“What do you mean my house didn’t appraise?!” This conversation is one no Realtor ever wants to have. Sometimes a rogue appraiser can produce a low value for the home. What’s worse is that in some conditions, that appraisal with remain with the home for up to six months. You can appeal the appraisal, … Continue reading Deadly Appraisals
Exclusive Listings Good or Bad?
   The housing market is finally increasing in value! You have been watching the home values trend up, so you decide it is finally time to sell your home. You make the wise decision to call a local real estate agent who puts home on the … Continue reading Exclusive Listings Good or Bad?
Popular Loans for First Time Home Buyers
   Are you tired of renting? Have you thought about buying a home but don’t have a 20% down payment? Fortunately that is not a problem. Here are popular loan types and definitions for first time home buyers. Debt to Income Ratio (DTI): This percentage is your monthly debt obligations as a percentage of … Continue reading Popular Loans for First Time Home Buyers
What Is Escrow?
   Congratulations! You decided this was the year you were going to buy a home, and it has been a long process. So far you have: been pre-approved by a lender, toured properties with your Realtor, wrote up an offer, and after negotiating you are officially...in escrow? What is escrow?    When a … Continue reading What Is Escrow?
Why You Care About the FMOC
   "Are interest rates going to increase for home loans? Is now a good time to buy a home?” Buyers often ask these questions because the higher interest rates rise, the more your purchasing power is diminished. Conversely if interest rates were to decrease, you may be able to buy a more expensive home. … Continue reading Why You Care About the FMOC
Pros and Cons of Pre-foreclosure
   Pre-foreclosure. That blue dot on Zillow, is commonly associated with the property being below market value. However, that isn’t always the case. In fact many times, a home that is in pre-foreclosure is not discounted at all. Before we discuss the pro’s and con’s of buying a home in pre-foreclosure, let’s discuss exactly … Continue reading Pros and Cons of Pre-foreclosure
Install or Buy a Home With a Pool?
   It’s summertime! The weather is hot; the days are long, and you want to cool off in a sparkling pool. The only problem is your home doesn’t have one, so you toss around the idea of installing one. Then you think about the equity you have in your home and wonder if it … Continue reading Install or Buy a Home With a Pool?
The Best Real Estate Website
   I receive calls all the time from people who want to buy a house; the only problem is the home isn’t for sale. This is more common than you might think, and it stems from the massive shift that has taken place in the real estate industry. Real estate has gone digital, and … Continue reading The Best Real Estate Website
Should I Buy a Home Warranty?
  Many home buyers are unsure about whether or not to include a home warranty in the purchase of their home. One reason for the uncertainty are the numerous conflicting views on this subject.  So when, if ever, should a buyer consider getting a home warranty? Let's begin with circumstances when a home warranty … Continue reading Should I Buy a Home Warranty?
Does Solar Add Value to My Home?
   Does having a solar system increase my home’s value? Well...it depends.    As it currently stands, if you do not own the system, its value can’t be included in your home’s appraisal. In fact leased/PPA solar agreements may cause homeowners problems when they sell their home. One such problem is the monthly … Continue reading Does Solar Add Value to My Home?