Congratulations, you are on your way to owning your very own home! Follow these suggestions (and your realtor’s advice) so that escrow and settlement with go as smooth as possible. You will be asked for a down payment on the home you are purchasing. You can choose to put down as much or as little […]
CMA is real estate shorthand for “Comparative Market Analysis.” A CMA is a report prepared by a real estate agent providing data comparing your property to similar properties in the marketplace. The first thing an agent will need to do to provide you with a CMA is to inspect your property. Generally, this inspection won’t […]
Fortunately for buyers, there are a mortgage types to choose from. It is in your best interest to investigate each of them to determine which is the best for your situation. You probably won’t qualify for all of them. In fact, you may only qualify for one. But if you do qualify for more than […]
June and Fred Smith were diligent about getting their home ready for sale. They ordered a pre-sale termite inspection report. The report revealed that their large rear deck was dry-rot infested, so they replaced it before putting their home on the market. The Smiths also called a reputable roofer to examine the roof and […]
Ready to close the deal? Maybe not. Sometimes unforeseeable issues arise just prior to closing the sale. Hopefully, with negotiation, most of these have a workable solution. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. But don’t panic. Another buyer might still be found who is willing to accept the house as is. Imagine that your […]
As an alternative to working with an experienced real estate agent, you might consider selling your home yourself; however, if you choose this option, be prepared for a lot of work! It can and has been done, of course, but if you don’t have the time and energy to commit to it (or need to […]
Most cities require that homeowners obtain a building permit before making modifications to their residence. Which modifications require a permit vary by city. Also, some cities are more vigilant than others in enforcing permit laws. In order for the homeowner to receive a permit, the homeowner or his/her designee are required to file plans and […]
Buying a home is one of the most important purchases most people will make. In order to make the right decision the first time, potential buyers need to be prepared. Consider the following before starting negotiations: Be prepared Research the housing market in the target area. Once you have information about the general area, focus […]
Naturally, you want to get the best deal for the least amount of money. This holds true for mortgage rates as well. A lower interest rate means a lower monthly mortgage payment, which can save you money in the long run. Also, it is easier to qualify for a lower payment than a higher one. […]
Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home. Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, sellers will be much more receptive to potential buyers who have been pre-approved. You’ll also avoid being disappointed when going after homes that are […]