November 9, 2016
When it comes to buying a home, there is a lot to think about and a lot to plan. It can be easy for details to fall through the cracks or never be considered when choosing a house. Here is a list of the top five things that people often forget when they buy a new home. 1. Seasonal Changes When purchasing a home, many people forget what their new house will need or look like throughout the seasons. This might include the type of trees on the property (evergreen means no raking of leaves, but deciduous trees might create […]
October 19, 2016
Selling your home often comes down to how well it is staged and presented. Key elements of staging include removing clutter and even buying matching bathroom towels and flowers to put on the dining room table. The holidays, however, present special challenges to staging your home. Here’s how you can pull it off while keeping your holiday traditions intact. 1. Stage First, Decorate Second The most important point is that you should stage as you normally would: Pack up any knickknacks. Touch up (or replace) exterior areas such as faded doormats and mailboxes. Trim trees that are overgrown. Only with […]
October 18, 2016
The decision to balance student loan debt with homeownership is an audacious one, and quite satisfying if it’s well-executed. Find out how your degree type and student loan repayment program influence your ability to secure different types of home loans – and learn what you need to do to demonstrate your capability as a borrower. Purchasing your first home is a huge investment, and an even greater accomplishment. To ensure your success, it’s imperative to have your finances in order. In particular, there may be much speculation and concern surrounding the impact of student loan debt on home-buying achievement. Perhaps […]
September 26, 2016
So you’ve saved up your down payment, and you’re ready to start looking for your first home? Choosing the right real estate agent to help you find what you’re looking for is an important variable in the purchase equation. While the housing market is awash with agents, there are essentially only two types; each one plays a different role in the real estate transaction. Seller’s Agent Vs. Buyer’s Agent Seller’s Agent: This agent lists the house and works for the seller. In this role, the agent provides information about the buyers, help with pricing the property, and advises the seller during […]
September 20, 2016
Sometimes, moving is inevitable. Whether you own your home or are still paying a mortgage, a time may come when you suddenly have to move. Keep reading on to learn more about whether you should sell or rent your home. The Facts of the Market As of July 2016, the median price for a single-family home in the U.S. is just over $244,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. That’s up 5.3 percent (or about $13,000) from the same time last year. That increase is pretty indicative of the trajectory of home prices over the past several quarters. It’s […]
September 1, 2016
You might not realize it, but investing in technology for your home could vastly improve the quality of your daily life. Recently, tech experts have dubbed our era the “Age of the Internet of Things.” This is because more and more developers are creating products that incorporate Internet-connected technology, which make them easier to control, track and manipulate — and also, sometimes, just more fun to use. One realm that smart technology has had a huge impact on is the home. Today, many appliances, security devices, and everyday domestic tools contain an internet connection — and by making homes safer, […]
August 12, 2016
You did it! You have saved up for a down payment and are ready to purchase the house of your dreams. But before you make an offer on a home, we recommend learning more about closing costs. In this article, we’ll help you learn what to expect as a buyer at closing and how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Which Closing Costs Are Buyers Responsible For? Buyers are usually responsible for paying for a lot of different closing costs. These tend to amount to anywhere from 3 to 5 percent of the total purchase price of the house. For example, […]
August 5, 2016
While buying a home can be a daunting process, there is plenty of help to assist you along the way. There are a lot of moving parts in today’s real estate market so most homebuyers hire knowledgeable professionals – agents, lenders and appraisers – to assist them in this exciting yet challenging endeavor. While professional assistance is key, personally understanding the purchasing process is just as important. Americans will move nearly a dozen times in their lifetime and equipping yourself with the following information is essential to your success as you search for your next home: 1. Prepare Yourself for Ownership […]