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…
When you’re in the process of buying a new home, or you’re just considering it, it’s easy to start with a wish-list that includes just about everything. Your list may seem like it’s a mile long, and that’s normal. We all want that perfect home, but when it’s time to start your search, there will…
The closing is the final step of the home buying and selling process. Many sellers or Realtors® will refer to closing as the finish line in the overall process, but that doesn’t provide a lot of detail about what goes on – or what a buyer needs to do to prepare. Just because you’re done…
If you’re contemplating it, or in the midst of buying your first home, you probably already know it’s a big undertaking. There’s a lot to think about, particularly when it comes to financial decisions. A home is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. You have to look beyond the price of the…
If you’re on the path to buying a home, it can be overwhelming. You are making one of the biggest purchases you have ever or perhaps will ever make. Terms are being thrown around, and you’re not entirely sure what they mean. Are you worried you’re going to make the wrong decision because you aren’t…
As a real estate buyer or seller, if you’ve done your homework and you’re prepared you may feel there’s no way you could be the target of a scam. Even the most proactive and prepared sellers and buyers can fall victim to certain scams, however. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest…
A home inspection is an important part of the buying process. Potential buyers bring in an inspector to check the foundation, wiring, plumbing, and overall structure of the house. The inspector will look at everything from the tiles on the roof to the support systems in the kitchen cabinets. Understanding the home inspection process is…
If you are trying to buy property in a hot real estate market, you need to make exceptional offers. Zillow describes a hot market as a seller’s market, which means there are more buyers than sellers. In this situation, buyers need to write strong offers because many of the best Realtors in your city will be making…