Winter house hunters have an advantage. While house hunting in spring or summer, it’s difficult to gauge how comfortable a home will be during colder nights. Winter conditions provide an excellent opportunity to assess a house’s insulation and identify...
There are several strategies a buyer can use that don’t cost money but can still lead to success in real estate. What defines a win? Securing a property in competition, without paying way more than the competition. Getting a property for less than the competing...
Moving to a new state or region can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to settling into an unfamiliar community. Whether you've moved locally before or this is your first big relocation, there’s more to it than just packing boxes and changing addresses....
Suppose you see a house that seems like a great deal. If it is too-good-to-be-true, it is time to figure out if it really is true. The house is listed on your local multiple listing service, or Zillow, or Realtor.com for much less than other houses of its size...
A buyer’s agent is hired to help you with a big monetary decision, which is also a big personal decision. There is a wide variety in the quality of that fiduciary (financial) advice you will get, depending on the agent you choose. A buyer’s agent is required to help...
The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents supports the Multiple Listing Service because it offers up-to-date property information for home buyers. Good information helps buyers make informed decisions. Widely available information levels the playing field so...
The consumer advocates of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) warn that separating buyer agent commission from real estate practice will harm homebuyers. It is a misguided attempt to lower overall fees to consumers. Instead, it will lead to...
When you hire a real estate agent, you are effectively entering into a relationship. You both want the same thing: to find a great property fast and for a good price. But even with those common interests, there is still room for tension. This can be especially true...
Becoming a homeowner has long been considered a part of the American dream. But just because you can buy a home, doesn't mean you should. Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make, so it's crucial to consult an experienced...
In past decades, homebuyers traditionally went to their local bank to get the mortgage needed for their home purchase. In modern day, however, things have changed. Homebuyers now have far more options when it comes to choosing a home loan, and online lenders are...
Simply put, foreclosure is a process that lenders use to take property from borrowers. By taking legal action against a borrower who has stopped making payments, lenders can use foreclosure as an attempt to get their money back. For a borrower, an obvious problem...
An acceleration clause, as the name suggests, is a provision in a mortgage contract that will cause the loan payments to be “accelerated” when triggered. Examples of When an Acceleration Clause Comes into Play For instance, a contract states that when a borrower...