|
|
|
Raynor James - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
For a number of years, Raynor wrote articles for “The Financial Planner,” a publication of the International Association of Financial Planners and for “The Business Review of Washington,” a business magazine published in Washington, DC. Today, Raynor is partnered with her husband, Hal, in FSBO America LLC, an online MLS for FSBO (for sale by owner) properties. She is also a free lance writer who has written thousands of articles on real estate and ... [More]
[View Raynor James's Extended Author Bio]
[Display Categories] Sort By [Title] [Newest] [Oldest]
Raynor James Email Alerts
- Real Estate - Be a Contrarian
[Real-Estate] The nature of a contrarian is to look at the general consensus and then act in the opposite manner. This can happen in any niche as we've just seen with Warren Buffet buying a railroad company, an investment he used to scorn! Well, you probably don't have 30 billion or so to buy your own railroad company, but a huge contrarian opportunity exists in real estate at the moment.
- Real Estate - The Relationship Between Housing and Jobs
[Real-Estate] The Great Recession is officially over based on a technical analysis by economist. For the rest of us, it feels like it is still here front and center. The biggest issue at this point is the status of the job market. This is particularly important when considering the relationship between the housing market and employment.
- Real Estate Marketing Tip - YouTube It!
[Real-Estate:Marketing] The web has revolutionized the field of real estate like no other niche. Well, maybe excluding online dating, but you get the point. The web has allowed people to point and click instead of driving endless miles wasting time and money on the weekend. While most people know they should market online now, there is an additional step most fail to take.
- Selling Your House in This Economy - Critical Basic Steps
[Real-Estate:Selling] Sometimes we get to sell our residences when we want to and sometimes we have to sell because we really have no choice. A lack of choice is probably the reason for any sale in this market. Regardless of how you get to the decision, the key to selling in this market is to return to the basic, critical steps for any sale. Let's take a look.
- When Your Real Estate Agent Gives Legal Advice
[Real-Estate] Real estate agents are in the game of buying and selling homes. At their core, they are sales people and rightly so. Given this fact, you need to be very leery of any real estate agent that offers legal advice. Why? They haven't got a clue and are potentially breaking the law.
- The Long View on Real Estate
[Real-Estate] The nature of an economic crisis is such that we tend to focus on the sky falling in the short term and miss out on long term opportunities. The current status of the real estate market is one such situation.
- Detroit - When a Real Estate Market Falls Off the Edge
[News-and-Society:Economics] The last few years have seen much nervous discussion about just when the real estate market will hit bottom. Underlying such discussion is the inherent fear of just how low can values go? One needs only look to Detroit to see the nightmare scenario.
- This is a Real Estate Recovery?
[Real-Estate] The Great Recession is over! Well, at least that is what we keep hearing. In truth, the technical indicators show the recession is at an end, but the anemic recovery is going to make it hard to see any positive bright lights. One need look no further than the current real estate market.
- Questions FSBO Buyers Need to Ask
[Real-Estate:FSBO] We evaluate things by asking and answering questions. This article points out the questions that home buyers need answers to.
- For Sale by Owner - Realtor Secrets 201 For FSBOs
[Real-Estate:FSBO] More Realtor secrets FSBOs (FOR SALE BY OWNER sellers) need to know in order to successfully sell their own properties and "earn" the commission that might otherwise have been paid to a Realtor. Make no mistake, the commission needs to be earned by someone. In this market, properties don't sell themselves, but you CAN make it happen.
- For Sale by Owner - Realtor Secrets 301 For FSBOs
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Good Realtors use an integrated, multi-media marketing approach to selling homes. Sensible FSBOs (FOR SALE BY OWNER sellers) need to do the same. Here are some advanced real estate marketing secrets that will help you get the job done.
- For Sale by Owner - Realtor Secrets 101 For FSBOs
[Real-Estate:FSBO] It's no secret that today's real estate market is tough. Worried sellers are trying to sell their homes themselves. Home property values are down, and they desperately want to save the cost of a real estate commission, so they try to market their properties as FSBOs (for sale by owner sellers).
- Marketing Your Property - Mistakes by FSBOs and Realtors
[Real-Estate:FSBO] FSBOs and even Realtors make consistent mistakes in marketing homes. This largely centers around an attempt to control the flow of information about the property which is for sale. We point out why it's important to get full information "out there," and offer some suggestions for doing it.
- Should You Buy a Fixer-Upper in a Slow Market?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Flip that home and make big bucks. Buy a fixer-upper and clean up. This is the common theme of more than a few television shows and they make it look pretty easy. The real questions, of course, are whether this can actually be done and whether you should be doing it now.
- Photographing Your Home Before Listing it Online
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When it comes to real estate, the internet is a beautiful thing. It has revolutionized the real estate industry. Instead of spending countless hours [and dollars in gas] driving around looking at homes, the vast majority of buyers now sit and click through listings on sites.
- Evaluating Neighborhoods When Home Buying
[Real-Estate:Buying] Location, location and location - it is the first rule of real estate that we all learn. While we have all had this rule hammered into our collective psyche, another rule is arising in this current dismal real estate market - the look twice rule.
- What Happens to My Mortgage When the Bank Fails?
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] To say the current real estate market is a mess would be a slight understatement. We haven't seen problems like this since the Great Depression. This is particularly true with banks, which are failing or on the cusp of doing so.
- Freddie Mac - Critical to the Mortgage Market
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The mortgage market in the United States is an interesting one because of the presence of semi-government entities in it. Freddie Mac is one such entity and a critical one to keeping the mortgage market moving.
- When a Seller is Unreasonable - Outrageously So
[Real-Estate:Buying] In this era of more people buying homes in foreclosure and dealing with a third party (the one that holds the mortgage) there can be unexpected issues that will leave the buyer scratching their heads wondering if the home really was for sale. This was my experience.
- First Time Buyers and Model Homes
[Real-Estate:Buying] Buying home is both an emotional and financial decision. You want to stick to your budget, but your eyes can get mighty big when you see some homes. This is particularly true if you are a first time buyer and are looking at model homes.
- Does Renting Make Sense Given the Bad Real Estate Market?
[Real-Estate:Buying] One of the basic tools used by financial advisors is to show their clients the advantages of homeownership versus renting. As you've probably heard, renting always seems to come out as the bad option. Many are starting to question whether that is still the case.
- The Secret to Enticing Buyers in a Slow Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] The real estate market has typically been touted as a stable field where your investment will grow slowly, but surely, over time. And then the 21st century came and everything went nuts.
- Getting Comfortable With Real Estate Contracts
[Legal:Real-Estate-Law] Selling or buying a home is one of the biggest transactions you will ever enter into during your life. As with most transactions of this sort, a contract is required. Ah, but what if you are not a lawyer?
- Two Repairs to Do Prior to Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] When you list your home on the market, you have to realize potential buyers are going to go over it with a fine tooth comb. This means you need to make repairs before hand. Since you probably aren't rolling in money, prioritizing repairs is often important.
- Are Foreclosures Indicative of a Bottoming Real Estate Market?
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] The real estate market is bouncing back from a legendary hot period by going ice cold. Money has dried up, home values are bombing out and foreclosures are at unheard of levels.
- Energy Efficiency - A Creative Tweak When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] The real estate market is slightly cold these days across much of the country. If you hope to sell your home for a decent price, you need some factor that makes it stand out from similar homes around you.
- Who Wants to Understand Real Estate Contracts?
[Legal:Real-Estate-Law] Mention the word contract and images of expensive lawyers comes to mind. In real estate transactions, this is largely not the case anymore.
- The Unpublished Problem With the Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate] The hyped reasons for the massive slow down in the real estate market are the credit crunch and bursting of the real estate balloon. There is one other major problem that nobody talks about.
- Finding the Bottom of the Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate:Buying] Down, down and down we go. Where will the real estate market settle? Is it possible to figure out where the bottom of the real estate market will be? It is an interesting question.
- The Secret to Getting the Best Price on Home Improvements
[Home-Improvement] One of the time tested strategies in real estate is to buy the "ugly duckling" on the block and then improve it to reap appreciation gains. The key to maximizing your gain, of course, is to minimize your cost. This means you need to know the secret to getting the best price on home improvements.
- Homeowners Should Avoid Paper Loss Panic
[Real-Estate:Homes] The sky is falling! Talk to practically any homeowner these days and you would swear that Armageddon has arrived. While the real estate market is a mess, homeowners need to take a deep breath.
- Getting Lenders to Give You Money
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] As of the writing of this article, the real estate market is a horrific mess as prices fall. This "down" market is, of course, a huge boon for home buyers. You can pick up properties at very low prices and make a killing when the prices recover in a year or so.
- Secret Strategies For Coming Up With Down Payment Funds
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The current real estate situation is a killer for most borrowers. While prices are down to very attractive numbers, getting funding to buy a home is very tough given the current credit crunch.
- The Secret to Getting Over Your Fear of Contracts As A FSBO Seller
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Selling your home without a real estate agent has a lot of benefits. Many homeowners, however, fail to take this path because of a fear of dealing with the real estate contracts involved. This common fear is misplaced.
- The Secret to Selling Your Home - Plastic Surgery!
[Real-Estate:Selling] The real estate market is cold, cold, cold. If you want to sell in this market, you need to spice things up. One of the best ways is to do a little plastic surgery on your home.
- The Secret To Avoiding A Financing Disaster When Buying A Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] The real estate market is completely out of whack at the moment, which means you need to be careful. In short, you need to know the secret to avoiding a financing disaster when buying a home.
- Home Sellers - Evaluating Problems Raised By Buyers
[Real-Estate:Selling] You've put the property up on the market and are getting interest from potential buyers. In fact, one has made an offer you find generally acceptable, but has raised some problems regarding the home in it. What do you do?
- Why Location Is So Important When Buying A Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] Location, location, location - you've probably heard this phrase a thousand times, but what does it really mean? If you are in the market for a home, you'll want to know why location is key.
- Sell Your Home Like A Pro
[Real-Estate:Selling] There is a lot that goes into selling your home, though this process may be easier than you think. To sell your home effectively, make sure to follow the subsequent steps.
- The Secrets To Selling Your Home Without An Agent
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Do you really need an agent in order to sell your home? If you have been asking yourself this question, the answer is a simple "no." However, you will need to know a few things about real estate if you want to make sure your sales goes smoothly.
- The Secrets Of Holding Successful Open Houses
[Real-Estate:Selling] Ah, the open house - that one chance that you have to either snag a buyer ... or cause them to run screaming from your home. Open houses can be helpful, but only if you know a few tricks of the trade.
- Tips For Using Real Estate Signs To Generate Buyer Interest
[Real-Estate:Selling] Is it possible to sell a home without a for sale sign? Well, it is if you intend to sell it to your closest relative. Otherwise, neglecting to properly advertise your home will cost you those interested buyers.
- Critical Perspective for the Current Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate] Real estate has often been viewed as a solid investment for a number of reasons. One of those reasons is the fact it tends to be fairly stable. This rule has been flipped on its head this decade.
- Secret Strategies to Avoid Foreclosures
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] For most people, it is difficult to look past today's problems towards the future. The current real estate market is creating such a challenge for plenty of people.
- Killer Strategies for Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] The golden age of the real estate market has turned into...well, a fixer upper market. Money is tight, sales are way down and values are plummeting. Still, there are killer strategies that will get your home sold.
- The Cash for Keys Deal with Foreclosures
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Banks have noticed a rather significant problem when they foreclose on homeowners. More and more of the homes are being trashed by the owners before they move out. Banks are now fighting back in an odd way. They are offering cash to owners that move out peacefully.
- The Secret Method to Sell Your Home In A Cold Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] So, you need to sell your home. A quick dip of the toe in the real estate pool will tell you the market is ice cold. Don't worry. In this article, we look at a secret method that will sell your home in a cold real estate market.
- Blowing Your Counter Offer
[Real-Estate:Selling] Whether we will admit it or not, we all think we are pretty clever. This can manifest in many ways. In real estate, it often happens when a seller blows their counter offer to a buyer.
- The Key Box Conundrum When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Convenience is a fact of life. When a potential buyer wants to see your home, you must make it available to them or risk them looking elsewhere. This brings us to the issue known as the key box conundrum.
- Real Estate - The Unfortunate Discovery For Homeowners
[Real-Estate:Homes] Real estate is a fairly simple investment game in the long run. Buy a home, improve it and then eventually resell it. Although we are going through a rough patch in the market, this still holds true. Some homeowners can, however, make an unfortunate discovery regarding their home that can cause major financial problems.
- What Real Estate Prices Mean Anything
[Real-Estate] There are many factors that go into selling or buying when it comes to real estate. Some of the factors are dependent on understanding the game. This includes pricing. Specifically, there is more than on price for a home, neighborhood and city. The trick is to figure out what they mean.
- The Secret to Dealing With Banks When Having Mortgage Problems
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The current real estate market is an utter mess, which is leading to a situation where many borrowers are in financial trouble. This brings us to the secret to dealing with banks when you are having mortgage problems.
- Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
[Real-Estate:Selling] You've made the decision to sell. Now you are ready to go, but what do you actually do? The answer is simple. You need to take the necessary steps to get your home ready to sell.
- The Difference Between Buying A Profitable Fixer Upper or A Money Trap
[Real-Estate:Buying] One of the basic rules of real estate is to buy the cheapest home on the block, fix it up and reap the profits. When using this strategy, you have to be careful to make sure you buy the fixer upper instead of the money trap.
- Calendar Considerations When Buying A Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] Most markets are cyclical in nature. In practical terms, this means there are periods where the market in question is very busy and periods where it is very slow. Many people are surprised to learn this also applies to the real estate market.
- Buying Real Estate - What to Look For
[Real-Estate:Buying] You've watched the real estate market for a while and are ready to make the plunge. Now that you've decided to sell, what do you look for?
- Buying Land - Issues To Keep In Mind
[Real-Estate:Land] The current real estate market is in the dumps. This has had the secondary effect of driving down the price of land. If you are interested in building your own home, it is a good time to buy land.
- The Secret to Selling Your Home In This Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] The current real estate market is in a definite downturn. If you don't need to sell, you shouldn't. Ah, but what if you do? How do you stand out from the other properties and get buyers to make offers on your home? This brings us to the secret to selling your home in this market.
- Mortgage Loans - Picking Between Fixed and Adjustable In The Current Market
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The Federal Reserve Bank has jumped into the mortgage market with both feet as it attempts to revive a critically ill housing market. This is good news, but also presents a trap for the unwary.
- Is $200 Billion Enough To Help The Real Estate Market?
[Real-Estate] The Federal Reserve Bank has been taking a beating when it comes to how it has moved to handle the current financial and economic situation. The announcement of what is essentially a 200 billion dollar financing plan signals a change in direction.
- Worthwhile Home Improvements
[Home-Improvement:Remodeling] While most homes require minimal improvements, you will be much better off if you make the types of changes that are worth the extra investment. Though there are no guarantees that any sort of home improvement will allow you to list your home at a higher price, some home renovations are much more worthwhile than others. While several people may decide to knock down walls and purchase designer cabinetry, others may find that basic changes are quite important.
- Home Renovations To Consider Before Selling
[Real-Estate:Selling] Is your home in need of renovation? Before you try to sell your home, there are a few things that you will need to repair. If you neglect to make necessary adjustments, you could lose a buyer.
- Selling the Unusual Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Is your home peculiar in some manner? Whether you live in a tree, or under water, unusual homes are not impossible to sell... they just take a bit more effort. Though the marketing aspect of an unusual home is just as important as advertising a regular home, you may not find your ideal buyer by placing an ad in the local paper.
- The Many Types of Buyers
[Real-Estate:Selling] When it comes to selling your own home, you should know that all buyers are certainly not created equal. Knowing how to spot each type of buyer is really half of the selling battle.
- Put On Your Negotiation Hat
[Business:Negotiation] Are you a savvy negotiator? If not, you may want to brush upon your bargaining skills before you attempt to sell your home. Here are some great negotiation tips for you to consider.
- Beware of Funky Real Estate Deals
[Real-Estate:Buying] The current real estate market is one that can be described as extreme. Whereas the market was extremely in favor of sellers and homeowners earlier this decade, it has swung back in favor of buyers with a vengeance.
- Don't Lose Buying Discipline in This Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate:Buying] Let's face it. This is one of the epic buyers' markets in the history of real estate. The heady days of easy money are over and the market is stuffed with inventory. That doesn't mean you should forgo the usual discipline when buying a home.
- Rethinking Improvements Before Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] When you buy a home, you are committing most like to the largest chunk of debt in your life. So, what is the first thing you do? Start ripping it apart and doing improvements in your style!
- Using Incentives To Move Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] It slices, it dices, it will take you dog for a walk and it is only $19.99. Wait! We'll send you three of them!
- Why Your Home May Not Sell
[Real-Estate:Selling] Has your home been on the market for too long? If you just can't seem to sell your home, there may be a few things that you are overlooking.
- Why You Might Need A Real Estate Lawyer
[Legal] Do you know all about contracts, fees, and terms? If you have no idea what you are about to sign, you may just have to hire a lawyer - and save yourself a lot of grief.
- Tips and Advice for Showing Your Home Tips
[Real-Estate:Selling] You probably know that you will need to show your home to numerous buyers before you sell your house. But, did you know that there are some ways to show your home more effectively?
- FSBO Sellers - What to Ask a Potential Buyer
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Do you tend to ask a lot of questions? When you are selling your home there are some things that you should ask a buyer, and some things that you should refrain from asking.
- Should You Really Be Improving Your Home with Modern Amenities?
[Real-Estate:Homes] Did you know that there is a heated debate occurring within the real estate world right now? Some people thrive upon renovation, but others will warn you to stick with the bare minimum.
- Sure Fire Home Sale Tricks
[Real-Estate:Selling] You have probably heard all about how to sell your home, and what sort of home improvements you need to make, but do you know how to arrange your home in an appealing way? There are some tried and true ways to tempt even the most difficult home buyer, and the following tricks are sure to bring in more than a few offers on your home.
- Is Auctioning Your Home A Good Idea in a Slow Market?
[Real-Estate:FSBO] There is a new trend sweeping the FSBO world, and this trend begins with an auctioneer. Many home owners are turning to auction houses in order to sell their homes in a hurry, but is auctioning your home really a good idea?
- Home Appraisers and What They Do
[Real-Estate] Allowing a home appraiser to come and inspect your house is always a difficult process to go through. Often, home owners are rather surprised at the market value that a home appraiser comes up with, but rest assured - a home appraiser's valuation is usually right on target.
- Selling Your Condo
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] Are you attempting to sell a condo? If so, you should know that selling a condo is not the same as selling a home, and there are many different things that any condo owner should automatically mention in order to make a sale.
- Unique Home Staging Tips
[Real-Estate:Home-Staging] You have probably heard by now that you should "stage" your home for sale, but staging requires a lot more than simply setting up attractive displays. Some of the best home stagers out there have quite a few tricks up their sleeves, and here are some staging ideas that you don't want to ignore.
- What To Do With Your Pets When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Who doesn't love a friendly household pet? While most home buyers have pets of their own, when it comes to viewing a house your pet may get in the way of your sale.
- Selling Your Home With the Virtual Tour
[Real-Estate:Selling] Did you know that most buyers will only visit a home after viewing numerous photographs and virtual tours? If you have not yet considered applying a virtual tour to your listing, you will want to pay close attention to this article.
- Showing Your Home While Keeping Your Privacy In Tact
[Real-Estate:Selling] Make no mistake about it, home buyers will open nearly every closet and cabinet within your home. In fact, you want to encourage buyers to move and touch things within your home, but you should also learn how to keep your private information hidden during an open house.
- Sellers Must Create A Welcoming Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Do you know how to play the part of a gracious host? Most potential buyers are looking to feel "at home" while viewing various houses, so make sure that you provide a more than adequate welcome.
- Writing the Perfect Ad for Your Home
[Real-Estate:FSBO] How are your writing skills? Creating the perfect advertisement for your home can either make or break your sale, and so many advertisements are never read simply because they are written all wrong.
- Range Pricing
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Some homes are just hard to sell, but that doesn't mean that they can't be sold at all. If your home has been on the market for quite some time now, and you are at your wit's end, there is one selling tactic that may come to your rescue in a hurry.
- Market Your Home Like A Pro
[Real-Estate:Selling] Professional advertisers tend to pull in excellent salaries due to the fact that they know how to sell anything. When it comes to selling your own home, start thinking like a pro.
- Homes Recently Sold - A Cue for Sellers
[Real-Estate:Selling] If you are attempting to sell your own home, you probably know that you should look at other homes currently on the market in your area, but what about those homes that have already been sold? Many people are under the impression that previously sold homes are a thing of the past, but accessing former listing sales is one sure fire way to ensure that your home is priced properly.
- What Not To Do When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] There are so many different tips out there for home sellers, but most of those tips tell you what to do in order to make a sale. How often do you find an entire article dedicated to listing those things that you should not do when selling your home? Believe it or not, there are some common mistakes that home sellers often make, and these, seemingly, minuscule faults can really turn away your best potential buyers.
- It's In The Way That You Word It
[Real-Estate:Selling] Are you currently trying to sell your own home, but you don't know how to write a proper sales advertisement? Well, if you have already written a rough draft, you will need to go over that draft in order to avoid creating the wrong type of sales message. Some words will immediately turn a buyer off, which is why that it is important to know how to properly word your home advertisement.
- Don't Let That Buyer Go!
[Real-Estate:Selling] Hanging on to a potential buyer is a lot like luring in that ten pound bass - don't let your buyer slip away once you've got them hooked to your home. You have spent the past few months marketing your home, holding open houses, staging your home, and preparing your home in general, so make sure that you keep a great buyer when they come along. If you are feeling a little unsure about the ways in which to handle a potential buyer, here are some well thought of tips.
- When Your Buyer Doesn't Qualify
[Real-Estate:Selling] It happens, sometimes you enter into a contract with a buyer only to find out that the buyer does not qualify for any sort of mortgage. Thankfully, you can offer the prospective buyer a "lease with option to buy" agreement that will allow a buyer to rent a home from six months to two years. In most cases, this option will appeal to the buyer allowing you to complete the home sale within the set time period.
- Investigating Potential Buyers
[Real-Estate:Selling] Have you found a buyer that is interested in your property? If you have gone through the whole "for sale by owner" process, and you have found the perfect buyer, congratulations - only, can your dream buyer actually afford your property? Before you allow any potential buyer to sign a piece of paper, make sure that they can purchase your home.
- Your Very First Open House
[Real-Estate:Selling] Get ready to host the most important party of your life -- when selling your home, an open house is the best way to nab potential buyers. Although it may seem like an easy feat, there are a lot of preparation steps to keep in mind before you invite the neighborhood into your house. In order to better acquaint yourself with open house tactics, you will first have to play the part of a home buyer.
- Selling Under Pressure
[Real-Estate:Selling] Sometimes, selling your home is not something that you choose to do, but it may be something that you are forced to do for financial reasons. Nobody wants to be in this situation, but if you find yourself having a hard time making your mortgage payments, selling might be your only option. Obviously, selling a home under pressure is not an ideal scenario, but if you arrive at this point there are some things that you should automatically consider.
- Close That Deal
[Real-Estate:Selling] Have you ever heard of playing "cat and mouse?" Well, closing a deal can sometimes follow the same sort of pattern. When you receive an offer, it is often hard to turn it down, but you should never assume that the first offer will be the best one. Likewise, don't become caught up in buyer demands, and know that there is always a way out.
- The Timing Has To Be Just Right
[Real-Estate:Selling] Timing, timing, timing - isn't that how the famous real estate saying goes? Even though location is important, when you are selling your own home timing is just as crucial. So many homes stay on the market for months, years even, simply due to the fact that the timing was all wrong when the house was listed. Make sure that you do not list your home until the market is just right, and in order to this you will have to be a bit of a sleuth.
- Preparing for a Home Inspector
[Real-Estate:Selling] Most people dread the unavoidable home inspector as much as the average person dreads the tax man. No matter how much you try to avoid it, buyers have the right to bring a home inspector with them before purchasing any home. Home inspectors are hired to thoroughly investigate every nook and cranny within your house, so get ready for a nerve wracking experience.
- Figuring Out The Realistic Value of Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] How much is your home worth? If you are able to answer this question without hesitation, hopefully you have already done some market value research. However, if you have not yet taken the time to properly investigate your home's actual worth, yet you are still able to answer the above question, you may be setting yourself up for a large disappointment. In order to successfully sell your own home, your property must be carefully evaluated and compared to other homes within your area.
- Spruce Up Your Home Before Selling
[Real-Estate:Selling] Make no mistake about it, you will need to change the inside of your home before you list your house on the market. If the mere thought of changing the way that you home looks leaves you feeling conflicted, know this - most prospective home buyers will find many things wrong with the way your home looks. That's right, even if you think that your fabulously papered walls are extraordinary, most home buyers will not walk past the front door if they cannot see any potential.
- A Crash Course in Marketing Your Home
[Real-Estate:FSBO] How do you know that the store around the block is having a fantastic sale? Either you have received a flyer stating this fact, or you have heard about the sale through word of mouth. The world really cannot revolve without marketing, and items are constantly being sold to you whether you realize it or not. That said, think about your own home as a product that you are trying to sell, and understand that marketing your home is ninety percent of the overall sale.
- Move Your Home In A Slow Real Estate Market With Incentives
[Real-Estate:Selling] It slices, it dices, but that's not all... We've all seen those infomercials offering all types of incentives to get us to buy that useless little gadget. Well, you should do the same with your house in a slow market.
- Does the Mortgage Bailout Save the Real Estate Market?
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] The latest news from the real estate market is the subprime mortgage bailout agreed to by the lenders and the federal government. The question, of course, is whether is effectively saves the real estate market or simply delays the inevitable?
