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...
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...
It’s little wonder why some homes smell in the summer. It is hot. It is more humid (in some places). People run air conditioners and keep windows closed. Any smells that are in the house stay in the house and collect. Smells that are easy to fix: Any smell that is on...
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...
A pre-approval is a letter from a lender. It states that the lender will give this borrower a mortgage for up to the amount on the letter. A pre-approval states that earnings and debt and credit history have been reviewed and approved. A pre-approval benefits both...
Short sales are often promoted as an easy way to buy a property at under-market value. That certainly works sometimes, but the majority of the short sale transactions present a very different reality to buyers. This report will help buyers objectively evaluate short...
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...
Throughout America, there is higher real estate activity in the spring, summer, and fall. Generally, people do not choose to sell their houses in the late fall and winter. Homeowners would rather not be showing their houses during times that will interfere with...
As the world shifts towards a more sustainable future, the real estate industry finds itself at the forefront of a green revolution. Homebuyers and investors alike are increasingly recognizing the value of properties that prioritize sustainability and energy...
Homeownership comes with a set of responsibilities and risks, making homeowners' insurance an essential component in safeguarding one's most significant investment. Similar to renters insurance, homeowners' insurance provides protection against unforeseen issues...
Acquiring the home of your dreams is an exhilarating experience, but this joy can turn into dismay when the specter of foreclosure looms six years later due to seemingly minor oversights, such as unpaid taxes. A homeowner in D.C. found themselves ensnared in this...
In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, one of the most significant game-changers in recent years has been the integration of smart home technology. What once seemed like futuristic concepts from science fiction are now becoming standard features, transforming...