Recent news headlines have shed light on discussions surrounding real estate agents and their commissions, which might leave you feeling confused. However, one crucial point remains: the invaluable guidance provided by a reputable real estate agent is indispensable, particularly in today's dynamic market landscape.
Read MoreThe thrill of house hunting can be exhilarating, especially for first-time home buyers. The allure of envisioning yourself in a new space, making it your own, and embracing a fresh start is undeniable. Yet, as days turn into weeks and weeks into months, the excitement can wane, giving way to a frustrating cycle of visiting homes that just don't seem to meet your expectations. Sound familiar? Read on!
Read MoreAre you contemplating selling your house but find yourself hesitant due to concerns about affordability? You're not alone. The real estate market can be unpredictable, and factors like housing prices and economic conditions can make the decision to sell a challenging one. However, before you let apprehension hold you back, consider the significant role that home equity can play in simplifying this decision-making process.
Read MoreNavigating the world of home buying can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding different mortgage options. Among the various choices, FHA loans stand out as a popular and accessible option for many first-time homebuyers.
Read MoreBuying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs or loss, learn the signs of scams when moving.
Read MoreA home inspection is almost automatic for homebuyers during the escrow period. The goal is to uncover issues that present either an unsafe environment, potentially expensive repairs, and other challenges the new buyer may not expect. Some inspection items are typical, such as electrical and systems, but others are not performed unless requested.
Read MoreOur pets are an important part of our family. No longer are our pups relegated to the backyard dog-run or our birds stuck in their cages. Our animals are cherished members of the household and love to be where we are. As a result, our homes must provide the comfort and safety needed to care for our animals.
Read MoreThe real estate market is ever-evolving, and the past year has been no exception. With so many stories and reports, it's understandable if you find yourself feeling uncertain about buying a home. Questions like "Is now a good time to buy?", "What will happen to housing prices?", and "How will interest rates behave?" are common and quite valid.
Read MoreWhen buying or selling a home, often misunderstandings occur over the distinction between “real” and “personal” property. Real estate agents across the nation frequently end up playing referee in situations fueled by misconceptions, which can create tension and sometimes even kill a sale. Understanding the difference is important to anyone engaged in a real estate transaction.
Read MoreNo one likes a pushy salesman! It’s even worse when you are buying a big-ticket item. You want to take your time and make sure you are making the right decision.
Read MoreBuyers and sellers are feeling the uncertainty in the housing market. With rising interest rates and a slower selling pace, it may seem overwhelming. If you are planning to both sell your home and buy a new one, the current environment may be even more frustrating. Where do you start? Sell first? Buy first? The good news is with the right strategy, you can take the risk out of this kind of move by working with your agent and utilizing contingencies.
Read MoreWhen listing your home for sale, the most important consideration is how to get the most attention from potential buyers. It’s simple, the more buyers interested in your home the better. You have already considered how to build curb appeal and stage the home for marketing and home visits, but have you prepared your home for buyers who may wish to use FHA financing?
Read MoreMost homebuyers don’t regret becoming homeowners. In fact, owning a home is one of the biggest contributors to lifestyle satisfaction. But this doesn’t mean that these homebuyers don’t have regrets about their buying choices. Most new homeowners will happily share some of the mistakes they made and how they could have avoided them.
Read MoreThe real estate market has changed over the past year. One of the biggest issues facing anyone considering a home purchase or sale is rising interest rates. After enjoying years of mortgage rates in the 2-3% range, many borrowers are shocked to see a conventional 30-year fixed loan offering rates as high as 7 percent. While historically reasonable, this increase is having an impact on the real estate market. If you are considering a move, it’s important to remember that your lifestyle still needs to take precedence over these temporary changes.
Read MorePurchasing a fixer-upper property can be an exciting and rewarding experience. HGTV is filled with programs of amateurs knocking down walls and tiling bathroom floors. The fact is that this is much harder than it looks and before diving headfirst into this kind of project, it’s critical to consider whether you are prepared for the venture.
Read MoreThe final walk-through on your new home is an exciting event. It means you have successfully maneuvered through negotiations, inspections, and financing approval, and are on the verge of signing your closing papers. Most buyers attend the final walk-through with thoughts of furniture placement and paint colors in their heads. But the walk-through is about more than just making sure your favorite chair will fit by the fireplace. Be sure to do your due diligence to make sure there are no issues that should be resolved before you reach the closing table.
Read MoreThe real estate market today is quite different from what it was just a few months ago. Mortgage rates have risen dramatically which impacts the borrowing power of home buyers. The frantic pace of the past few years has also slowed with homes staying on the market longer than we saw during the last few years.
Read MoreThe real estate market is shifting. In some areas of the country, it has flipped to a strong buyer’s market. Sellers challenged by this change are looking for creative ways to attract buyers. In addition, buyers suddenly in the driver’s seat are asking for more concessions from sellers than ever before.
Seller concessions are a useful tool in real estate. Used correctly, it can benefit both buyer and seller.
Read MoreOne of the best things a homebuyer can hear is, “we have ‘clear to close.’” It’s one of the biggest milestones in the mortgage lending process and means the underwriter has cleared the application to move forward to document signing and close of escrow. While a critical stage for the sale, this is not the final step in closing on a new home. There are several things that can still affect the transfer of title.
Read MoreHomebuyers have had a rough time lately. First, the frenzied housing market stymied so many offers and caused frustration due to a lack of inventory. Now that the pace and prices are dropping, interest rates have ticked to alarming levels. While some buyers are postponing their purchase, those still in the market are starting to consider more creative financing, including an ARM (Adjustable-Rate Mortgage).
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