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Uncategorized Is a written buyer’s agreement necessary? Beginning August 17, 2024, many agents will be required to enter into a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home either in-person or through a live virtual tour and buyers should be familiar with what it entails. There have been buyer agreements for decades in the real estate industry and it was always […]
Uncategorized Tips to reduce your homeowner’s insurance cost Home insurance rates have increased by almost 20% nationally between 2021 and 2023 and even more in some states like Arizona where rates have jumped 62% in some cases. The appreciation that homeowners have enjoyed, especially in the past four years, has caused premiums to increase because the values are higher. In addition, insurance is […]
Uncategorized Finding Affordability in Lessons of the Past In the 1980s, home buyers faced significantly higher mortgage rates compared to today’s market. Despite this challenge, many people successfully purchased homes and made them worthwhile investments. They employed a range of strategies to manage costs and ensure affordability. Here are the key tactics they used, explained in detail: To reduce the amount borrowed and […]
Uncategorized Convenient but not accurate can cost you money Online estimates like Zillow, realtor.com, Redfin, & Homes.com are convenient, but typically lack accuracy and may have a significant margin of error. They are constructed using a computer-generated algorithm that utilizes historical public sales data and trends called an Automated Value Model, AVM. National AVMs derive values from automated computer modeling of public records and […]
Uncategorized Benefits of Checking your Credit Regularly You are encouraged by the Federal Trade Commission to be sure the information on your credit reports is accurate, complete, and up to date at least once a year. It is an important part of your financial life that can determine whether you get credit, the terms of the credit and how much it will […]
Uncategorized An annual home equity update benefits homeowners While the process of downsizing may initially focus on finding a smaller property, it’s essential for homeowners to also think ahead and plan for the future by including considerations such as aging in place, healthcare needs, and financial security, and offer guidance on creating a comprehensive plan for the years ahead. Assessing Long-Term Needs Before […]
Uncategorized Is a friend your best choice for your agent? In the realm of real estate transactions, the decision to engage a friend who also happens to be an agent may seem like a tenuous situation and may cause some hesitation. Concerns about how professional relationships may impact their personal connection occasionally weighs on a person’s mind, leading them to consider alternative options. It may […]
Uncategorized Key Considerations When Downsizing Your Home While the process of downsizing may initially focus on finding a smaller property, it’s essential for homeowners to also think ahead and plan for the future by including considerations such as aging in place, healthcare needs, and financial security, and offer guidance on creating a comprehensive plan for the years ahead. Assessing Long-Term Needs Before […]
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Uncategorized Agent Representation – A Buyer’s Perspective Real estate professionals offer expertise in the local market, guiding buyers toward suitable properties and negotiating favorable terms. They provide comprehensive support throughout the home buying process, managing logistics and serving as trusted advisors. Additionally, agents have access to a network of allied professionals, streamlining the transaction and ensuring smooth coordination. They also advocate for […]
Uncategorized The dilemma is clear: wait for conditions to improve, or act now? Are you one of the many would-be homebuyers holding off on purchasing a home, hoping for a favorable shift in the market? With insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs on the rise, it’s understandable why some are hesitant to take the plunge. However, the reality is that these factors affecting affordability are compounded by the […]
Uncategorized The case for working with a friend and agent The familiarity and trust established in a friendship may be the ideal foundation for a successful business relationship. Having a loyal ally from their social circle adds a new level of insight and service to such an important financial decision in their lives. When considering the choice of engaging a friend who also happens to […]
Uncategorized Common Household Pest Problems & Solutions /caption] Household pests can be a persistent and an unwelcome challenge for homeowners, disrupting daily routines and potentially posing health risks to occupants. From ants marching across kitchen countertops to rodents scurrying through attics, the presence of pests can create a sense of unease and frustration. However, understanding the common pests that may invade homes […]
Uncategorized Homeowner Strategies to Minimize Gain & Maximize Proceeds The gain on the sale of your home is determined by the price you sell the home, less selling expenses, less the price you paid for it, plus the capital improvements made during the time you owned the property. IRS and accounting use the term “basis” to describe your cost in the home. It is […]
Uncategorized How to change a second home to a primary home & why The tax benefits of owning both a first and second home can be significant, with the IRS allowing taxpayers to deduct interest and property taxes on both properties as itemized deductions on their tax returns, albeit with certain limitations. Interest deductions are limited to the amount of debt incurred to buy, build, or improve the […]
Uncategorized Living the Dream: The Value of Homeownership Owning a home has long been considered a fundamental part of the American dream. It represents far more than just having a place to live—it embodies values, aspirations, and a sense of security. Here’s why homeownership is widely regarded as a key component of the American dream: Stability and Roots: Owning a home provides a […]
Uncategorized How to get a lower rate and a lower price Are you in the market for a new home and wondering which mortgage option is right for you? While the world of home financing offers a surplus of choices, one option often overlooked is the Adjustable Rate Mortgage, or ARM. If you’re in a market where interest rates are trending lower, an ARM could be […]
Uncategorized Home selling strategies for downsizing seniors Downsizing can be a significant life transition for any age person, but especially for seniors who may have lived in this last home for some time. Follow these suggestions to make the downsizing process smoother and less stressful. Start Early: Begin the downsizing process well in advance of your planned move. Give yourself plenty of […]
Uncategorized Should You Install Artificial Turf in Your Yard? Who wouldn’t want to reside in a beautiful neighborhood adorned with meticulously manicured lawns? While some homeowners relish the thought of working on their yards, others may not share the same enthusiasm. If you’ve ever contemplated the idea of installing artificial turf, also known as fake grass, as a part of your landscape, it’s essential […]
Uncategorized Transform your home into a showstopper with the power of staging! Imagine looking around your home and wondering how you can make it shine during those crucial showings. The answer is simple: staging! It’s a powerful tool that can transform your property and raise its appeal. Your online listing photos serve as the initial showcase for potential buyers. Staging plays a crucial role in enhancing these […]
Buying Building a Case for Homeownership Today! Over the last 60 years, the average sales price of homes has appreciated at a rate of 5.56% annually, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data. During the same period, rent has increased at a rate of 3.88% annually which presents a compelling argument in favor of homeownership. When the figures are analyzed, it becomes […]