You may not see the connection right away, but buying a home and planning a wedding are two experiences that require certain skills and challenge you in similar ways. Check out the three key similarities below! 1. Budget Whether you're buying your first home or planning a wedding, you are likely facing one of the biggest financial obligations of your life. That's why, in both cases, it is essential that you pick a realistic budget and stay within it. Sounds simple, but in either case it can be difficult! Unexpected obstacles may force you to spend more than you planned, or you may find … [Read More...]
If you want to sell your home quickly — and for the most profit — you can't just list it and cross your fingers. Successful sales are well-planned sales, and there are several ways in which you can make sure your own home sale turns out as you'd like it to. 1. Know Your Target Market What kind of people are buying homes in your area? Is your neighborhood popular among new families, retirees, young singles? Do a little research to see what type of buyers are typically attracted to the area, and figure out how your home caters to their lifestyle. Marketing is one of the most … [Read More...]
Are you in the market to buy or sell a home? If so, you may be wondering whether to work with a real estate agent or not. While saving on the commission might sound tempting, it can cost you later. Here are six reasons to choose a real estate agent the next time you buy or sell a home. #1: Agents Get The Best Price If you're trying to buy or sell on your own, it's going to cost you. When buying, real estate agents are able to tap into market data to know the best price to bid. When selling, they can use this same data to ensure you ask for the highest reasonable price. #2: Agents Know The … [Read More...]
Last week's economic news included reports on inflation, construction spending, the Federal Reserve's announcement regarding interest rates and several labor and employment related releases. Weekly reports on new jobless claims and Freddie Mac's survey of interest rates were also released. Construction Spending Rises, Fed Holds Steady on Interest Rates, Suggests December Increase Construction spending remained in negative territory for September according to the Commerce Department. The month-to-month reading decreased by 0.40 percent against the expected reading of +0.40 percent and August's … [Read More...]
Deciding to purchase a home will be one of the biggest investment decisions you'll make in your life, but it can be confusing for the first-time home buyer to know all the ins and outs of buying a home. If you're wondering what things first-time buyers often forget about before purchasing a home, here are three important things that you'll want to keep in mind. Ignoring Their Credit History If you have a high debt load or you haven't been making your minimum payments, it can be pretty frightening to consider looking at your credit report, but it's very important to do this before applying for … [Read More...]
Luxury estates can be a challenge to sell. The more expensive a home is, the less potential buyers there are. The biggest hassle is going through the process with people who can't actually afford the home, only to have it fall apart at the last minute. Here are some ways to make sure the property is only being viewed by qualified buyers. Only Accept Offers From Buyers Who Are Pre-Qualified From A Lender One of the only ways to guarantee a buyer will be able to afford a luxury home is to let the bank do the work on your behalf. By only accepting offers from people who have been pre-qualified by … [Read More...]