Ralph DiBugnara | Source | Founder and President at Home Qualified
Ralph DiBugnara
Ralph DiBugnara is a nationally recognized real estate expert who serves as President of Home Qualified – the digital resource for buyers, sellers and real estate agents driving today’s millennial market; and Vice President at Cardinal Financial, a nationally recognized mortgage loan company behind $28 billions of closed loans. A frequent industry commentator, Ralph is considered one of the leading voices across the next big trends in real estate. Ralph grew up in Brooklyn, New York among humble surroundings. His experience growing up in a blue-collar background, learning from a father working multiple jobs to put food on the table, built his foundational belief that hard work can overcome any obstacle. Through his experiences in work and life, Ralph believes the most important tool anyone can have, is mindset.
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Home Qualified
Founder and President
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What to expect from the housing market now that the Fed has signaled rate hikes
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has said the central bank intends to raise interest rates this spring —but will the move be enough to halt surging home prices?
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Home Buying Strategy: Seller Concessions vs. Price Cuts
Ralph explains that raising home prices to include seller concessions is common, allowing buyers to cover closing costs up to 6%. This strategy can help avoid PMI with a one-time buyout. However, the home must appraise for the increased price. In a buyer's market, sellers are more open to this, but in a seller's market, they may resist due to higher capital gains taxes. -
Unlocking Home Equity: Smart Strategies for Real Estate Investment
Ralph advises that refinancing or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) are efficient ways to access home equity. While refinancing involves higher interest rates and closing costs, HELOCs offer flexibility with minimal costs. Ralph notes, "Both options provide homeowners with funds for real estate investments, but current prime rates affect desirability." -
New FICO Scoring: Impact on Mortgage Applications and BNPL Use
Ralph explains that lenders focus on credit reports, income, and assets. BNPL accounts, treated like credit cards, can impact scores if payments are late. "Timely payments and low balances can improve scores." Underwriters view BNPL neutrally. Prospective borrowers should ensure timely payments and manage balances, rather than avoiding BNPL entirely.
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There’s still a lack of homes for sale, so it is a seller’s market, but the houses that are overpriced are tending not to move.
