Before buying a home, make sure the community fits your lifestyle. Ask these 6 important questions to find the perfect neighborhood for you and your family.
Read MoreEver heard this: "Don't use your friend as your Realtor?" While there are valid reasons for exercising caution, using a friend as your real estate agent may actually offer some real advantages—provided your friend is experienced and professional.
Read MoreSeeing "as is" on a home listing can make some buyers nervous, but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Understanding what “as is” really means and how to approach the process can lead to a great opportunity. With the right mindset and due diligence, you might just find a fantastic investment.
Read MoreIncome is one of the most critical factors lenders evaluate when approving a mortgage. For many, it's a steady paycheck, but if your income comes from commissions or bonuses, the qualification process can be more complex. Lenders assess your income history, consistency, and documentation to determine eligibility. If your income varies, you can still secure a loan with the right preparation. Learn how to navigate this process and improve your chances of approval in our latest post!
Read MoreRegardless of whether you are a buyer or seller, using an experienced real estate agent is crucial to the success of your transaction. Yet, how do you know if the agent truly has the experience they claim?
Read MoreRecent 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.
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