- The FSBO vs. Real Estate Agent Question
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Many homeowners are perplexed by the question of whether they should sell their home without an agent, known as a FSBO seller, or with an agent. In truth, this isn't really the critical question it seems.
- Showing Your FSBO Home
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Give the slow real estate market we have these days, many are looking to sell their homes without agents, better known as FSBO selling. If you are one of these people, you might have questions about how to handle the showing of your home.
- The 5 Issues Involved In Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] When it comes to the real estate game, most people assume location, location, location is the name of the game. Well, it is just one of the aspects you need to consider if you really want to be able to move your property in any market, even a cold one.
- Sell Your Home Without Worrying About It Sitting On The Market To Long
[Real-Estate:Selling] One of the problem with the current real estate market is the demand is so low that sellers have to pull their homes from the market or risk buyers thinking there is something wrong with the property due to the length of the listing. Is there a way around this problem?
- Strategies When Foreclosure Is On The Horizon
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Unless you have been living under a rock, you should know that the real estate industry is in turmoil as adjustable and hybrid mortgages reset interest rates. The resulting increase in monthly payments is pushing a sizeable group of homeowners into foreclosure.
- Are You Really Ready To Buy Rental Properties?
[Real-Estate:Investing] Watch the various television shows and infomercials and it can seem like investing in rental properties is the way to go to make a certified fortune. Rental properties can be lucrative, but there are definite downsides.
- Federal Tax Issues When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Once you make the decision to sell your home, there are a bevy of issues you need to keep in mind. As with most anything involving money, taxes are one such subject.
- IRS Provides Foreclosure Tax Relief For Homeowners
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] As if a foreclosure on your home isn't bad enough, do you realize there could be dire tax consequences? Fortunately, the IRS is taking steps to mitigate much of the double disaster.
- Real Estate Closing - Issues to Cover
[Real-Estate] Whether you are buying or selling a home, you are going to have to deal with the closing of the transaction, sometimes called the settlement in certain parts of the country. There are number of issues that necessarily should or must be covered.
- Don't Excessively Improve Your Home Before Selling
[Real-Estate:Selling] Once you make the decision to sell your house, the first thing you should think about is fixing up the rough spots. You want your house to look good, but don't over do it unless you want to be disappointed.
- California Fire Lesson - Remove Shake Shingle Roofs
[Home-Improvement:Roofing] As I write this, the fires in California are proving to be devastating. It is hard to think about lessons to be learned from such a tragedy, but one is very clear.
- Should You Buy Now or Not?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Wherever you look, there is advice being shouted at you regarding the real estate market. Do this, do that and so on. In the current market, of course, the question is whether you should buy or wait.
- Retiring Baby Boomers - A New Real Estate Market Dynamic
[Real-Estate] More than a few stories have been written about the fact the first person of the baby boomer generation received social security on October 15, 2007. What many people are missing is the coming impact on the real estate market.
- Play Up Your FSBO Position to Sell Faster
[Real-Estate:FSBO] The current real estate market is such that being a seller is not the easiest thing in the world. If you really want to make progress in selling your own home, play up the fact it is a FSBO property.
- Real Estate Buyers - How To Get The Best Deal
[Real-Estate:Buying] The great American real estate market game has swung away from the favor of sellers to that of buyers. If you are a buyer entering the market, there is one particular step you can take to get the best possible deal.
- Revenge of the Home Buyers
[Real-Estate:Buying] The title of this article may sound like a variation of one of the various zombie movies out there, but it is far more cutthroat and vicious than mere zombies. After years of getting kicked around in a historic sellers' market, buyers are back in charge and carrying a grudge.
- Buying Real Estate - Ignore the Fluff
[Real-Estate:Buying] When developers are selling homes in a community, they go to great expense to build, furnish and landscape the model homes. Have you ever wondered why?
- Real Estate Investing Opportunities Arise
[Real-Estate:Investing] The real estate market is like a pendulum. During certain periods, it swings in favor of sellers and then swings the opposite way in favor of buyers. The last sellers' market constituted a huge swing and the rebound in favor of buyers has been large.
- Selling Your Home Is In The Details
[Real-Estate:Selling] The sellers' market has definitely cooled throughout most of the country. Given this fact, you need to pay attention to the details if you hope to sell your home these days.
- Avoid Offers Conditioned On The Sale of A Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] It is no secret the current real estate market is not exactly hot in most of the country. This can lead sellers to sometimes make mistakes they come to seriously regret.
- What Should Home Inspectors Check?
[Real-Estate:Buying] We are currently in the middle of a big buyer's market. If you decide to make an offer on a home, you are going to need to have a home inspector give it the once over before closing on the deal.
- Selling Your Home - Consequences of Failing to Disclose
[Real-Estate:Selling] Once you make the decision to sell your home, you have to take a close look at its positives and negatives. Many of the negatives you identify must be disclosed to potential buyers if they are significant.
- Trying to Sell In A Bad Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] You unlucky soul. You missed the red hot real estate market and now need to sell your home in a bad market. So, can it be done and, if so, what are your options?
- Beware Contingency Real Estate Offers
[Real-Estate:Selling] The early decade was the golden age of real estate. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know things have changed significantly lately.
- Evaluating Offers for Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] You've listed your home for sale. After a stressful wait, you receive the first written offer. A glorious day indeed, but now you have a problem. You have to evaluate whether it is good or bad!
- Buy The Cheapest Home On the Block
[Real-Estate:Buying] When buying, you need a strategy to find a home that is both a good place to live and a solid investment. Location, location, location is one rule, but there are others.
- Mortgage Problems for the Self-Employed
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Much of the business force in the United States is self-employed. Despite this fact, lenders have a bear of a time coming up with ways to handle such people.
- Why A 20 Percent Down Payment?
[Real-Estate:Buying] There are certain pillars in the real estate world that we have all come to know and rely upon. The question, however, is where did those pillars come from. For instance, how did 20 percent come to be the magic down payment number?
- The Basics of Foreclosure
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Foreclosure is an unhappy event for all concerned. The basics of foreclosure vary from state to state, but the end result is usually the same. Everyone loses with the exception of potential Real Estate investors.
- Returns on Real Estate vs. Stock Market
[Real-Estate] There is always going to be debate amount investors over the returns on Real Estate vs. the Stock Market. Each side has their valid points and it is mostly going to be up to the investor to make his own decision.
- Historical Returns on Real Estate Investments
[Real-Estate:Investing] There are many emotional factors connected with the ownership of Real Estate. Do the historical returns on Real Estate investments justify the confidence so many investors have in them?
- What is a Short Sale?
[Real-Estate] In exploring the world of Real Estate investment, you are going to find a great deal of properties that are on the way to foreclosure. If you know how a Short Sale works, you might be able to make some very good deals.
- How the Lease Option Works in Real Estate
[Real-Estate:Buying] It is a bit hard to nail down exactly how the lease option works in Real Estate. A lease option is similar to a knife fight, there are no real rules.
- Do You Need a License to Flip Properties?
[Real-Estate:Investing] You often hear about people who are studying for their Real Estate License. Does this mean that you need a license to flip properties?
- Down Payment Funding Strategies
[Real-Estate:Buying] There are quite a few practical down payment funding strategies that can help make Real Estate investment possible. The key is to be flexible and willing to negotiate for what is in your best interest.
- The Cons of Buying Foreclosures
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] Although buying foreclosure properties can be a very successful Real Estate investment strategy, there is a down side. One of the cons of buying foreclosures are the laws that protect the homeowners.
- Pros of Buying Foreclosures
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] The buying of foreclosures is a potentially profitable method of Real Estate investment. The pros of buying foreclosures in many cases outweigh the cons.
- Can You Really Buy Real Estate for No Money Down?
[Real-Estate:Buying] You are often told it is true, but can you really buy Real Estate for no money down? The answer is a resounding yes, and there are quite a few ways that it can be done.
- Does Flipping a Home Really Work?
[Real-Estate:Investing] If you have watched any late night television lately, you will have heard of flipping a home even if you did not hear it called that. But does flipping a home really work?
- Are Condos a Good Investment?
[Real-Estate:Investing] Condominiums have become popular in recent years both as residences and investment opportunities. Are Condos a good investment?
- The Origins of the Six Percent Real Estate Agent Commission
[Real-Estate] The commission paid to the Real Estate agent is a serious amount of money and a concern in any transaction involving the sell of Real Estate. Where did this six percent commission come from?
- What Properties Can Be Used For a 1031 Exchange?
[Real-Estate:Selling] In addition to the strict time limitations on 1031 Exchanges, there are certain properties that can be used. These properties must satisfy the Internal Revenue guidelines.
- Understanding the 1031 Exchange Tax Rules
[Real-Estate:Selling] Understanding the 1031 Exchange Tax rules is necessary to enjoy the full benefits of the tax-deferred concept. It is usually a good idea to get some assistance from a tax expert to help you through the IRS minefield.
- What is a Tax-Deferred Exchange?
[Real-Estate:Selling] It is nice to make a lot of money on an investment such as real estate. However, if you do not know about the opportunity for a tax-deferred exchange, you might end up giving a lot of your profit to the taxman.
- Should You Buy a Used or New Home?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Once you make the decision to buy a home, you immediately have a second one to make. Should you buy a used or new one? There are pros and cons for both.
- Checklist Before Showing Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] You have put your home on the market and are getting some interest. Potential buyers want to come see the home, which means you need to do a last minute checkup.
- Quick Tips To Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] When buyers look at homes, the tedious nature of the task can result in all the properties looking the same. Here are some tips you can implement to make your home stand out.
- The Uniform Residential Loan Application
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Apply for a mortgage and you will soon learn the joy of the loan application. The Uniform Residential Loan Application is the most commonly used document.
- How Your Credit Score Breaks Down for Lenders
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are interested in buying a home, you probably are going to need a mortgage loan. To get one, you need to understand your credit score and how it is arrived at.
- Investing in Condos
[Real-Estate:Investing] Once you make the decision to invest in real estate, you have to figure out the type of property you want to focus on. There is something to be said for condos.
- Practical Considerations of Real Estate Investing
[Real-Estate:Investing] Watch those late night infomercials and you will be ready to invest in real estate. Before you start throwing money around, keep in mind there are some practical considerations.
- Taking Photos for Your FSBO Internet Listing
[Real-Estate:FSBO] The real estate industry has been revolutionized by the internet where buyers can just sit and click through property listings. As a seller, you need to make sure your listing has photos that show off your home in the best light.
- Buy a New or Older Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] Once you make the decision to buy a home, there are a host of issues you need to consider. One of the basic ones is whether to buy a new or older home.
- Real Estate Trends For Spring and Summer
[Real-Estate] Predicting real estate trends is an iffy proposition, but there are some trends that come around each and every year. We are just starting one of those trends.
- Why Prices for Real Estate Rise and Fall
[Real-Estate] The beauty of most real estate assets is they tend to rise in value over time. That doesn't mean they don’t rise and fall in the short term. The question, of course, is why?
- The Little Things Matter When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] The decision to sell your home may seem like a monumental one and it is. The actual act of selling, however, often comes down the small things.
- The Ultimate Home Seller's Trick
[Real-Estate:Selling] Face it, we are in a buyers' market, which makes things tough for sellers. Well, there is one trick that you can use to generate interest.
- Selling Your Home in a Slow Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] For much of this decade, sellers of real estate were in the catbird seat. Alas, the game has changed. This is now a buyers' market. If you want to sell your home now, you need a new approach.
- Will Real Estate Prices Rebound?
[Real-Estate] After years of hyper appreciation, the last 18 months has seen a major cool down in the real estate market. Given this change in direction, will real estate prices rebound?
- Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking A Home Loan
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Applying for a home loan can be like preparing your taxes. It is stressful and confusing. That being said, there are some basic mistakes many people make that can be easily avoided.
- Advice on Getting the Best Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] As you know, the real estate market has changed dramatically in the last year. This means you must also change your way of thinking to take meet your goals in buying a home.
- Determining The Type of Mortgage You Need
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Once you decide to buy a home, financing becomes an issue. The field can be incredibly confusing, so a guideline can help you figure out what type of financing you actually need.
- Should You Go With Seller Financing?
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] When it comes to financing a home, the options are surprisingly large. In this article, we take a look at whether you should consider going with seller financing.
- Closing Costs With Your Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] When applying for a mortgage, it is important to understand that you are going to be responsible for paying costs associated with it. The fees are known as closing costs and can add up quickly.
- Making the Refinancing Decision
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are a homeowner, you probably took out your original home loan under a bit of stress given the need to fund the purchase before escrow closed. Now that you are in the property, refinancing might be a smart decision.
- Buying or Selling Because of Real Estate Prices
[Real-Estate] If you are considering buying or selling, you are probably noticing price movements in your area. The question is how big a role these movements should play in your decision to buy or sell.
- Efficiency vs Effectiveness When Home Shopping
[Real-Estate:Buying] If you listen to business gurus, they are forever expounding upon the concept of efficiency being the key to success. When shopping for a new home, however, this is not always the case.
- MLS Options When Selling Property
[Real-Estate:Selling] Exposure is the name of the game when it comes to selling your home. Multiple listing services are a good way to get the exposure, but not all such services are the same.
