It’s one of the hard and fast rules of buying a new home: know how much you can afford and stick within your budget. Conventional wisdom says that looking at homes outside of your price range will only set you up for frustration because you’ll want what more house and more amenities than you can afford. For the most part, all that is true. But, there are certain situations in which you may...
There’s a reason homeowners bake bread or cookies just before a showing or open house. Those pleasant odors stir emotions and make lasting impressions when it comes to buying a home. But when those impressions are made by something far less inviting than fresh-baked goodies, it could spell trouble down the road. When it comes to touring a home you may potentially buy, your nose usually knows....
If you’re thinking about becoming a repeat home buyer, you already know things will be a bit more complicated than when you bought your first home. You know the goal: buy a new home while simultaneously selling your current one, close on the same day and move. That’s in an ideal world. But what about in the world we actually live in? Understand the market. Before you start searching for a...
Video tours are becoming more popular than ever. But there’s more to a home video tour than checking out a well-appointed kitchen and spacious master suite. In fact, it was probably a shot of the home’s exterior that got you interested in the first place. Yet, when it comes to a video tour, do you know what to look for? Here are some tips for ensuring you ask the right questions and get the...
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person, you probably think of your beloved pets as members of your family. Just like children, you want to keep them happy, love them and safeguard them from harm. But what about when there’s a move in your future? Our cats and dogs can actually have an impact on how easily a home sells. In addition, making a move isn’t always easy on your...
Whether you’re putting your home on the market soon or sometime down the road, presenting it at its best can help you get top dollar and reduce the time it is on the market. There are plenty of things you can do as homeowner to get your home ready. But even the best decor intentions can sometimes result in décor that appeals less to buyers than anticipated. Here are some examples of what not to do...
Even if your home is in good condition, you’ll want it looking its absolute best when you’re ready to put it on the market. Helping your home make a great first impression can mean the difference between a quick sale at full list price and offers below what you were expecting. It doesn’t need to cost a lot to get great results. Here are 10 some simple staging tips that will add a boost of...
Whether you want to put your home on the market soon or sometime down the road, it makes sense to look at what updates can add the most value if you’re considering renovations. Updates not only appeal to buyers, who are often willing to pay top dollar for a move-in ready property, but they can improve your own enjoyment of your home in the years ahead if you don’t plan to sell soon. Of...
by The Offer Company 
With increasing numbers of baby boomers reaching retirement age, it’s becoming more and more common for these homeowners to decide to downsize from the family home. If you count yourself among them, it’s important to keep in mind that shopping for a home to retire in comes with its own considerations. Here are some things to keep in mind: 1. Establish a budget The federal Equal Credit...
by The Offer Company 
Once your offer has been accepted, there are still several steps to take before you can close on your new home. One of those is an appraisal. As part of the mortgage loan process, your lender will order an appraisal of the property. This ensures that the home you have chosen is worth the loan your lender is making. In most cases, the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price of...
by The Offer Company 