Features That Are Becoming Standard in New Homes
Source: Realtor Magazine, January 27, 2020 First-time and repeat buyers say they’d rather have a smaller home with high-quality amenities than a bigger property with fewer such features, according to a survey the National Association of Home Builders released during the International Builders’ Show last week in Las Vegas. The NAHB’s report, titled “What Home […]
Buy a Home with High Income and Low Credit Score
A mortgage lender looks at several factors when deciding whether to approve a loan application. A lending institution wants to know that a borrower has both the ability and the will to repay debts. If you have a high income and a low credit score, a lender may have reservations about approving your mortgage application. […]
What to Expect from a Home Inspection
Your home inspection doesn’t have to be a surprise or a scary experience. A home inspection can make or break a transaction. Without it, buyers wouldn’t know if they’re buying a money pit or a home that will last a lifetime. Homebuyers are responsible for hiring a professional home inspector, who should uncover possible problems […]
Remodeling Loan for Fixer-Uppers
As homes age, more homeowners are looking to remodeling to spruce up their properties. Of the nation’s stock of 137 million units, nearly 80% are at least 20 years old, and 40% are at least 50 years old. Freddie Mac says its new mortgage product is to help home buyers finance or refinance fixer-uppers. Eligible […]
Should I Dip Into Equity and Renovate?
Many homeowners will be taking advantage of winter savings on supplies and the off-season availability of contractors to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance home renovations. According to recent research from TD Bank, more than three quarters (80%) of responding homeowners with existing HELOCs who said they were planning home renovations […]
Get Pre-Approved Before House Hunting
The biggest piece of advice I can give you as a real estate agent: get pre-approved before house hunting. I know you’ve heard it a million times. Many agents won’t start your home search without a copy of your pre-approval letter, but there is a legitimate reason for this. I was asked about this by […]
New Home Construction – How It’s Made
New home construction, is a misunderstood option of your home search. Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s always worth considering.
Purchasing a Rehab – 4 Buyer Regrets After Closing
Rookie buyers looking for an affordable home may purchase one in need of repair in hopes of turning it into the house of their dreams. But an extensive rehab can quickly become the stuff of nightmares. Realtor.com® contributor Erica Sweeney shares her personal story of tearing down and rebuilding her first home 11 years ago […]
Tiny Homes Real Deal
Recently, I’ve been wondering more and more what the tiny homes real deal is. Anyone who knows me knows that I’ve been toying with the idea of “right-sizing” to a tiny home. I keep feeling that I have more square footage than my family needs, which leaves too much room to accumulate stuff and keep things […]
Don’t Fall Victim To These Mortgage Myths When Buying A Home
The American dream may no longer include home ownership for many millennials, but there are still plenty of people out there willing to drop five to six figures for digs of their own. The only problem? There are also plenty of mortgage myths that cause people to lose money in the pursuit of becoming homeowners. […]