- Mortgage Approval Amount and What You Can Afford
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Purchasing a home can be a stressful time. In the rush-rush process that can occur, it is easy to get caught up in sales price and mortgage numbers without really thinking them through.
- Beware the Model Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] When looking at homes, you will undoubtedly run across a few that simply take your breath away. The model home in a new development is one, but you should be cautious.
- Should You Buy A New or Used Home?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Once you make the decision to buy a home, there is a second obvious question to ask. Should you go with a new home or something already lived in?
- The Key Factors that Get Your Home Sold
[Real-Estate:Selling] Selling a property is a process that can be reduced to a number of factors. In fact, there are five key ones to consider.
- If Only I Had Sold "X" Months Ago-
[Real-Estate:Selling] A home is unique in that it is both an investment and an abode where you can raise a family. When it comes time to sell, it is important to focus on the current situation, not the past.
- When To Make A Minimum Down Payment on Your Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Understanding the down payment and mortgage relationship is critical if you are getting into homeownership. In some situations, there are times when you want to minimize the down payment.
- The Importance of a Down Payment on Your Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] When purchasing a new home, your mortgage options are dependent on a number of factors. Most people understand that the down payment is one of the elements, but not why it is important.
- Remain Objective When Viewing Homes For Sale
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] House hunting can be much like looking at exotic sports cars. Your eyes say yes, but your wallet says no. When hunting for your next home, it is important that you remain objective during the process.
- Showing Your FSBO Listing
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you decide to go FSBO, you are going to have to show your home at some point. When doing it, there are some guidelines you should follow.
- Selling Your Home Faster When Trading Down
[Real-Estate:Selling] Traditionally, most people trade up when they sell a home and buy a new one. Trading down, however, is becoming more popular given our changing society.
- Finding A Real Estate Lawyer
[Real-Estate] At the heart of the matter, the purchase or sale of a home is a legal transaction. When we mention the world legal, lawyers cannot be far from the discussion.
- Are You House Hunting In A Good Neighborhood?
[Real-Estate:Buying] You know the paramount rule of real estate – location, location, location. Buying in a good neighborhood makes sense on a lot of fronts, but how do you know if you are looking in one?
- Things To Keep In Mind When Buying A New Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] We all like new things, from cars to gadgets to clothes. That being said, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you are considering buying a new home.
- Can You Find The Perfect Home?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Going house hunting can be maddening from just about any perspective. Much of the stress and frustration comes from trying to find the perfect home.
- Why Won't My Home Sell
[Real-Estate:Selling] Selling a property can often seem like a hit and miss proposition in today's real estate market. If you find you are missing a lot, you need to figure out why.
- Selling Strategy in Slow Real Estate Markets
[Real-Estate:Selling] The first half of this decade was a seller’s delight. Now the worm has turned and buyers are in the catbird’s seat. Although the market is currently slow, you can still get the sale with the right strategy.
- Buying Strategy in Slow Real Estate Markets
[Real-Estate:Buying] The general rule in real estate is determine your price range and stick to it when buying. In a slow market, however, this rule can be bent if not outright broken.
- Giving Back A Home You Can't Afford
[Real-Estate] The real estate market has been hyper active in the last five years. If you got in at the wrong time, you can find yourself in real trouble with a home you can’t afford.
- Planning Your Mortgage Strategy
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Whether you are buying for the first time or the third, getting financing can be a stressful task. While most are happy to take practically any deal, you need to do some planning to avoid problems later on.
- Things to Include In Your Online Real Estate Advertisement
[Real-Estate:Selling] If you intend to sell your home, you better be on the web these days. Over 70 percent of potential buyers now use it to research and view homes before going out and looking at them.
- Upgrade Your Furniture When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] As you know by now, the real estate market has cooled off considerably. As a seller, this means you need to take extra steps when it comes to the sales process.
- The Value of the Flyer Box When Selling
[Real-Estate:Selling] When you make the decision to sell your property, it is time to bring all possible marketing strategies to bear. A flyer box is one of the more valuable ones.
- Tips on Showing Your FSBO Property
[Real-Estate:FSBO] As a FSBO seller, you are responsible for handling all of the aspects of selling your home. So, how do you go about showing the property to interested buyers?
- Getting Ready to Apply For A Home Loan
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you have decided to make the plunge on buying a property, getting financing is going to quickly be on your horizon. Here are some tips to getting ready to apply for it.
- Buying a Condo - Advantages
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] For many people, buying a condo is the way to get into the real estate market. Let us take a closer look at some of the positive aspects to owning a condo.
- The False Housing Rebound
[Real-Estate] If you have been reading the news lately, you undoubtedly have heard about the rebound in the housing market. The question, of course, is whether this is an accurate appraisal.
- Going the Extra Step to Sell That House
[Real-Estate:Selling] When it comes time to sell, there are some standard steps that can be taken to help get a property moved. Going a few steps beyond the norm, however, can make a big difference.
- Is the Marketing of Your Property Working
[Real-Estate:Marketing] When marketing just about anything, it can sometimes be hard to tell if it is working. When it comes to trying to sell your property, there are a few ways to gauge the results.
- Real Estate - Selling the Dream
[Real-Estate:Selling] When it comes to real estate, most homeowners tend to focus on the technical aspects of selling their property. While details are important, it is vital to understand you are selling a dream.
- Trying to Sell a Home with Little or No Equity
[Real-Estate:Selling] Many homeowners are sweating finances these days. For a variety of reason they are in over the head or know they soon will be. Selling may represent the best option for finding relief.
- A Return to Fundamentals in 2007 for Property Sellers
[Real-Estate:Selling] As the real estate market continues to cool, many sellers may be consider selling their home in 2007 to be a hopeless endeavor. This is not necessarily true.
- Real Estate Market for Sellers in 2007
[Real-Estate:Selling] For much of this decade, sellers have sat in the cat seat when it comes to the real estate market. As we head into 2007, what can sellers expect?
- Real Estate Market for Buyers in 2007
[Real-Estate:Buying] For the last five years or so, the real estate market has clearly been leveraged in favor of the sellers. As we turn to 2007, the market is changing in favor of buyers.
- The 2007 FSBO Market
[Real-Estate:FSBO] After five years of blazing hot real estate markets, the 2006 year was definitely a pull back. So, how is the 2007 FSBO market shaping up?
- Your Basic Options with Mortgage Loans
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are considering purchasing a home for the first time, a little knowledge will go a long way in making through the process successfully. The first things to understand are your basic options.
- The Fine Wine Element of Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] Like fine wine, your home has probably aged nicely while you have lived in it. While you may feel this way, it is important to understand buyers may look at it a bit differently.
- Selling Your Home in Winter
[Real-Estate:Selling] Selling your home in the current cool real estate market can be a challenge. Make the decision to sell it in the winter, and you can have a real challenge on your hands.
- Putting Your Best Foot Forward When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] As the real estate market cools off, it is important to focus on the fundamentals if you want to sell your home. One key step is to put your best foot forward at the outset of your selling effort.
- FSBO Jargon – The Language of the FSBO Seller
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When you decide to sell your home without a real estate agent, you enter the world of the FSBO sellers. As with any new experience, you need to understand some of the basic language.
- Watch Prices When Buying From Builders
[Real-Estate:Buying] If you are looking to buy in the residential real estate market these days, you are a lucky person indeed. Everything is in your favor, particularly if you are buying a new home from a builder who has excess inventory.
- Hoard Your Money and Buy Property in 2007
[Real-Estate:Investing] If you have money saved up through stock investing or some other medium, you may be looking at a tremendous opportunity in the real estate market in 2007.
- The 2007 Real Estate Market – What Will Happen?
[Real-Estate] The 2006 real estate market certain was a shock to most home owners. So, what can we expect to see in 2007? Will it be another grim year or will things pick up again like in the early decade?
- Working Over Builders For Your New Real Estate Purchase
[Real-Estate:Building-a-Home] As the real estate market swings away from sellers, buyers are in position to makes financially advantageous purchases. This is no more so the case than with builders.
- Dealing with Problems Discovered in the Property Inspection
[Real-Estate:Buying] When buyers go out to purchase a new property, they often have unrealistic expectations. If you are not buying a new property, you should expect that they inspection of the property is going to reveal some problems.
- Why Buyers Should Attend House Inspections
[Real-Estate:Buying] While many buyers are enamored with the idea purchasing a house, they often fail to fully investigate the house in question. House inspectors can do this for you, but you should also attend the inspection.
- How Balloon Loans Can Blow Up in Your Face
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you ever applied for a mortgage, you know there are tons of different property loans available on the market. One such loan is the balloon loan, but it is a very dangerous loan.
- Trouble Meeting Your Mortgage Payments?
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] As the housing market loses value and interest rates go up, many people are getting a nasty surprise. Simply put, they are having trouble meeting their mortgage payments.
- Insight to Mortgage Jargon for Borrowers
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are looking to purchase or refinance a house, you are going to quickly be overwhelmed by the language of mortgage. Here is insight to what the terms mean.
- Preparing Your House Before Putting It On The Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] It goes without saying that preparation is the key to getting things done. With your home, you have to give it the once over to impress potential buyers.
- Buying a House is a Great Investment in Yourself
[Real-Estate:Buying] Over and over, you hear or read that buying a house is a great long term investment. This is absolutely true, but more importantly it is an investment in yourself.
- Adding That Special Touch When Selling Your Own House
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When selling a property on your own, you have an inherent advantage over everyone including real estate agents. You know what is special about it.
- What Real Estate Agents Don't Want You To Know
[Real-Estate:FSBO] For people looking to buy or sell houses, it can be difficult to ignore the prospect of hiring a real estate agent. That being said, what do you really get with an agent?
- Patient Home Buyers Make A Killing
[Real-Estate:Buying] If you are in position to buy properties over the next few years, you are one happy individual. Tremendous steals will soon be available if they are not already!
- The New Home Buyer Mentality
[Real-Estate:Buying] If you are considering buying a home, you should feel empowered. For the first time in many years, you are sitting pretty in the real estate market.
- The New Home Seller Mentality
[Real-Estate:Selling] As the home market cools considerably, sellers need to reassess their attitude towards moving their property. In short, we are talking about a new mentality.
- The Fizzling Real Estate Boom
[Real-Estate] The last five or six years have been some of the best in real estate for a long, long time. There is little doubt those days are over, but what does this mean to you?
- Preparing for Submitting a Mortgage Application
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are buying a home, you are going to need a home loan. So, what steps do you need to take before submitting your mortgage application?
- Creating a List Before You Go House Hunting
[Real-Estate:Buying] Nothing is worse than buying a home only to realize you don’t like it. Creating a checklist before you go house hunting can help prevent this situation.
- Considering Furnishing When Viewing Homes
[Real-Estate:Buying] You decide to go look at potential homes for you next purchase and walk into an absolutely beautiful home with stunning furniture. Should you make an offer?
- Why FSBO Homes Get More Buyer Interest
[Real-Estate:FSBO] As the real estate market cools down, attracting buyers is becoming more difficult. FSBO sellers, however, certainly have fewer problems with this issue.
- Should You Sell Your Property as a FSBO?
[Real-Estate:FSBO] You may think deciding whether to sell your home or not is your only major decision. Once you make the decision, however, you also need decide if you will sell it as a FSBO property.
- Make Repairs or Not Before Selling Your Home?
[Real-Estate:Selling] Unless you are the most detailed and disciplined person, your home has some problems with it. When you decide to sell, should you fix the problems first or make the buyer?
- How Your Job Impacts Your Ability To Get a Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Unless you are one of the fortunate few, you are going to need financing to buy a home. One of the things that is looked at closely by lenders is your employment.
- Considering Landscaping Whey Buying a Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] When shopping for a home, buyers often look for properties they can spruce up with landscaping that fits their taste. This makes sense, but make sure it is possible.
- Considering Windows When Home Buying
[Real-Estate:Buying] Purchasing a residence is very much a visual experience. One tends to look for overall aesthetics and usability, but it is important that you focus more closely on certain aspects.
- Truth In Advertising for FSBO Sellers
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When selling your home for sale by owner, you will be handling your own marketing. This leads us to the issue of what you put in your marketing materials in relation to your home.
- Bland Exterior Walls And Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] As time has passed, even tract homes have been built with more interesting designs. Alas, older homes tend to have large, bland walls that need to be addressed before listing your property for sale.
- Mortgage Pre-Approval and Your Sanity
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Unless you work in the mortgage industry, the terminology can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. In this article, we shed a bit of life on a few terms.
- Mortgages: Periodic Caps, Recourse Loans, and Mortgage Life Insurance
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] If you are looking to buy your first home or move up in the market, financing is going to be an issue you have to address. Following are some plain English explanations of terms used in the industry.
- Tips on Preparing Your Home for Sale - Paint
[Real-Estate:FSBO] As the real estate market cools off, selling your home requires that you return to the basic fundamentals. Here are some tips for preparing your home to sell as applied to painting.
- The Basics of Contracts for FSBO Sellers
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are selling your home for sale by owner, the contractual issues that arise with offers and counter offers may confuse you. Here is a basic guide to contracts.
