As a homebuyer, your real estate agent will do their best bring you to see homes that meet the criteria you asked for. However, there's no guarantee that a home will have a history of being properly cared for. Your real estate agent can choose the homes you see, but they have no control over the property owner's homeownership habits. Why Home Maintenance Matters Home maintenance should matter to you as a homebuyer and later on as a homeowner. A home needs consistent and proper maintenance in order to run efficiently, and that doesn't only apply to moving parts like the HVAC system. If a home … [Read More...]
If you've been putting off your house hunting, it's time to head out. Summer is the best season to go shopping for a new home, for a variety of reasons. 1. More Inventory Homeowners list their homes for sale in the summer more often than any other season. When you shop for a new home during this time, you'll have a much wider selection of homes to choose from. 2. Better Prices More inventory in summer often turns the local real estate scene into a buyer's market. Home sellers may have to compete with other sellers on the same block or even down the street. This gives buyers a nice … [Read More...]
It's an exciting time when you're buying or selling your home and your real estate agent is your partner in this real estate endeavor. But there are some questions that your agent can't or won't be able to answer for you. These are the top three questions not to ask your real estate agent. 1. How High Will The Buyers/Sellers Go? Knowing that your agent is in touch with their agent, you might think your agent knows the highest amount the prospective buyers or sellers will go. This question is problematic for several reasons. First, would you want your agent to divulge … [Read More...]
Nearly everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way. While many people are getting tired of being cooped up in their homes, the home improvement industry has actually been able to stay afloat. Furthermore, it is actually thriving. Because many people are trapped in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are thinking about carrying out a home remodeling project. For those who are wondering about the prospects of such an undertaking, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. The Pros Of Home Remodeling During The COVID-19 Pandemic There are a few … [Read More...]
Last week’s economic reports included monthly readings from Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, FHFA home prices, and readings on new and pending home sales. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and first-time jobless claims were also released. Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Price Growth Pace Increased In March National home prices rose at a year-over-year pace of 4.50 percent in March from February’s reading of 4.20 percent. According to the Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index, home prices rose by 0.40 percent to a year-over-year growth rate of 3.90 percent. The three cities … [Read More...]
Owning a home may be the American dream, but for many who are in a lower income bracket, finding a loan can become challenging. Thankfully, there are several loan programs that can work well for lower-income people considering homeownership. Here's a closer look at some of these home loans designed to help people who have a low-to-moderate income find a way to buy a home. FHA Home Loans FHA home loans are loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Lenders are more likely to lend to "higher risk" borrowers through the FHA loan program because the loans have the FHA's backing. With the … [Read More...]
