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!...
Real Estate Tips
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...
Why Are There So Many Ranches in This Town?
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...
Mortgage Payments and Closing Costs
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...
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....
Buyer Agent Agreements, The Basics
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...
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...
How the NAR Settlement Affects Home Buyers
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...