- Staying Calm When Home Values Drop
[Real-Estate] As the real estate market cools off across the nation, many people are getting nervous about reductions in the value of their property. There is little reason for such stress.
- Things to Consider When Buying a Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] When you make the decision to buy a home, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind. Here is a quick guideline to the basics that should help you get it right.
- When the Buyer of Your Property Becomes Your Friend
[Real-Estate:Selling] Real estate transactions are by their nature an adversarial process. Many sellers, however, fail to realize there is a point in the game when the buyer should be treated like a good friend.
- Getting a Really Low Offer on Your FSBO Home
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Most people derive a lot of pride in the ownership of their home. This emotional aspect is put to the test when they got sell and receive a really low offer for the property.
- FSBO Sellers and Pre-Inspection Reports
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are selling your property on your own, one of the issues you need to be aware of upfront is how to deal with home inspection reports. Here is one possible way to get around the problem.
- Dealing with Negative Home Inspection Reports as a FSBO Seller
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are selling your own home without a real estate agent, you can run into situations that can be a bit complex. One such situation is a negative home inspection report.
- Real Estate Terms For Buyers To Keep In Mind
[Real-Estate:Buying] If you are getting into the real estate market for the first time, a little knowledge can go a long way. Following are some lesser known, but key terms you should be familiar with.
- Motivating Buyers In A Slow Market
[Real-Estate:Selling] In a seller's market for real estate, buyers make offers as quickly as possible to avoid getting beat out by another buyer. In a buyer's market, however, they are much more conservative.
- Avoid Sellers That Are Not Committed To Selling
[Real-Estate:Buying] Talk to a person selling their home and they will tell you how much they hate wasting time on lookie-loos. Alas, there are plenty of sellers who are just as bad.
- Things To Look For When Sizing Up A Property
[Real-Estate:Buying] It goes without saying that you should always have a profession inspection of a property before buying. That being said, you can often size up things beforehand on your own.
- Considering Purchasing a Foreclosure
[Real-Estate:Foreclosures] You have seen the advertisements promising you can make out like a bandit by purchasing foreclosed properties. Well, maybe you can and maybe you cannot.
- Selling Your Property Really Fast As A FSBO Seller
[Real-Estate:FSBO] From time to time, a homeowner can be put in a situation where they really need to sell their property fast. As a FSBO seller, there is one strategy you should incorporate.
- FSBO Sellers in a Down Market
[Real-Estate:FSBO] As real estate markets continue to cool off, people considering selling their own homes may wonder what it means for them. Fortunately, the news is good.
- Should You Time the Real Estate Market?
[Real-Estate:Buying] Timing anything in the financial markets is generally considered a hit and miss proposition. With the deflating real estate market, however, opportunities abound.
- Finding the Bottom of the Current Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate:Buying] The last five to seven years have seen a real estate boom unmatched in history. The boom has cooled off which means dropping prices and buying opportunities.
- An Introductory Guide to Home Loans
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Shopping and buying a property is an exciting experience, particularly if it is your first one. Shopping and applying for a home loan is exactly the opposite and it does not really matter how many times you do it.
- Understanding Negative Amortization and Your Mortgage
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Buying a property is a tremendous wealth building strategy for most Americans. If you are not careful, however, the strategy can go bad because of negative amortization issues.
- The Basics of Getting A Good Deal on a Home
[Real-Estate:Buying] With all the advice floating around about real estate, it is sometimes smart to step back and look at the basics. In fact, we will do it in this article.
- Assessing a Real Estate Market -- Population Movement
[Real-Estate:Buying] The number one question most people face is whether they should buy in a real estate market and, if so, when they should buy. Here is one trick you can use to make the decision.
- Assessing a Real Estate Market -- Jobs
[Real-Estate:Buying] Given the fact the blazing hot real estate market has cooled off, one must wonder whether it is worth buying now in any location. One way to identify a good area deals with jobs.
- Evaluating Property Taxes When Buying a Property
[Real-Estate:Buying] Purchasing a home is both an emotional and financial decision. Part of the financial decision requires you to consider mortgage payments, but don't forget property taxes.
- Avoiding the Over Improved Home
[Home-Improvement] Purchase real estate, make improvements to it and then sell for a tidy profit. That is how we are all told we can make a bundle in real estate, but it can lead to problems.
- Pets and Selling Your Property
[Real-Estate:Selling] Many homeowners have pets and consider them to be a part of the family. When it comes to selling your residence, however, pet issues can become a stumbling block.
- Considering Paint Colors When Preparing Your Property for Sale
[Real-Estate:Selling] It is undisputed that the decision to purchase real estate is very much an emotional one. To spike the emotional interest, you need to consider the paint schemes of your property.
- Overcoming Hesitation as a FSBO Seller
[Real-Estate:FSBO] One tends to hesitate when trying anything for the first time. In the case of selling a home by owner, overcoming this hesitation can save you a bundle of money.
- Looking At Geography Can Lead To Real Estate Buying Opportunities
[Real-Estate:Land] When a person decides they are ready to buy a home, they tend to start looking for the most they can afford in the best possible neighborhood. Alas, there is another approach.
- Recent Buyers Need To Go FSBO With The Cooling Market
[Real-Estate:FSBO] It is no secret that the blazing real estate market is not so blazing anymore. If you recently bought and are looking to sell, going FSBO is the best way to save your equity.
- Buying or Selling A FSBO Home - Contracts
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Contracts are created to focus on the legally binding aspects of the real estate transaction. The good news is contracts come pre-printed for easy use in FSBO transactions.
- The Value of Good Mortgage Brokers
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Applying for a mortgage can be frustrating to say the least. Frankly, you are just a number to the lender, one of many more or less begging for a loan. Alas, there is one way to improve your stature.
- Mortgage Tips for First Time Home Buyers
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Going through the purchase of your first property can be a bit intimidating. Yes, you can read books and get help, but doing something for the first time is always a bit stressful. Just to add to your fun, picking up a property also requires you to get a mortgage.
- FSBO Sellers - Real Estate Signage
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Real estate signage is part and parcel of the FSBO sales process. That being said, you have to know how to use them to get the biggest bang for your buck.
- Should You Sell Your Home Now?
[Real-Estate] As the real estate market cools across the nation, many homeowners are wondering if they should sell now or wait till some point in the future.
- The Lesson of the Real Estate Rapist Conviction
[Real-Estate] The recent conviction of Oliver Hooper, the real estate rapist, presents a grim and important lesson for homeowners. In your urge to sell your home, do not throw common sense out the window.
- Should You Buy Real Estate Now?
[Real-Estate] As has been reported in the media lately, the real estate market has cooled off dramatically. This raises the question of whether you should buy now or wait for a bit for prices to fall further.
- Housing Slow Down Means Buying Opportunities
[Real-Estate] It is fairly clear that the recent blazing hot real estate market has cooled off. If your local market is following this trend, buying opportunities may start to pop up.
- Understanding Your Local Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate] Many people mistakenly rely on national trends when evaluating the real estate market. The key is to focus on and understand your local market.
- Evaluating Properties Back On The Market
[Real-Estate] As you house hunt for your dream home, you will often see properties that have come back on to the market. So, are these properties to be avoided or a good deal?
- Buyer Beware of Excessive Home Improvements
[Real-Estate] When shopping for a home, many buyers view improvements to properties as positive sign. In general, this is logical but a buyer must be careful.
- Understanding Seller Pricing In Real Estate
[Real-Estate] Many homebuyers make the mistake of assuming the price listed with a home is somehow related to the actual value. In fact, the price often is not.
- Speak The Buyer's Language When Selling Your Property
[Real-Estate] As odd as it may sound, homebuyers and sellers speak different languages when evaluating properties. If you are selling, it is time to become bilingual.
- Sellers, Buyers and Earnest Money Deposits
[Real-Estate] Once an offer is made on a home, the counteroffer process can move very quickly. Before you start whipping numbers back and forth, the issue of earnest money deposits needs to be addressed.
- Options In Dealing With Offer On Your Home
[Real-Estate] You have gone through all the prudent steps necessary to sell your home. Once you get an offer, what are your options in dealing with it and the potential buyer?
- The Power Of Your Garage When Selling
[Real-Estate] A home with a garage is always more attractive to buyers than one without a garage. That being said, issues concerning your garage go much farther than just the existence of one.
- For Sale By Owner and MLS Listings
[Real-Estate:FSBO] There is a common misconception among people who decide to sell their home without a real estate agent. The misconception deals with getting their home in MLS listings.
- The Issue of Furniture and A Prospective Home
[Real-Estate] A home is not a stand alone object when it comes to living life. When considering making an offer on a home, the issue of how one’s furniture will look in the property comes up.
- Understanding Mello-Roos When Considering a Purchase
[Real-Estate] Part of the process of evaluating the decision to make an offer on a home in a newer development is understanding the costs. Mello-Roos are one issue that is popping up more and more.
- Some HOA Rules To Watch Our For When Buying
[Real-Estate] In our modern society, homeowner’s associations and their rules govern more and more housing developments. Some rules can be very restrictive.
- Read Those Regulations Before Making An Offer On A Property
[Legal:Regulatory-Compliance] In modern America, many neighborhoods are organized as developments. Such developments often have rules and regulations that can be surprisingly restrictive.
- Carefully Consider the Real Cost of that Fixer Upper
[Real-Estate] If you watch television, you have seen the shows that turn dumps into pristine dream homes. Fixer uppers can return good profits, but be careful when calculating repair costs.
- Investigate Surrounding Vacant Land Before Buying
[Real-Estate] Homebuyers are always looking for an ideal situation with low prices. If you are looking in an area with open land around it, you absolutely must investigate the plans for the area.
- Don't Rely Excessively On Appraisals
[Real-Estate] Getting an appraisal on a home is a fundamental aspect of making a purchase. While appraisals are certainly helpful, you should not put too much stock in them.
- When A Great View Is Not A Great View
[Real-Estate] House hunting is a game wherein you try to get the most while paying the least. Part of getting the most is often finding a home with a view, but don’t be a sucker.
- Evaluating the Offer for Your Home
[Real-Estate] People work tirelessly to generate interest in a home they are trying to sell. Once they get an offer, however, they often are not sure how to evaluate it.
- A Tip On How To Get Offers When Showing Your House
[Real-Estate] You are in the process of trying to sell your house and have your marketing up and running. So, how do you convert callers into offers? Here is one method.
- Showing A Bit of Discipline with Home Improvements
[Home-Improvement] When having improvements done to your home, it can be easy to get carried away. By doing so, you run the risk of overdoing the improvements and regretting the modifications.
- Home Improvement Contract Tips
[Home-Improvement] Many a soul has hired a contractor to do repairs or improvements on a home only to find something is fishy. Here are some tips to avoid problems.
- Why You Should Ignore Trends In Real Estate
[Real-Estate] Many people tend to get caught up in real estate trends reported in magazines, newspapers and on television. This is a mistake of the highest order.
- Weeding Out Buyers with Financial Excuses
[Real-Estate] Selling a home can quickly become frustrating when buyers claim financial delays. Here is how to eliminate these excuses up front.
- Don't Let Emotions Ruin Your Purchase or Sale of a Home
[Real-Estate] Buying and selling real estate undisputedly has an emotional element. If you let emotions run you, there is a very good chance everything will fall apart.
- Perks That Get Buyers To Make Offers
[Real-Estate] In the real estate business, you need to take steps to make your home stand out from those around you. Here are some thoughts on perks that get buyers interested.
- The First Impression a Buyer Gets
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Your home may be a great place to raise a family or just live. The problem, of course, is a buyer does not know that and instead forms an immediate opinion on what they see first.
- Checklist for Preparing Your Home to Be Listed
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Once you decide to sell your property, you need to realize it evolves from your residence into a product. Before listing it, here are some tips on sprucing up your product.
- Taking Photos of Your Home for Listings
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are considering selling your property, you will need photographs for your marketing efforts. If you are going to take the photographs yourself, here are some tips.
- Why Photographs For Your Listing Are Important
[Real-Estate:FSBO] To market your property, you are going to need to have some choice photographs. Before whipping out the camera, however, you need to give some thought to the process.
- Marketing Materials You Must Have to Sell Your Home
[Real-Estate:Marketing] People have the attention span of a gnat, a fact that is true for homebuyers as well. To overcome this, you must have marketing materials to give them when they view your home.
- How Much Will You Make on The Sale of Your Property?
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Most people look to comps in their area to come up with the listing price for their property. This is logical, but you also have to focus on the bottom line.
- Taking Little Steps to Make Your Property Sell Faster
[Real-Estate:Selling] Ask most coaches in professional sports what sets the best teams from the also ran's and they will say sweating the details. The same is true for getting a fast offer on your property.
- Listing Your Property With Too High of a Price
[Real-Estate:FSBO] The biggest issue many homeowners face when listing their house for sale is the price. You want to get the most you can, but be careful when it comes to pricing it to high.
