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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
In light of the recent settlement between the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the plaintiffs represented by class-action attorneys, home buyers need to be aware of new rules that will take effect nationwide on August 17, 2024. Here’s what you need...
When deciding on whether a pool should be on your house hunting wish list, balance these two factors: Any increase in the value of the house will be less than what it costs you to install, maintain, and insure a pool. That is true everywhere in the country. How much...
When you create an offer on a house, the Seller is going to ask you to prove that your mortgage will close on time. All you need is a pre-qualification, right? Nope. You need a pre-approval. A pre-underwritten mortgage is even better! What’s the difference? A...