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....
First-Time Home Buyers
Search Smarter, Not Harder: Tips for House Hunters
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,...
Solar Power and Homeownership: Costs, Benefits, and Key Considerations
Solar for Your House Adding a solar array to your home can be an excellent investment, providing energy savings and boosting property value. If you're considering buying a house with an existing solar system, expect to pay approximately $15,000 more than a similar...
Can a Condo Association Forbid Me from Putting Up Christmas Decorations?
When considering purchasing a condo, it’s essential to review the condominium rules thoroughly. These rules are legally binding and could significantly impact your living experience. Can a condo association forbid Christmas decorations? The short answer is yes!...
Winter House Hunting: Spotting Insulation Issues Before You Buy
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...
Relocating: Should You Buy or Rent?
Making a long-distance move can be exciting but comes with big decisions—like whether to buy a house or rent for a year. This choice depends on various factors unique to your situation. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started: Step 1: Understand Your Budget What can...
Social Rooms: Which Will You Use?
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...
Winning in Negotiations by Being Organized
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...
Relocation Q&A: How Do I Get Settled in a New State?
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 with Children
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...
How Does a Buyers Agent Fee Get Paid?
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...
What is a buyer’s agent agreement?
Whenever you hire a professional for something, it is a good idea to have a contract. That’s what a buyer’s agent agreement is – it’s a buyer’s agent contract. It’s a legal document that tells you what the agent is going to do for you and what it is going to cost for...