Pre-approval is a comprehensive process where the lender verifies the buyer’s financial information, including credit history, income, and assets. Pre-approval provides a conditional commitment from the mortgage company to lend a specific amount, pending appraisal of the property. Pre-qualification is an initial assessment based on self-reported financial information provided by the buyer. It gives a rough estimate of how much … Read More
Smart living with home automation
In today’s fast-paced world, home automation is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to enhance convenience and reduce energy costs. With advancements in technology, smart home devices offer innovative solutions that not only simplify daily tasks but also promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing home or are in the process of building a new … Read More
VA Allows Buyer-paid Broker Fees
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as VA, issued a policy change that now allows payment to buyer brokers on VA loans. They will be subject to certain safeguards, such as the requirement that all buyer-broker fees charged to veterans “must be reasonable and customary within local markets.” The circular is effective Aug. 10, 2024, and is valid until … Read More
Maximizing a Homeowner’s Chance to Sell
Recent policy changes made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have shifted the dynamics of buyer’s agent compensation, prompting sellers to reconsider their strategies. Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, have limited savings and may struggle to cover additional costs beyond the down payment, closing costs, and other expenses associated with purchasing a home. Mortgage lenders typically do not allow … Read More
The Key Elements of Single-Family Rental Investments
Single-family rentals (SFRs) are established as a compelling investment opportunity in the real estate market, offering a unique blend of stability and growth potential. These standalone residential properties, rented out to tenants, provide investors with a tangible asset that generates steady income while potentially appreciating in value over time. As the demand for single-family homes continues to rise among renters … Read More
Pre-approval as a homebuyer’s second step
In today’s challenging real estate market, obtaining mortgage pre-approval is a fundamental step for homebuyers, offering a clear picture of their purchasing power. By first choosing a knowledgeable agent to work with, buyers can benefit from expert guidance in selecting the right lender and mortgage officer, ensuring they secure the best mortgage for their unique situation. Pre-approval involves a lender … Read More
A resource that goes beyond the closing
Buying a home is just the beginning of homeownership and it’s important to have good resources for all the different things that it involves. That is why you’re going to want to keep the communication channels open between you and your agent. Follow your real estate professional on social media. Give your agent a review on Google or Facebook to … Read More
Discovering why homeownership builds wealth
Homeownership has long been considered one of the most effective ways to build wealth, and for good reason. According to data from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), homes have appreciated at an average rate of 5.56% over the past 60 years, consistently outpacing inflation, which has averaged 3.7% over the same period. This significant difference is one of the … Read More
A Collaborative Approach to Streamline Property Sales
The Multiple Listing Service, through its collaborative approach, has streamlined property sales and increased efficiency beyond what individual agents or companies could achieve independently. This cooperative system enables more transactions to be completed in less time, benefiting both real estate professionals and their clients. These comprehensive databases, maintained by real estate professionals, provide a centralized platform for property listings, creating … Read More
Discovering Tax Credits That Enhance Homeowner Benefits
Owning a home not only provides a sense of stability and pride but also opens doors to potential tax benefits. As a homeowner, understanding tax credits can significantly impact your financial well-being. Let’s delve into some key tax credits and deductions available to homeowners and how they can help you maximize savings. If you’ve made energy-efficient improvements to your home … Read More
Making Sense of Home Improvements: What Adds Value?
Before diving into renovation projects, it’s important to understand which upgrades are likely to boost your home’s value and which ones may not yield a significant return on investment. While certain improvements can enhance your home’s appeal and attract potential buyers, others may fall short of expectations. It’s prudent to explore examples of home improvements that have the potential to … Read More
Building a Case for Homeownership Today!
Over the last 60 years, the average sales price of homes has appreciated at a rate of 5.56% annually, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data. During the same period, rent has increased at a rate of 3.88% annually which presents a compelling argument in favor of homeownership. When the figures are analyzed, it becomes evident that homes have not … Read More