A new study shows that many home sellers are unrealistically optimistic, asking considerably more than they’re likely to get. As a result, they risk long delays in finding buyers, which means a lot of lost revenue while the house sits idle on the market. What’s more, homeowners who bought after the… read more →
If you’re in the market for a new house or condo, you may also need a loan officer to help with underwriting and securing a mortgage. We suggest talking to two or more loan officers to find one who instills confidence. There is a trade-off. Sometimes the best rate doesn’t… read more →
The home-improvement shows you see on TV make it look so easy. Buy a complete dump of a house with “good bones,” and presto change-o, turn it into your dream home. The reality, however, is that buying a fixer-upper is some serious work. One option is to hire someone to… read more →
Like the national pastime of baseball, purchasing a home supposedly comes with its own set of “unwritten rules.” Conventional wisdom and considered opinion have long led consumers to believe you never make an offer on the first home you tour, or you always close at the month’s end. The reality… read more →
In today’s economy, many people live paycheck to paycheck. However, if your goal is to buy a home, you need to get a better strategy. Budgeting needs to take priority. Most people need to sacrifice a little and stick to a budget in order to save for a home. A good budget plan should… read more →
You click through the photos. You download the floor plans. You drag your significant other to weekend open houses. You love looking at real estate. But you have yet to buy a home. You may be a renter for life. Below are 5 indications you may rent all of your… read more →
You don’t need to be a world-class negotiator to nab a great deal on your dream home. More often, it’s a matter of knowing what not to say. One errant comment or paperwork misstep can compromise your negotiating position. Playing it close to the vest around home sellers and listing… read more →
In the wake of the housing bubble’s collapse, FHA loans have taken on renewed importance for today’s mortgage borrowers Simply stated, an FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Borrowers with FHA loans pay… read more →
Does your house have things that go bump in the night? Maybe between the creaking door, the strangle rattling in the walls, and the squeaking stairs, you’re convinced the place is haunted. Fortunately, the explanation is much simpler than an apparition in the attic. Houses, whether new or old, make… read more →
