Yes, it’s a competitive world out there if you’re a homebuyer. But you can’t win if you don’t get in the game. That’s not to say every house you look at is going to be worth making an offer. There are plenty of very legitimate reasons for not making an offer, such as serious structural issues or a price that is way over budget, to name but a few. But, let’s face it. Sometimes,...
Home security systems have gone through tremendous changes in recent years, with smart phone integration and do-it-yourself installed systems becoming more sophisticated. While new tech development is good news for consumers, it also leaves many homeowners wondering where to turn when it comes to choosing a new or updated home security system. Here are some considerations before making your...
Buying a home is an exciting endeavor. But, it isn’t without its challenges. If you’re thinking about making a new home purchase, whether this is your first home or your fifth, you may be wondering what buyers are saying about the process. What are the obstacles they found most difficult to get through? According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2021 Home Buyer and Seller...
Congratulations! You’ve accepted an offer on your home! So, what happens now? Here is what you can expect once you have accepted an offer on your home. 1. First stop: home inspection. Once you and the buyers have come to an agreement, the next step is usually for the buyers to schedule a home inspection. You should not be present at your home during the inspection. As your real...
The real estate process can seem complicated, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. The thought of dealing with tight inventories, financial requirements and complex negotiations can seem almost an insurmountable challenge. It’s enough to make your head spin and leave you wondering where do you start? Where do you turn next? Wouldn’t it be great if the whole process could just somehow be...
Tight supply of available homes for sale has been the story across the country for a number of years now and nowhere is that more evident than here in the Valley. The simple laws of supply and demand have left many buyers disappointed and frustrated. After the crash of 2008, first-time homebuyers in particular were less able, or at least less willing, to take on the large debt of a mortgage. With fewer...
If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payment or fear that you are about to be in that situation, you aren’t alone. It’s estimated that just over 10 million homeowners are behind on their mortgage payments currently. So, what can you do? Your best bet is to be proactive. Educate yourself about your potential options as early as possible. The longer you wait to seek out a solution, the...
Making a residential move is a huge undertaking. When that move involves more people in the household than just yourself, it becomes even more complicated. There are plenty of checklists for moving day, but what about the months leading up to your intended moving day? Even if you are just getting started on your home search, there are a number of steps you can take now to make moving day easier on you...
Finding a qualified and experienced contractor can be the deciding factor on whether you are making a sound investment in upgrading your home or throwing your money away. With so much on the line, here are five steps to take in choosing the right person for the job: 1. Begin with a budget. It’s easy for costs to quickly get out of hand if you don’t establish your budget before any...
Homeownership brings with it a number of benefits. But, many homeowners believe the required down payment is well beyond reach. If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably been told you need to put 20% down to purchase a home. On a $300,000 home, that’s $60,000. Add costs for closing, inspection, appraisal and other fees and it’s no wonder a lot of people don’t think they will ever own a...
