The final walk-through before closing is often taken for granted when it is a vitally important step in the home-buying process. Buyer clients will often ask me why we must take part in this event. They are eager to get in and get the deal sealed. But no matter how many times you may have toured the home before the offer, or how confident you feel in the inspection, the final walk-through should never be bypassed. In fact, the results of the walk-through could determine if and when a closing should occur. This is your final look at the home …

Getting your home ready for the spring market requires careful planning and a solid strategy. Let’s start with the price you set. If you price your home too high, potential buyers may never come across your listing because it doesn’t fall within the price range they’re searching for. An overpriced home also runs the risk of lingering on the market too long and going stale, forcing a price cut down the road while losing the big reveal momentum. If you price your home too low, you’ll be leaving money on the table and buyers might be scared off, assuming that …

Last year was one of the wildest rides in recent memory for the real estate industry. For realtors representing their buyers, 2021 was one long, mad scramble to help clients buy their home, with realtors representing sellers facing challenges of their own. The perseverance and patience of buyers’ agents was deeply tested throughout the year. With home inventory shortages stacking the odds in favor of the sellers, winning calls for highest and best offers could be quite discouraging. On the financing end of things, buyers were rushing to prequalify for letters of pre-approval so that they were able to take …

Given the hot real estate market, selling your home should be as easy as pie. But there are several factors you need to take into consideration before hanging your For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sign. The ongoing pandemic has impacted every step of the real estate sales process from showing to closing, and industry standards have been established by the National Association of Realtors to help protect sellers and buyers alike. Working with a real estate professional allows you to stay on top of all the safety protocols, implement all the right measures and secure the waivers necessary to protect …

Even with the more dangerous delta variant causing a rise in COVID infections, it’s still possible for you to safely search for the perfect home. Here are some rules to follow: First and foremost, protect yourself. By initiating your search online, you can get a glimpse of a property right from your living room. This way, you can safely learn if you want to know more. The key is knowing what to look for and noticing what may be hiding. The online photos are meant to grab your attention and highlight the home’s best features. Open floor plans, updated appliances …

Most markets in the U.S are seeing an increase in the sales prices. In some cases, homes will sell in as little as a few hours. This is not the case everywhere, though, as houses in some areas are going for lower than asking price. For the most part, we’re seeing an increase in prices in suburban areas and a drop in prices in major cities. Because of the pandemic, homebuyers are looking for more “breathing room” and many people are working remotely, which eliminates or reduces the need to commute to downtown offices. In more appealing areas, homes are …

Before listing your house, you need to view it through the eyes of your potential buyer. The first thing folks do is look at pictures of a listing and that first impression can make or break their decision to look further. Your entire house needs to be ready for its closeup. The first step is to clean your home. Make sure to eliminate all clutter and give every room a good tidy. Professional cleaning is a good option here. It’s also important to make sure the outside of your home is clean. It has to have “curb appeal.” Your hard …

Each step of the home buying process can be time consuming. On average, it takes four and a half months to shop for a home along with another 1 to 2 months to close once you are under contract. The time required can be longer or shorter depending on different factors like time spent in preparation, the time of year, the current market and the state of your finances. This year is unusual, which is why it is important to be prepared. Home prices are expected to increase. They are not expected to increase as much as they did in …

Buying a house with a partner sounds amazing, but it’s a huge commitment. Communication is key if you want things to go smoothly. Asking these questions can better prepare the both of you for the next step. How much debt do you have? First, ask how much debt they have. Knowing how much money is at your disposal is a huge aspect of buying a house. Getting approved for a mortgage should be the first step in the process. Mortgage lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio. Your DTI ratio is calculated by your combined monthly debt payments divided by your …

Coming up with a competitive offer for a property can be challenging. Today’s market is constantly changing and with a limited number of homes available, you need to seek professional advice and be realistic about your expectations. First and foremost, you need to choose the right real estate broker and take his or her advice. You may have previous knowledge from your own research, but in the end, you need to trust the expert. Buying a house can be an extremely emotional process. Your realtor is there to help you through the ups and downs and take some of the …