The foreclosure crisis of 2008-2010 exposed a critical flaw in the mortgage lending system: lenders were issuing risky loans to borrowers who lacked the income to repay them. This practice led to widespread financial turmoil and devastating consequences for families...
Are you planning to move this spring? Now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the trends shaping today’s real estate market. Market Overview Real estate prices generally increase year over year, but the pace of growth fluctuates throughout the year....
You do not need an exclusive buyer’s agent to help you find houses for sale. There are countless websites that can show you what’s available. However, the real value of hiring a local real estate professional lies in their ability to provide expert insights and tips,...
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...
When house hunting, many people envision how they'll use their new home for years to come. For some, it's the perfect dining room for Thanksgiving dinners; for others, it's a spacious family room for game nights or a Super Bowl party. Here’s a guide to help you choose...
How Builders Shape Neighborhoods: A Guide to House Styles and Choices When builders decide what types of houses to construct, they consider not just current trends but also practical factors like the landscape, materials, and potential buyers’ preferences. Key...
Mortgages are like any other loan, except bigger. Getting a mortgage also comes with more up-front costs. What is a mortgage principal? The mortgage principal is the amount you are borrowing. How is mortgage interest calculated? Interest is the amount you pay for the...
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....
House hunting is mainly an adult activity, but there are times when you need or want to involve your children. House hunters need to pay attention to the property to get the details of the home in their mind. Children can be a distraction, sometimes. Children’s needs...
Q: I went to a buyer’s agent who said that he can’t send me property listings until I sign a contract with him. Another agent worked with me all weekend and never asked for one. Which one is right? A: All buyers agents should present a buyer’s agent agreement before...
Every buyer’s agent is required to provide a buyer’s agent contract when they begin working with a home buyer. One thing the buyer’s agent agreement must include is a clear description of what the buyer will be paying the agent and when the agent gets paid. How...