Ideally, you would sell your current home and buy your new home on the same day, moving from one mortgage to the next. While this seamless transition has worked out for some repeat homebuyers, others have managed to sell their homes and rent them back until they find a new… read more →
Buyers have the upper hand when purchasing a home in a down market. Sellers need to make the best possible impression to appeal to these picky buyers. When possible, sellers should avoid making changes that will devalue their home or cause buyers to pass on purchasing it.Before you decide to… read more →
Like the iPhone 3G, a fast closing is a thing of the past. Or is it? In today’s massively regulated, monstrously documented, down-to-the-last-decimal-point, tabulated process, you should count on your mortgage-closing timeline reaching or perhaps even exceeding two months depending on your lender and banking rules.Here are 9 bits of… read more →
Interviewing candidates serves two purposes: You get an education about your local market while learning how the agent proposes to represent you. Ask detailed questions! Here are the most-important areas to investigate: May I See Your Resume? Since you’re searching for an above-average agent, look for evidence of advanced training… read more →
A growing segment of the housing industry is studying what in a home matters most to women. Real-estate agents, designers, marketers and researchers say some of women’s home preferences are purely functional: Moms like dining areas with easily wiped hardwood or tile floors, not carpeting, for example, and the location… read more →
As if the Target data breach wasn’t bad enough, experts say it’s almost inevitable this kind of thing will happen again. There’s already a lot of breaches related to the Target breach that aren’t being disclosed. There is roughly an 80 percent chance another big data breach like the Target mess will… read more →
Although any home loan might be the right choice for homeowners of any age, mortgage needs change over a lifetime. Here’s a look at which loans are best-suited to different life stages, including when you’re just starting out, hitting middle age and preparing to retire. Just Starting Out Many of… read more →
According to the Census Bureau, approximately 16.7 million households move annually. The average professional household move costs a whopping $12,230, People make moves year-round, but the most popular time for moving is summer, because most families want to move when their children are out of school.You can save money if you… read more →
Housing is typically the biggest expense in a household budget. It would be nice to reduce that major expense when you’re retired. Once you are near retirement, you might want to consider downsizing or relocating to somewhere more affordable. There are many choices because you won’t be tied down to a location near your (former) employer.… read more →
A real estate agent’s job entails more than assisting clients with the nitty-gritty details of buying or selling a home. Good agents also tour as many homes as possible. Knowing the local inventory gives them an edge over the competition and provides great value for future buyers and sellers because those agents know… read more →