When it comes to real estate, location is everything as the old saying goes. While neighborhood amenities like shops, restaurants and good schools are important, so is public transportation. Of course, in suburban and rural areas, this may not be available or relevant, but in urban areas, buyers seem to be willing to pay a…
When you first start shopping for a house, you might be surprised by how many different home styles are available to you. Many homes have similar styles but also come with certain nuances that set them apart. There are dozens of home styles out there, but here are the top 15 in-demand options that you…
One of the biggest barriers to home ownership is the down payment. Many people want to own homes but aren’t able to afford the 20% down payment they think they need to have to buy. But, the truth is down payment amounts actually fluctuate greatly depending on various factors, and this means homeownership might be…
Every neighborhood has a few fixer-upper houses that are run-down, outdated, or abandoned. A creative homebuyer might drive past these properties and think how great they could look with a little work and a fresh coat of paint. However, buying a fixer-upper is a significant investment, both in time and money. While you have the…
Good negotiation is an art form, and you’ll often hear it said that the best deals allow both people to walk away feeling as if they’ve gotten what they want, or at least part of it. While it can take time and practice to hone your negotiation skills, whether you’re on the buying or selling…
Many young adults want to buy homes, but face overwhelming barriers when it comes to affording down payments and navigating the complex world of financing. Fortunately, there are many first-time home buyer programs that are meant to give people the leg up they need. If you want to buy a home but aren’t sure if…
Working with a good Realtor® is essential when trying to buy or sell a home at the best price. If a Realtor® doesn’t give your deal enough time or energy, you could end up having an awful experience and suffering financially. Most people know they need to find a good real estate agent, but few…
The home buying process is an exciting time for individuals and families who are stepping into the next chapter of their lives. However, it also requires a lot of paperwork and technical knowledge that most homebuyers don’t have. Your Realtor® will be an invaluable resource in guiding you through this process, but there are also…
Interest rates have been on somewhat of a wild ride since the end of 2015. At that time, the Federal Reserve started raising rates, and since then, there have been several rate hikes. Before the end of 2015, rates were steadily low at points near zero for years following the Great Recession as part of…
A foreclosure happens when a property owner stops paying their mortgage or other financial obligations to the lender. The lender (typically the bank) will take back the rights to the home, evict the owner, and try to resell the house to someone who will be able to pay for it. Foreclosed homes are often seen…