Finding Affordability in Lessons of the Past
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In the 1980s, home buyers faced significantly higher mortgage rates compared to today’s market. Despite this challenge, many people successfully purchased homes and made them worthwhile investments. They employed a range of strategies to manage costs and ensure affordability. Here are the key tactics they used, explained in detail:… Read More
Convenient but not accurate can cost you money
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Online estimates like Zillow, realtor.com, Redfin, & Homes.com are convenient, but typically lack accuracy and may have a significant margin of error. They are constructed using a computer-generated algorithm that utilizes historical public sales data and trends called an Automated Value Model, AVM. National AVMs derive values from automated… Read More
Benefits of Checking your Credit Regularly
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You are encouraged by the Federal Trade Commission to be sure the information on your credit reports is accurate, complete, and up to date at least once a year. It is an important part of your financial life that can determine whether you get credit, the terms of the… Read More
An annual home equity update benefits homeowners
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Homeowners should verify their home’s equity at least once a year because the two factors that affect it change regularly. Market value changes and the unpaid balance of the home decreases with each monthly payment made on an amortizing loan. Amortization and appreciation cause the equity to increase in… Read More
Is a friend your best choice for your agent?
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In the realm of real estate transactions, the decision to engage a friend who also happens to be an agent may seem like a tenuous situation and may cause some hesitation. Concerns about how professional relationships may impact their personal connection occasionally weighs on a person’s mind, leading them… Read More
Key Considerations When Downsizing Your Home
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While the process of downsizing may initially focus on finding a smaller property, it’s essential for homeowners to also think ahead and plan for the future by including considerations such as aging in place, healthcare needs, and financial security, and offer guidance on creating a comprehensive plan for the… Read More
Agent Representation – A Buyer’s Perspective
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Real estate professionals offer expertise in the local market, guiding buyers toward suitable properties and negotiating favorable terms. They provide comprehensive support throughout the home buying process, managing logistics and serving as trusted advisors. Additionally, agents have access to a network of allied professionals, streamlining the transaction and ensuring… Read More
The dilemma is clear: wait for conditions to improve, or act now?
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Are you one of the many would-be homebuyers holding off on purchasing a home, hoping for a favorable shift in the market? With insurance, property taxes, and maintenance costs on the rise, it’s understandable why some are hesitant to take the plunge. However, the reality is that these factors… Read More
The case for working with a friend and agent
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The familiarity and trust established in a friendship may be the ideal foundation for a successful business relationship. Having a loyal ally from their social circle adds a new level of insight and service to such an important financial decision in their lives. When considering the choice of engaging… Read More
Helping buyers make sense of upcoming changes
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Upcoming changes in real estate transactions are imminent following the resolution of significant class action lawsuits involving sellers and the National Association of REALTORS� along with numerous leading real estate firms nationwide. These changes will have implications for sellers, buyers, and agents alike. There has been a lot of… Read More