oct. 31, we’re waiving the lender origination fee on our affordable loans, which could mean savings of approximately $1,000.

Increasing homeownership in the Fresno area will be a win-win for homebuyers and for our communities and our economy. I’m proud that Bank of America is working to find solutions to make homeownership a reality for more local families.


Ashlee Rocha is a lending office for Bank of America in Fresno.


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