If you’re renting, you may feel the pressure of rising costs, limited flexibility, and the frustration of paying for someone else’s investment. What if 2025 was the year you broke free from rent and started building your own future instead?
At CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty, we believe homeownership isn’t just a dream — it’s an achievable goal. And with the proper guidance, it may be closer than you think! That’s why we partner with Atlantic Coast Mortgage (ACM) to help renters like you transition into homeowners with ease and confidence.
How to Transition from Renting to Owning
- Get Pre-Approved Now – Before you even start house hunting, a pre-approval helps you understand how much home you may be able to afford. It also strengthens your position as a buyer, showing sellers you’re serious and financially prepared. With ACM, the pre-approval process is straightforward, and their experienced loan officers can help you explore different loan options that align with your financial goals.
- Lock in a Stable Monthly Payment – Unlike rent, which can increase annually based on market conditions or a landlord’s decision, a fixed-rate mortgage provides predictable monthly payments. This stability allows you to budget with confidence, protect yourself from inflation, and ensure that your housing costs don’t rise unexpectedly.
- Work with the Right Team – Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and having an experienced real estate agent and a knowledgeable lender on your side can make all the difference. With Century 21 Redwood Realty and Atlantic Coast Mortgage, you’ll have a trusted team helping you navigate everything from finding the right home to choosing a mortgage that fits your needs.
Think You Can’t Afford a Home? You May Be Surprised!
Many first-time buyers assume they need a 20% down payment, but that’s not always the case. With ACM, eligible homebuyers may have access to:
- Low- or No-Down Payment Options – Conventional loans may require as little as 3% down, and government-backed loans, such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, offer even more flexible options. For eligible borrowers, VA and USDA loans require no down payment (through 100% financing), potentially making homeownership more accessible than expected.
- Down Payment Assistance Programs – There are state and local programs designed to help first-time buyers cover a portion of their down payment. Depending on your location and eligibility, some of these programs may offer grants, forgivable loans, or second mortgages to reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a home.
- Closing Cost Assistance – The cost of closing on a home can add up, but there are ways to lower what you owe at settlement. Some loan programs offer lender credits, and in certain market conditions, you may even be able to negotiate seller-paid closing costs to help ease the financial burden.
Why Owning Beats Renting
- Build Equity Instead of Paying Rent – When you own a home, your mortgage payments contribute to your equity — the portion of the home you truly own. Over time, your equity grows as you pay down your loan, and your home's value potentially appreciates. On the other hand, rent payments go toward your landlord’s investment — not yours.
- Gain More Control Over Your Living Space – Want to paint the walls, renovate the kitchen, or get a pet? When you own your home, you call the shots without having to ask for permission. Homeownership gives you the freedom to personalize and improve your space in a way that reflects your style and needs.
- Potential Tax Benefits – Homeownership may have certain tax advantages that renters don’t receive. Depending on your situation, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and certain closing costs on your tax return. While tax laws change, these benefits can help reduce your overall tax burden, making homeownership even more financially rewarding.
The best part? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty and our trusted partners at Atlantic Coast Mortgage, you’ll have a reliable team you can count on to guide you every step of the way.
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