Tips for first-time and low-income homebuyers: CEO

Affordability challenges persist for people looking to buy a home after the latest economic data showed housing inflation aligned with expectations. Southern Bancorp CEO Darrin Williams joins Wealth host Brad Smith to discuss how first-time and low-income homebuyers can navigate the challenging housing market. Williams outlines three tips for first-time homebuyers: "First of all, it's so important to know your credit score. Know what's on your credit report," he explains. "Then let's do our best to reduce debt ... to help you position yourself to be ready to really afford a home." Finally, he says, "Let's work with a professional, like our mortgage professionals here at Southern Bancorp, that can help you with researching programs to assist ... first-time homebuyers, a number of opportunities that you can take advantage of." For low-income individuals who are looking to buy a home, Williams notes, "Wealthy people have wealth advisers; well, low-wealth people also need wealth advisers." Watch the video above to learn about Williams' expectations for merger and acquisition (M&A) activity for regional banks. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. This post was written by Naomi Buchanan.