- Contracts When Selling Your Home Without An Agent
[Real-Estate:FSBO] A recent survey revealed that approximately 30 percent of homeowners intend to sell without a real estate agent. I bet more would if they didn’t fear the contract side of the process.
- Selling Tips – Determining Your Market
[Real-Estate] The decision to sell a home is more complex then many people first realize. One of the primary issues to consider is your market and how it will impact the sale of the property.
- Steps To Consider When You Decide To Sell Your Home
[Real-Estate] Deciding to sell your home is not an easy event. Once you have made the decision, there are a few steps you need to follow to make it go smoothly.
- Finding a Qualified Home Inspector
[Real-Estate] As you should already know, a home inspection is a key part of the real estate process. Of course, your home inspection is only as good as your home inspector.
- Take These Steps To Make Buyers Remember Your Home
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When selling a property, it is important to remember that most buyers are looking a lot of listings. This means your goal is to make them remember your home.
- Tips For Property Sellers
[Real-Estate] For the last five years, you could pretty much list a property on the market in any condition and have it sell. That is no longer the case, which means you need some tips.
- From For Sale to Sold
[Real-Estate] Once you make the decision to put a property on the market, you want it to move as soon as possible. Here are some thoughts on going from for sale to sold.
- Selling Your Property On The Internet
[Real-Estate] Should you sell your property on the internet? This is a common question with an equally common answer – YOU MUST!
- For Sale By Owner and the Web
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Unless you have been living under a rock, you know the Internet has radically changed society. In real estate, this has led to a massive surge in for sale by owner properties on the web.
- For Sale By Owner Purchase Contracts
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Deciding to sell your home will save you thousands of dollars in realtor commissions. In exchange, you need to understand subjects such as a purchase contract.
- Owning The House That Won't Sell
[Real-Estate] The real estate market is hopping and houses in your neighborhood are selling like hotcakes. You, however, are stuck owning the house that won’t sell. Owning The House That Won’t Sell We first need ...
- Should You Pursue Lease Options To Purchase a Home
[Real-Estate] The real estate market is a place where people can get very creative. This brings us to the rent with option to buy programs you see on the market.
- A Word of Warning About Home Inspections When Buying
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When you make the decision to purchase a home, you are committing to a lot of debt. You want a home inspection, but be careful with your choice of inspectors.
- Who Is Responsible For Closing Costs
[Real-Estate] Buying or selling a home is a euphoric experience for both of the parties involved. This euphoria can cool when you learn which party is responsible for the closing costs.
- Closing Costs When Purchasing A Home
[Real-Estate] Buying a home is a financial strain if you are making a sizeable down payment. This can lead to problems if you forget the hard, cold cash you will need for closing.
- Sell Your Property Without An Agent
[Real-Estate:FSBO] For the longest time, owners would always turn to agents to sell properties. These days, you can sell your property without an agent and save a bundle on commissions.
- Tips on Selling Your Property
[Real-Estate:FSBO] As the red hot real estate market starts to return to normal levels, sellers must return to fundamentals. Here are some tips on how to sell your property.
- An Overview of a Quit Claim Deed
[Real-Estate] The deed to a property is a legal document that establishes ownership. There are different types of deeds. Here is an overview of a quit claim deed.
- Understanding Deeds When Selling a Home
[Real-Estate:Selling] When selling a home, there are a few fundamental topics you need to understand. This brings us to the issue of the different types of deeds you will run into.
- Sell Your House Fast
[Real-Estate] There is nothing worse than putting house up for sale and watching it sit on the market. Here are a few tips to sell your house fast. Sell Your House Fast The following tips will help you sell your ...
- Selling Property without A Real Estate Agent
[Real-Estate:FSBO] I am going to sell my property without an agent. This refrain is being heard more and more these days as the Internet and real estate market evolves beyond the realtor-based transaction.
- An Overview of the Escrow Account
[Real-Estate] Whether buying or selling real estate, you will inevitably deal with an escrow account. If you are not familiar with an escrow account, here is an overview.
- Thoughts on the Future of the Real Estate Market
[Real-Estate] You hear it everywhere. The baby boomers are starting to retire. The stock market and real estate market will suffer as money is pulled out. This hardly seems true for real estate.
- FSBO Sellers – The Real Estate Agent Is Not Your Enemy
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are selling your home without a real estate agent, you need to realize the agents in your area are not your enemy. In fact, they may prove very useful in moving your property.
- When Your Home Is Not Selling
[Real-Estate] As the real estate market returns to a normal pattern of buying and selling, some sellers are easily frustrated. If your home is not selling, here are a few practical tips.
- Making A Good First Impression When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate] The decision to buy a home is often dependent upon the first impression of the buyer. This means your home must be spiffed out so buyers will make the emotional attachement.
- Getting The Word Out About Your Open House
[Real-Estate] When selling your home, you have to get the word out to buyers in the area. The Internet is a great method for doing that, but traditional methods are really the way to go.
- Getting Down Payment Help From The Government
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] A large hurdle you must overcome to purchase a house is the down payment. Fortunately, you can get down payment help from the government for your dream home.
- Lenders Do Not Really Trust You
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Whether you are selling or buying a home, you should always go through an escrow period. Part of the process involves the establishment of a lender account since they do not trust you.
- Unique Down Payment Strategy
[Real-Estate] Coming up with a down payment for a home can be a lengthy process. Most people do not realize they can use a unique down payment strategy to free up cash.
- Specific Performance Demands In Real Estate Transactions
[Real-Estate] Every so often, real estate transactions can go bad. This often results in one party demanding the other specifically perform pursuant to the real estate contract.
- Three Party Closings In Real Estate
[Real-Estate] One of the ways to make money in real estate is to move property as quickly as possible. Jumping from one home to another often leads to a double closing situation.
- Taking Title When You Buy
[Real-Estate] Taking title to a home can seem like a boilerplate event during escrow, but it is very important. The prime question is how you take title.
- Real Estate Market – Weak and Strong Areas
[Real-Estate] You want to know whether the market is strong if you are buying or selling real estate. Having such information lets you know how flexible you need to be in offers.
- How to Sell Your Home in a Slow Market
[Real-Estate] The real estate market has slowed down in many areas that were booming over the last few years. Sellers in those areas got spoiled. It was only necessary to put a sign out front, and buyers came. Homes sold in a matter of days. This is no longer happening. If you want to sell your home in a slow area, what do you do?
- How to Avoid Buyer's Remorse
[Real-Estate] Buying a home is euphoric and scary. On one hand, you are moving into a property you own. On the other, you are committing to the repayment of a lot of money.
- More Things to Consider When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate] Making the decision to sell is a serious one. To make the best decision, you need to give some thought to a number of issues. Here are a few you should consider.
- Things to Consider When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate] Although the real estate market has cooled off a bit, it is still a hot market in historical terms. As a seller, this is good news when you decide to sell your home.
- Wisconsin Real Estate – Making The Dairy Land Look Good
[Real-Estate] It might surprise you, but Wisconsin is home to one of the highest rated and most in demand towns in the United States. More and more people are starting to realize the Dairy Land is a good place to live.
- The Real Estate Market in Scottsdale, Arizona
[Real-Estate] Scottsdale is hot, hot, and hot. Well, at least the temperature is. The real estate market in Scottsdale has been very cool for some time notwithstanding national trends.
- The Real Estate Market in Las Vegas, Nevada
[Real-Estate] Las Vegas is known as a mecca of entertainment and gambling. Although not as hot as the weather, the real estate market is primed to take off again in this expanding city.
- The Real Estate Market in Charleston, South Carolina
[Real-Estate] If you are looking to live in a historic southern city with a ton or charm, Charleston may be your answer. Sitting on the South Carolina cost, the real estate market is primed for growth.
- The Real Estate Market in Jacksonville, Florida
[Real-Estate] Whether there is a real estate bubble and, if so, will it pop is a popular topic across the country. The real estate marketing in Jacksonville, Florida, however, is a major exception.
- Listing Your Home For Sale – Do It Online
[Real-Estate] Do you know how many homebuyers use the Internet to find a home? You should if you want to sell your home in a reasonable amount of time. The answer is 71 percent.
- What To Ask When Looking At Potential Homes
[Real-Estate] Buying a house can be an intimidating and overwhelming experience. Here are some key questions to ask yourself and sellers before plopping down a down payment.
- Condominiums - Disadvantages of Ownership
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] Purchasing a new residence involves many issues and condos may be on your radar. Before you buy, keep in mind there are disadvantages to condominium ownership.
- Condominiums - Advantages of Ownership
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] Condominiums tend to be a love it or hate it subject with property owners. Here are the advantages of owning a condominium.
- Condominiums - Should You Consider Purchasing One
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] Condominiums tend fall into the love them or hate them position for buyers. Here’s primer on condominiums.
- Should I Buy This Home - Heating Issues
[Real-Estate] When considering whether you should buy a home, heating issues are something you should take a close look at. This is particularly true with rising energy costs.
- Evaluating A Home - Water Pipes
[Real-Estate] When evaluating a home you are considering buying, it is easy to get caught up in the visual aspects of the home. Water pipes are just one unseen area you remember to inspect.
- Buying A House - Checking Exterior Wood
[Real-Estate:Buying] You need to be very careful before committing to the purchase of a house. If the house has wood and brick on the exterior, you need to consider the following issues.
- Home Buying Checklist - Paint and Stucco
[Real-Estate] Buying a home is a big investment. You should use a checklist when sizing up potential homes. In this article, we cover a home buying checklist for paint and stucco.
- How To Sell Your Own House
[Real-Estate:FSBO] With a robust real estate market, selling a house isn’t particularly difficult. Here’s a primer on how to sell your own house.
- How Do I Sell An Expensive House?
[Real-Estate] You’ve lived in your house for years and taken pride in with numerous improvements. Now it is overvalued and you’re wondering, "How do I sell an expensive house?"
- Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads - Yet More Definitions
[Real-Estate] If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here are explanations and definitions for more terms.
- Following A Builder For Profits - An Example
[Real-Estate] As the real estate market begins to calm down, many worry about making a profit on their homes. Here’s an example of the “follow the builder” profit strategy.
- Home Improvements - Expressing an Attitude
[Home-Improvement] There are many issues to address when doing major home improvements. The overall atmosphere and attitude of the improvements can be a key issue.
- Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads - Even More Definitions
[Real-Estate:FSBO] If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here are explanations and definitions for more terms.
- Preparing for an Appraisal - Plan For It
[Real-Estate] A critical part of selling a home is the appraisal. Here’s how to plan for it.
- A Secret to Real Estate Profits - Follow The Builder
[Real-Estate] As the real estate market cools, the profit potential of home ownership has cooled as well. Here’s a strategy called “follow the builder.”
- Home Improvements - General Points
[Home-Improvement] Every home improvement situation is different. Still, there are some general points that apply to most projects.
- Preparing for Appraisals - Contracts and Comps
[Real-Estate] You’ve sold your home and are getting ready for the appraisal. Here’s how contracts and comparable home sales impact the appraisal.
- Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads - More Definitions
[Real-Estate] If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here are explanations and definitions for more terms.
- Home Improvements - The Fun Stuff
[Home-Improvement] Planning home improvements necessarily involves addressing numerous practical matters. That doesn’t mean you should ignore the fun stuff!
- Sell Old Home or Buy New Home First?
[Real-Estate] Buyers who are “moving up” or “downsizing” often have a dilemma. They can’t decide whether to put their home on the market first, or contract to buy their new home first.
- Descriptive Terms in Real Estate Ads - What Do They Mean?
[Real-Estate] If you are buying or selling a home, the chances are good you struggle with the meaning of descriptive real estate terms. Here’s the first in a series of articles explaining them.
- Final Walk-through - the Value of Your Contract
[Real-Estate] A walk-through is an important step in a real estate transaction. To get the most out of it, make sure you understand the terms of the purchase contract.
- Home Improvements - Making Decisions
[Home-Improvement] If you have a family, planning home improvements should be a family matter. Still, you want to stick to ideas that work.
- What Is a Final Walk-Through?
[Real-Estate] The notion of a “final walk-through” seems to confuse both buyers and sellers of homes.Here is an explanation of a walk-through.
- Home Style Words in Real Estate Ads - More Explanations
[Real-Estate] Whether you’re buying or selling, reading real estate ads can be confusing. Here are explanations of more style terms used in real estate ads.
- Improving Bathrooms - The Specifics
[Home-Improvement:Bath-and-Shower] One of the best ways to increase the value of your home is to improve the bathrooms. Here’s a primer on things to consider.
- Reasons Not To Sell Your Home Yourself
[Real-Estate] Selling your home yourself can save you thousands of dollars in commissions. However, that doesn’t mean you should necessarily do it for the following reasons:
- Home Improvements - Questions and Answers
[Home-Improvement] When considering home improvements, it is important to ask family members for their opinions. So, how do you evaluate the answers?
- Updated Bathrooms Pay When You Sell Your Home
[Home-Improvement:Bath-and-Shower] Many home owners look for ways to add value to their homes through improvements. One of the best ways is to have a go at your bathrooms.
