Consider the not so Perfect House – Buyer Strategies for Challenging Times
Consider the not so perfect house; why prioritizing the location, lot size, and lay of the land before considering the interior features of the home is so important in this market. These are challenging times for home buyers. Housing inventory is at record low levels....
Not every year is the same, but there’s a pattern. First, though, I want to remind you that it takes about five weeks to close on a house, once you have an accepted offer. Here, I am talking about when you get your offer accepted, not when you close. So, for example,...
Do I Get My Earnest Money Deposit Back at Closing?
Anyone who's looked into the home buying process will have come across the term "earnest money" a few times. What is it? Simply put, it's a "good faith" deposit that is paid once you've made an offer on a home. It's intended as a way to show the seller that you're...
Days on Market: What It Means and Why It Matters to Buyers
In the real estate game, you’ll often hear the phrase “Days on the Market” (DOM). For home buyers, this is a crucially important term to understand. Why? Because it tells you how long a home listing has been on the market. The higher that number gets the more its...
What is Due Diligence: A First-Time Homebuyers Guide
Today we’ll be looking at the due diligence part of the buying process. This is an important process that no buyer can afford to leave out. By doing your due dilligence you will avoid buying a home which has more issues than you might first realize. What is Due...
What is a Home Owners Association? HOAs Explained
Most people have heard of Home Owners Associations (HOA), but fewer people know about them in the detail they should. These are homes in areas that typically have walled enclosures, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other amenities. All of which are only available to...
Price Per Square Foot: Does It Really Matter?
The real estate industry is full of buzzwords and catchphrases. The one we’ll be looking at today is price per square foot. This is a phrase you’ll often hear when comparing different homes on the market. It is meant to give you an idea of a home's market value and...
Top 5 Home Buyer Regrets and How to Avoid Them
Whether it's your first home purchase or your fifth, buying a home always comes with a lot of emotional baggage. As your closing day draws near, that emotional baggage can start to grow. Was this really a good deal? Would you have been better off waiting for another...
How to Calculate Your Home Ownership Costs Before Buying Your First Home
Buying your first home is an exciting time but also an expensive one. While that huge down payment may be the first financial mountain to climb it’s not the only one. Smart buyers also need to consider the costs after homeownership. You should consider getting an...
5 Common Myths of Buying a Foreclosed Home
Looking to buy a home but feel constrained by your budget? A foreclosed home could be your answer. These types of properties offer some of the best deals out there. Granted, they do come with downsides but not as many as most people think. To set the record straight,...
5 First Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid
With another busy season here, many people will be looking now to buy their first home. This will be an exciting time but also a stressful one with a lot to think about. If you fail to do your homework you could end up paying too much or with a lemon. To help you...
5 Important Rules of Etiquette Home Buyers Need to Know
Buying a home is a big moment and one that's easy to get emotional about. Most home buying etiquette is common sense but it's easy to overlook something in the heat of the moment. Fail to show good etiquette and you could end up losing the deal. Remember, sellers are...