Owning a home comes with certain costs for which you’ll want to account before making the purchase. One of the costs that people often forget about before purchasing a home is homeowner’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance covers your dwelling and accidents that may occur on your property. The goal of homeowner’s insurance is to reduce your liability as a homeowner, and give you peace of mind in a worst case scenario. If a natural disaster befalls your home, the cost of repairs can be staggering. Homeowner’s insurance protects against this outcome. But how much should you actually be paying for your homeowner’s insurance? (more…)
Will a Video Walkthrough Lead to More Offers on Your Home?
Selling your home quickly is a matter of getting it in front of not only lots of potential buyers, but the right potential buyers as well. You want to show your home to people that want to buy it. If one-hundred people come to your open house, but none of them are in a position to actually buy your home, then you merely threw a weird, casual party for strangers. One of the practices you might employ to drive up interest in your home is creating a video walkthrough. The video walkthrough can give potential buyers a real sense of what your home is like and whether or not they might want to buy it. Before you publish that video to YouTube though, make sure you’re doing it right. (more…)
Should I Have Bought a Home Already?
It can be easy to compare yourself to others around you. Social media makes it easier to do so than ever before. With everyone else’s lives playing out in real time on your phone, you might feel anxious about falling behind. One way that many people measure life progress is by homeownership. Buying your first home is a huge life milestone that should be exciting for you, not just a status checkmark. The average first-time homebuyer is about 32-years-old. That doesn’t mean that this should be a deadline for you though. Whether or not you’re ready to buy a home is a matter of personal situation. (more…)
Understanding Common Home Buying Costs
As you move forward with a major financial and lifestyle decision, you want to be sure you’re prepared. Saving enough money to buy a home takes planning, but the offer you submit for the home isn’t the only cost you’ll have to consider. There are other common costs associated with buying a home, and if you’re not aware of them, they can sneak up on you. The last thing you want is for your momentous day to end on a sour note because you weren’t anticipating all of the financial considerations that go into buying a home. In today’s blog, we touch on some of the common home buying costs. (more…)
Should You Refinance to Complete a Home Renovation?
One of the perks of purchasing a home is that instead of just paying a monthly fee for rent, you’re actually getting equity for your money. You’re working toward owning the place where you live. Purchasing a home is a long-term plan, and your homeowner wants and needs can change over time. If you decide you want to take on a home renovation, you may consider financing the project using your own home. Refinancing your mortgage can free up the funds you need to move forward with the next phase of homeownership. But is it the right move for you? (more…)
How to Stage Your Home to Look Inviting
Staging your home is all about striking the right balance. While there are some general best practices that you can use, you also need to consider who your target homebuyer is. If you’re selling your slick, modern home, you want a clean, pristine look on the inside. If it’s a homey cottage, your home should feel cozy. The end result that you’re after is a staged home that matches the aesthetic of the architecture and the people who will be buying your home. Here are some tips on how to stage your home to look inviting to potential buyers. (more…)
Understanding Fixed- and Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
Buying a home for yourself isn’t only a matter of searching for the right property. You also need funding to make the purchase. Unless you have the flexibility to pay cash for a home outright, which is unlikely, you’ll need a home mortgage. When you go to apply for a mortgage, again, you have options. Some mortgages are fixed-rate loans, and some are adjustable-rate mortgages. Based on the names alone, you can already understand the key difference between the two mortgages, but in today’s blog, we explore the advantages and disadvantages supplied by both. (more…)
Do You Have a Home Inspection Service?
00Whether you’re on the buying or selling end of a real estate transaction, you need to have a quality home inspection service that you trust. If you’re buying a home for the first time, you may not already have a service that you’re comfortable with, but you’ll need to find one. Your home inspection service provides a thorough evaluation of the safety and quality of a home that you want to buy or sell. If there are any structural issues or wear and tear beneath the surface of the home, the inspection process should discover these problems. A home inspection services assures you that you’re buying or selling a quality home. (more…)
Is the Home You’re Buying an Investment?
There are many reasons why someone might want to buy a home. When you choose a home for yourself, you’re picking a place where you and your family will grow together and create special memories. This is an emotional reason for buying a home. Of course, you’ll want to consider the financial reasons for buying a home as well. At times, people will offer the argument that “buying a home is an investment.” Is that true? The answer to that question can be different depending on the particular situation you find yourself in. So, is the home you’re buying an investment. (more…)
What Makes a Good Seller’s Agent?
In hot housing markets, properties tend to move quickly, but selling quickly and getting the best price for your home don’t always go hand-in-hand. Working with a partner to sell your home can help reduce stress and ensure that you get a great price for your property. A seller’s agent is your partner during this important time. If you’ve never worked with a real estate agent to sell a home before, you may not be sure where to start. To point you in the right direction when making this decision, today’s blog covers what makes a good seller’s agent. (more…)
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