- Home Styles in Real Estate Ads - The Meaning
[Real-Estate] Whether you’re buying or selling, reading real estate ads can be confusing. Here’s a primer on the styles mentioned in the ads.
- How Appraisals and Assessments Differ
[Real-Estate] Many people think appraisals and assessments are the same thing or at least that they should be for the same amount. The truth is they can vary greatly. Let’s look at each of them.
- Should You NOT Sell Your Home as a FSBO?
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Selling your home yourself can save you thousands of dollars in commissions. However, that doesn’t mean you should necessarily do it for the following reasons:
- Home Improvements - Planning
[Home-Improvement:House-Plans] Home decorating is one of the keys to making the most out of a home. Do it right and you can turn a pedestrian home into a castle.
- Mississippi Real Estate - The Magnolia State
[Real-Estate] Mississippi is a state known for having a classic southern style. Mississippi real estate is some of the cheapest in the land.
- Missouri Real Estate - The Show Me State
[Real-Estate] Nicknamed the "Show Me" state, Missouri is an interesting mix of big cities and rural lands. Missouri real estate prices do not require you to "show" a lot of money.
- Is the Hot Real Estate Market Cooling Down?
[Real-Estate] We’ve been living in the high flying world of a hot residential real estate market for the last three years. Is it slowing down? What does it mean for buyers and sellers if it is? Do buyers and sellers need to change their strategy?
- Market Changes Favor FSBOs
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Drastic paradigm shifts in how the residential real estate market works have been on the way for several years now. The change has really become apparent over the last year. It is easier for people to sell their homes themselves as FSBOs (for sale by owner) as a result.
- Found the Perfect Home - But Furniture Won't Fit
[Real-Estate] You’ve been looking for a home and you’ve found one that feels almost perfect. The location is convenient and you can picture your family living here happily. There’s a problem, however. One or more pieces of furniture you’ve had for years just will not fit. Do you buy the home anyway or keep looking?
- New Hampshire Real Estate - Switzerland of America
[Real-Estate] With soaring mountain ranges, New Hampshire is often called the Switzerland of America. Fortunately, New Hampshire real estate prices compare favorably to Switzerland.
- Nebraska Real Estate - The Cornhusker State
[Real-Estate] When the state nickname is based on the beloved University of Nebraska college football team, you know all you need to. With inexpensive prices, you’ll have your pick of Nebraska real estate to watch the games.
- North Dakota Real Estate - Wide Open Spaces and Wildlife
[Real-Estate] North Dakota is truly the state of wide open spaces and wildlife. With a small population base, North Dakota real estate is extremely affordable.
- Montana Real Estate - Big Sky Country
[Real-Estate] Montana is known as Big Sky Country for the wide-open spaces you can find there. Fortunately, Montana real estate is inexpensive enough to make it a good relocation spot.
- North Carolina Real Estate - Mountains, Coast and Tobacco Road
[Real-Estate] North Carolina has much to offer and is booming. North Carolina real estate is on the move as well.
- Louisiana Real Estate - A French Influence
[Real-Estate] Obviously, Louisiana had a rough year in 2005 with Hurricane Katrina. The state will recover as will Louisiana real estate.
- Kentucky Real Estate - The Bluegrass State
[Real-Estate] From lush bluegrass to the music of the same name, Kentucky is undeniably the bluegrass state. Fortunately, Kentucky real estate prices won’t leave you blue.
- Kansas Real Estate - The Middle of the Country
[Real-Estate] Located in the exact middle of the country, Kansas is an agricultural state where you can escape the rat race. Kansas real estate is inexpensive and plentiful.
- Indiana Real Estate - Racing, Amateur Sports, and College Football
[Real-Estate] Indiana is the home to a proud tradition of racing with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indiana real estate prices are very reasonable, particularly for first time homebuyers.
- Illinois Real Estate - Chicago and Rural Areas
[Real-Estate] Illinois can be divided into Chicago and rural areas. Alas, the same can be said for Illinois real estate prices.
- Massachusetts Real Estate - History Personified
[Real-Estate] Massachusetts is a state overflowing with history and yet oddly modern. Massachusetts real estate prices are very pricey.
- New Jersey Real Estate - The Garden State
[Real-Estate] New Jersey is often miscast as a less than nice place to live, when the truth is the garden state motto is accurate. New Jersey real estate prices reflect Atlantic Ocean influences.
- Ohio Real Estate - Large Cities and Little Farms
[Real-Estate] Ohio is a unique state where large cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati sit next to rural farms. Ohio real estate prices mirror this diversity.
- New York Real Estate - The Empire State
[Real-Estate] From Niagara Falls to the Catskills to a little city with the Big Apple nickname, New York is truly the Empire State. New York real estate prices reflect this lofty nickname.
- Oklahoma Real Estate - Cowboys and Indians
[Real-Estate] Oklahoma is a state that conjures up images of cowboys, indians, college football and dirt track racing. If these subjects appeal to you, you’ll be happy to learn Oklahoma real estate prices are very low.
- Maine Real Estate - The Pine Tree State
[Real-Estate] While a vast majority of Maine is forested, the beautiful shoreline dominates the state. Maine real estate prices, however, are surprisingly reasonable.
- Minnesota Real Estate - The Nature of Water
[Real-Estate] Whether ice in the winter or water sports in the summer, Minnesota is all about water. Minnesota real estate is anything but washed up.
- Michigan Real Estate - A Little of Everything
[Real-Estate] With lakes, forest, farmland, college towns and big cities, Michigan has a little of everything. Fortunately, Michigan real estate prices are on the low end.
- New Mexico Real Estate - The Mystical and Mysterious State
[Real-Estate] New Mexico is the state of metaphysical influences and unidentified flying objects. Fortunately, there is no mystery about New Mexico real estate. Prices are exploding.
- Rhode Island Real Estate - The Cozy State
[Real-Estate] Rhode Island is the smallest state in the union. While Rhode Island real estate prices aren’t the smallest, the appreciation rate is healthy.
- Delaware Real Estate - Living on the Water
[Real-Estate] A classic Atlantic state, Delaware is known for beaches and towns on the Atlantic Ocean. Delaware real estate prices aren’t bad and appreciation is excellent.
- Iowa Real Estate - Farmland, Corn and Family Living
[Real-Estate] Iowa is definitely a farming state and corn is the dominant crop. Fortunately, Iowa real estate won’t take a large bite out of your bank account.
- Florida Real Estate - The Sunshine State
[Real-Estate] Florida real estate is definitely worth a look if sun and fun is your ticket. Florida real estate, even close to the beach, is a very good deal.
- Pennsylvania Real Estate - The Keystone State
[Real-Estate] Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a hard working state. Depending on where you live, Pennsylvania real estate can be reasonable or pricey.
- South Carolina Real Estate - Past and Present Collide
[Real-Estate] With tons of history and modern development, South Carolina is a unique state. South Carolina real estate is also unique because prices are so low.
- Utah Real Estate - Mother Nature's Masterpiece
[Real-Estate] Mother nature has done some amazing work in Utah. Fortunately, you can live in the middle of the masterpiece with reasonable prices for Utah real estate.
- South Dakota Real Estate - Step Away From The Rat Race
[Real-Estate] From National Parks to a relaxed pace of life, South Dakota has a lot more going for it then you might think. With some of the cheapest prices in the land, South Dakota real estate is a steal.
- Tennessee Real Estate - Music to the Ears
[Real-Estate] Tennessee is the state of prairies, towering mountains and country music. Inexpensive Tennessee real estate will also put a jump in your step.
- Vermont Real Estate - The Independent State
[Real-Estate] Vermont has always been a state sticking to independent principles. Tucked away in the Northeast, Vermont real estate is a very good deal.
- Virginia Real Estate - Living in History
[Real-Estate] Virginia has played a central role throughout the history of the United States. With reasonable prices, you can live in the middle of it with Virginia real estate.
- Connecticut Real Estate - Pleasant Northeastern Escape
[Real-Estate] Connecticut is close to all the major attractions in the Northeast, but has much to offer on its own. If you’re looking for a little peace in the Northeast, Connecticut real estate is a good option.
- Colorado Real Estate - The Rocky Mountains
[Real-Estate] Colorado is the land of the Rocky Mountains and all that comes with it. Located in the foothills, Denver is the central location for Colorado real estate.
- Hawaii Real Estate - Paying for Paradise
[Real-Estate] Where does one even begin to start when discussing the island paradise of Hawaii. Perhaps with an inflated Hawaii real estate market for those considering relocating.
- Georgia Real Estate - Southern Hospitality
[Real-Estate] Known as the Peach State, Georgia is the state of southern hospitality. If you prefer the traditional southern culture, Georgia real estate is certainly worth a look.
- Alabama Real Estate - A Southern Air
[Real-Estate] Alabama is undeniably a stereotypical southern state, but the state and real estate market hold undeniable surprises.
- Arkansas Real Estate - Forget the Rat Race
[Real-Estate] Arkansas is a state that harkens back to a more relaxed time of life in our country. If you’re tired of hearing 90 cell phones ringing, moving to Arkansas may be the answer.
- Alaska Real Estate - The Great Outdoors
[Real-Estate] Alaska is the biggest state in the Union and tends to be a take it or leave it proposition for relocation. For those choosing Alaska, the real estate market is a solid investment.
- Maryland Real Estate - Coastline Dominates
[Real-Estate] Maryland is unique in that many of the population centers lie on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. If you have a hankering to be close to the water, Maryland real estate may be the answer.
- Oregon Real Estate - Going Hip and Green
[Real-Estate] Located in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is hip state that gets a lot of rain. This rain results in a beautiful green state, but doesn’t put a damper on the real estate market.
- Idaho Real Estate - A Better Quality of Life
[Real-Estate] A mountainous state, Idaho has become a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiast. If you’re considering Idaho, here’s a primer on the state and Idaho real estate.
- Texas Real Estate - Property in the Big State
[Real-Estate] Everything in Texas is big, including real estate options. If you’re considering a move to Texas, here is a primer on the state.
- Nevada Real Estate - A Very Good Gamble!
[Real-Estate] When you think of Nevada, Las Vegas and gambling are the first things to come to mind. In truth, Nevada real estate is a far better bet than anything you’ll find in a casino.
- California Real Estate - Appreciation on Steroids
[Real-Estate] For the last five years, owners of California real estate have been hitting the ball out of the appreciation ballpark. Yes, a real estate market on steroids.
- West Virginia Real Estate - Forget Old Notions
[Real-Estate] West Virginia is nicknamed the "mountain state" for good reason. Situated in the Appalachians, the West Virginia real estate market has peeks and valleys as well.
- Wyoming Real Estate - Wide Open Spaces
[Real-Estate] If you’re tired of living in close quarters, Wyoming may be the answer for you. Wyoming real estate is also appreciating at a nice pace.
- Arizona Real Estate - A Good Buying Opportunity?
[Real-Estate] If you’re looking to move to a new state, Arizona real estate is definitely worth a look. Following is a primer of the state and the FSBO Arizona real estate market.
- Home Buying - Close and Move on Same Day?
[Real-Estate] Closing on a home is an undeniably stressful experience. Trying to move on the same day you close just adds to the stress unless you prepare.
- Avoid Home Buying Blues at Closing
[Real-Estate] Buying a home is a stressful and emotional affair. You can avoid the home buying blues by keeping your cool at closing.
- FSBO Open Houses - What If You Get An Offer?
[Real-Estate:FSBO] You’ve decided to sell your home yourself and decide to have an open house to show off the property. Potential buyers come and you get an offer. What now?
- Promoting Your Open House
[Real-Estate] A good way to get potential buyers interested in your home is to have an open house. Of course, you have to make sure they know about it.
- Open Houses for FSBO Sellers
[Real-Estate:FSBO] The first requirement in finding a buyer for a home is to make sure the pool of potential buyers know it is on the market. For FSBO sellers, holding an open house can help to get the word out to buyers.
- Kitchen Improvements - Plan, Plan, Plan
[Home-Improvement:Kitchen-Improvements] Planning is the first step to improving your kitchen. Fail to plan and you could face problems with the new look of the kitchen, not to mention your wallet.
- Kitchen Improvements - Enjoy Now and When You Sell
[Home-Improvement:Kitchen-Improvements] Who would’ve ever though the kitchen could be the key to building wealth in your home? Well, it is. If you are going to increase the value of your home through improvements, the kitchen is a very good place to start.
- Coinciding Settlements Clauses - Funding Issues
[Real-Estate] People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a “coinciding settlements” clause into their contract offer on the new home. The purpose of this is usually twofold. In this article, we discuss the first purpose which is to use funds from the old home to pay for the new one.
- Coinciding Settlements Clauses - Moving Issues
[Real-Estate] People who are selling their home in order to buy another frequently put a “coinciding settlements” clause into their contract offer on the new home. One reason for doing this is so they can move from one home to the other at the same time.
- FSBO Wisconsin - Madison and More
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Once considered a bit of a backwater state, many Americans are reconsidering the virtues of living in the State of Wisconsin. Here’s a primer on Wisconsin real estate and living in the state.
