Prepare yourself by knowing the less-obvious costs of owning a home. Insurance, maintenance and more add up faster than you think. Buyers too often focus on a home’s list price or mortgage payment to determine what they can afford. However, the less-obvious costs associated with homeownership can affect the monthly bottom line. To help home […]
Tag Archives: first-time buyers
Good News for Buyers… More Seller’s Report They’re Ready to Sell
Many homeowners have been reluctant to list their homes for sale, some by choice, some for fear of being able to find a replacement home and being able to time their transactions, while others express concern about the ability to afford a new home. If you’re one of these owners call us today to learn […]
Should You Forgo the Home Inspection to Improve the Chances of Beating Out Other Buyers
If you’ve been aching to buy a home but haven’t been able to seal the deal we feel your pain. After all, pent-up demand left over from tight supply over the past two years, against the backdrop of mortgage rates remaining near historic lows, combined with continued low inventory levels and fewer homes for sale […]
Home Mortgages: Rates Up, Requirements Easing
While the media has extensively covered the rise in mortgage interest rates since last fall (from 3.42% last September to the current 4.1% according to Freddie Mac), a less covered aspect of the mortgage market is that requirements to get a mortgage have eased while rates have risen. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) quantifies the […]
Newlyweds: Here Are 5 Factors to Consider When Buying Your New Home
Now that the wedding is over, you and your spouse are on to the next exciting milestone: home ownership! But if you want to ensure yours is a positive home buying experience, you’ll want to consider the following before you start your home search. Neighborhood Marriage is a big transition and it may come with […]
6 Things to Consider When Buying a Flip
Gorgeous hardwood floors, wrought iron spindles, a center island kitchen with soft close cabinets and sparkling granite counter tops, finished basements with media rooms. These rehabbed homes aren’t always what they seem and buyers need to look past these trendy finishes and assess the condition of the structural and mechanical elements of the home as well […]
Consider the Breakeven Horizon When Evaluating the Rent/Buy Equation
With spring comes change. Time to change your wardrobe, your flower beds and, potentially, the way you live and your housing situation. As the home shopping season heats up, we’re again compelled to tackle the classic housing question: To buy or to rent? The decision whether to buy a home is difficult. It’s not just […]
Which Real Estate Search Portal is the Best?
Nowadays, just about everyone looking to buy or sell real estate begins their search online and new real estate listings services have drastically changed the way Americans look for homes. It’s now possible, with a click of a mouse, to find the sales price of the home next door, search for listings in a given school […]
6 Real Estate Secrets from Investors
You’ve seen the TV shows: Individual finds a foreclosed home in the best neighborhood in town, scoops up said property for a steal, fixes it up, and sells it for a significant profit. What those DIY and home improvement shows don’t necessarily show you is just how tough flipping houses for a profit can actually be. But […]
Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Best House in the Neighborhood
When you’re house hunting, finding an amazing house in your location of choice that is turn key and doesn’t require much additional investment seems like a major score. But is it really? Before making an offer on that picture-perfect home, take a look at the surrounding houses. If they’re all in disrepair—or fall far short of the one you’re […]