- Taking Title of Your New House
[Real-Estate] How you take title in your new home is key decision. Unfortunately, in the euphoria of the moment, many new homeowners don’t put much thought into it.
- Septic Systems 101 for Home Buyers
[Real-Estate] If you’re a city dweller who is looking for a home in the suburbs, it’s likely that you’re looking at homes with septic for the first time. This situation tends to make buyers nervous. It needn’t.
- Home Improvement - Don't Exceed Comps In Your Area
[Real-Estate] For most homeowners, the pride of ownership includes a consistent home improvement effort. While this makes sense, be careful you don’t improve the property so much that you can’t recover the costs when it is sold.
- Buy The Most Expensive House In The Neighborhood?
[Real-Estate] When looking at homes, one is tempted to buy the best home in a neighborhood. Should you buy the most expensive home on the block? No.
- Dealing With Unpleasant Negotiators
[Real-Estate] Selling your house yourself can be intimidating if you’re doing it the first time. Here’s how to deal with unpleasant negotiators.
- The Secret to Negotiations for FSBO Sellers
[Real-Estate:FSBO] When it comes to buying or selling a home, the idea of having to negotiate can be intimidating. Let’s debunk some myths about negotiating, shall we?
- Things To Consider When Buying A Home
[Real-Estate] When buying a home, it is easy to get caught up in emotions such as love at first site. This can lead to disaster. The best way to buy a home is to apply your daily life to it.
- Try On Your New Home Before Buying
[Real-Estate] It’s commonplace to try on suits, dresses, trousers or shoes before buying them. People instinctively know they need to try on clothes to be sure they fit, feel comfortable and are attractive on them. What about a home? Isn’t it even more important to “try on” a home before you purchase it?
- Curb Appeal - First Impressions Count When Selling A Condo or Townhouse
[Real-Estate] Curb appeal is the key to selling a townhouse or condo. Since common areas are controlled by a homeowners’ association, paying attention to details can make all the difference.
- Curb Appeal - First Impressions Count When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate] People selling their homes via real estate brokers get lots of coaching. People selling their own homes as FSBOs need the same. One of the most important topics on which FSBOs can benefit from coaching is “curb appeal.”
- Real Estate Terms - From Pre-Approval Letter to Townhouse
[Real-Estate] When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “Pre-Approval Letter.”
- Real Estate Terms - From Home Inspections to Personal Property
[Real-Estate] When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “home inspection.”
- Real Estate Terms - From Easements to Good Title
[Real-Estate] When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “easements.”
- Real Estate Terms - From Condominiums to Deeds of Trust
[Real-Estate:Condominiums] When buying or selling a property, it always helps to have a basic understanding of real estate terms. In this on going series of articles, we take a look at definitions starting with “condominium.”
- Real Estate Terms - From Appraisals to Comps
[Real-Estate] When you’re selling your home or other real property on your own, you don’t have to know everything about the process. It does help to have a practical knowledge of the terms that come up during the process.
- Renting Back After Your Home Is Sold
[Real-Estate] Sometimes it’s helpful to sell your home before you really want to move. Is there any way you can sell your home so you’re sure of the funds available for the new purchase, but continue to live in it? Yes, there is with the renting back strategy.
- FSBOs -The Secret of 'After Settlement Escrow' to Solve Problems
[Real-Estate:FSBO] Most FSBOs (people who are selling their own homes) are aware of the conventional use of escrow. In this article, we look at ways to use escrow to solve problems.
- Selling Your House - $100,000 Pets
[Real-Estate] Is your pet worth $100,000? It may be if you don’t make accommodations for it when selling your home.
- Selling Your Own Home - Pet Issues
[Real-Estate] If you are selling you own home, you need to consider the effect of pets. People who are working with a real estate broker are sure to get coached about the potential negative effect of pets. If you aren’t working with a broker, this article discusses the pet issue.
- Homes For Sell By Owner - FSBOs and Buyer Brokers
[Real-Estate:FSBO] You’re selling your home as a FSBO (for sale by owner) and you get annoyed when real estate brokers call you, right? However, when a “buyer broker” calls, you might want to listen.
- Finding Structural Problems During Escrow - Upscale Home Example
[Real-Estate] When buying and selling homes, the property purchase is often subject to a satisfactory home inspection being done. Now and then, a home inspection uncovers severe structural problems. Here’s an example of a situation in an upscale neighborhood.
- Finding Structural Problems During Escrow - Small Rural Home Example
[Real-Estate] In rural home purchases, the transaction is often subject to a satisfactory home inspection being done. Any imperfections are usually corrected during escrow. Now and then, however, a home inspection uncovers severe structural problems. What happens then?
- Title Insurance - Examples of Problems and Advice
[Real-Estate] What is title insurance and why should any buyer get it when purchasing a home? Here are some examples of why you need it.
- Is An Old Home for You? - The Pros
[Real-Estate] If you prefer a home that is unique and has character, you probably are giving some thought to buying an older home. Before buying, it’s a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of owning the home. In this article, we cover the positive benefits I have realized by owning a home built in 1825.
- Is An Old Home for You? - The Cons
[Real-Estate] So you think you might like to buy an old home? It’s a good idea to carefully evaluate the pros and cons before you decide. There are plenty of both. Here's the story of my old home.
- Escalation Clauses - A Home Buyer's Secret Weapon
[Real-Estate] Today we discuss escalation clauses because much of the country is experiencing an extreme “sellers’ market.” By that, I mean there are more buyers than there are sellers. If you are a buyer, how do you increase the chances that your offer will be the acceptable one? Escalation clauses are one tool.
- Timing Clauses Stop Sellers From Inciting Bidding Wars
[Real-Estate] It is no secret that the current real estate market is hot, hot, hot. Sellers can receive multiple bids for their property on the same day. In the rush of the moment, your emotions can carry you into a bidding war. Using timing clauses can help avoid such a situation and protect you from buyer’s remorse.
- Home Owner Association Restrictions - Read Before Buying
[Real-Estate] Many communities have associations for homeowners, property owners, condo owners, or similar associations. The presence of a homeowners association, also known as “HOA”, introduces another layer of rules and regulations to consider when buying a home. Some people love these associations and some hate them.
- Protective Covenants - Buying A Home
[Real-Estate] In addition to zoning, some properties have covenants recorded at the courthouse that “run with the land.” These “protective covenants” can put a serious pinch in your plans for a piece of property.
- Buying A Home - Zoning and Architectural Review Board Restrictions
[Real-Estate] When you buy a home, you need to be aware of the various things that can limit your control over the property. It’s a good idea to understand these limitations before you buy, so that you can decide whether you’re willing to live with them or not. After you buy, it’s too late; you’re stuck.
- The Value of Building Home Equity
[Real-Estate] There are numerous advantages to owning a home. One of the serious advantages is the equity built over time. As equity builds, you create a pool of money to access in trying times.
- Wealth Building - An Advantage of Home Ownership
[Real-Estate] As you grow older, the issue of wealth building comes front and center. Wealth building simply refers to increasing the net value of your total assets. Wealth building over time is one of the advantages of home ownership.
- Home Buying Checklist - Windows
[Real-Estate] If you are in the market to purchase a home, it can be easy to fall in love at first sight. Do so at your own risk. In this article, I provide a checklist of window issues you should consider when viewing a home.
- Good Faith Deposit - Real Estate Transactions
[Real-Estate] In a real estate transaction, a touchy issue is how much trust the seller has in a buyer. The existence of a good faith deposit helps put a seller at rest.
- Understanding Title Insurance
[Real-Estate] Title to a property is a record detailing the owners of the property and rights associated with the ownership. Title is a fairly simple concept, but when it goes wrong it is a nightmare. That is where title insurance comes in.
- Closing Costs When Buying A Home
[Real-Estate] Closing costs are often the last thing a person thinks of when buying a home. While closing is the joyous moment the home becomes yours, the costs can be surprisingly aggravating.
- Buying A Home - Rain, Sun, and Weather Issues
[Real-Estate] When buying a home, it can be easy to overlook year-around weather issues. You may think you are purchasing a home in a sunny area, but come to find there is always a heavy cloud cover. This is just one of a number of weather issues to consider when selecting your dream home.
- Buying A Home - What Is That Noise!?!
[Real-Estate] You’ve found the perfect home, closed escrow and just finished moving in. As you happily fall asleep, all seems well in the world. An hour later, you bolt up in bed to an ear splitting sound. All is no longer well in the world.
- Home Buying - School District Issues
[Real-Estate] A good school district is a key factor in home buying if you have kids. It can also be a positive selling point when it comes time to sell your home.
- Home Buying - What Can You Afford?
[Real-Estate:Mortgage-Refinance] Okay, you’ve decided to buy a home and are trying to figure out what you can afford. Before you go home buying, you need to carefully consider what you can afford as far as a mortgage payment.
- Renting Versus Buying A Home
[Real-Estate] Renters are often in a quandary as to whether it makes sense to continue renting or buy a home. Buying a home makes more sense, particularly when taking a long-term view. Yes, even in the current hot real estate market.
- Selling a Home - What Personal Property Stays?
[Real-Estate:Selling] The home selling and buying process can be confusing, particularly when it comes to figuring out what items stay with the home. It’s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts out what personal property stays with the home when it is sold.
- Selling A Home - What Attachments Stay or Go?
[Real-Estate:Selling] The home selling and buying process can be confusing. This is especially true when it is a FSBO (for sale by owner) operation. It’s even tougher when neither the seller nor the buyer is in the real estate business. This article sorts through what stays in the house or condo when it’s sold.
- Buying a Home -- Is a Home Inspection a Good Idea?
[Real-Estate] To avoid “buying a pig in a poke,” buyers have long demanded a home purchase be contingent upon a satisfactory inspection. We’re now experiencing a strong sellers’ real estate market. In this environment, buyers are rethinking the home inspection requirement. Is this a good idea?
- A Guide to Home Inspections
[Real-Estate] Any Sally and Sam Homebuyer can look at a home and decide whether it is attractive. They might notice it is freshly painted in pleasing colors, has the requisite number of rooms, and is located in a location with top schools. But what about less obvious parts of the house?
- Pre-Approval Letter - How To Use It To Get Your Dream Home
[Real-Estate] When house hunting, many buyers make the mistake of waiting to contact a lender until after they have located their dream home. As a buyer, you will be in a much stronger position with a seller if you are pre-approved.
- Buying a Home - Dealing With Lender Letters
[Real-Estate] Most people who set out to buy a home, know they need to have a lender letter in hand saying they are qualified for a loan. What most “civilians” (people not in the real estate business) don’t realize is how much the value of a lender letter varies.
- Odors Can Make or Break The Sale of Your Home
[Real-Estate] It’s amazing how important the sense of smell is to many people. If you’re selling your home, you need to be aware of the power of odors. An odor like cigarette smoke can cause potential buyers to leave quickly, but baking pies can convert them into buyers.
- The Secret To Marketing Your FSBO Home For Sale
[Real-Estate:Marketing] You’re ready to put your home or land (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, farm, ranch, finished lot, raw land, etc.) on the market as a FSBO (for sale by owner). How do you go about marketing your FSBO? Read on.
- Content Ideas for Ads and Brochures When Selling Your Home
[Real-Estate] Even in this hot real estate market, selling your home requires a bit of marketing effort. Ads and brochures are important and powerful tools. So, what do you put in you’re marketing materials?
- Selling Your Home Yourself - Pricing It Appropriately
[Real-Estate] When you’re selling your own property, the first thing to get right is the price you ask for it. If you work with a broker, the legwork is done for you. When you work as a FSBO (for sale by owner), you need to figure it out yourself. Let’s look at how to do just that.
- Selling Your Home on Your Own - Examples of Problems and Solutions
[Real-Estate] What can go wrong? About a gazillion things, but this is true if you’re working with a broker, too. If you can stay calm and think under stressful conditions, you can be your own problem solver without the need for a broker. Plus, there is no guarantee the broker will get it right.
- Selling Your Home - Alone or with a Broker?
[Real-Estate] How do you decide whether to sell your home (or land, farm, ranch, etc.) on your own or use a real estate broker? There are pluses and minuses to each approach. Let’s look at some of the key ups and downs. Only you can decide which approach has the most pluses in your situation.
- Selling Your Home - What Can Go Wrong With Title and Lenders
[Real-Estate] If you’re selling your home, there are going to be difficulties at some point in the transaction. Some problems can’t be fixed. It’s important to figure out whether yours are fixable or not. Then you can either fix them or move on and find another buyer. If it’s priced appropriately, there’s a buyer out there for virtually every property.
- Selling Your Home - What Can Go Wrong With Pricing and Loans
[Real-Estate] So, you’re selling your home (house, townhouse, condo, apartment, land, lot, farm, ranch, etc.), what can go wrong? The sad fact is that a lot of things can go wrong. In this article, we look at problems related to pricing and a buyer’s inability to get a loan.
- Selling Your Home - Be Sure It Shows Well
[Real-Estate] Whether you are selling a house, townhouse, condo or apartment, there are universal tips that will help it sell. Primary among those tips are making sure your home “shows well.”
|
|
|
