Tips for Improving Your Real Estate Negotiating Skills

Two people netotiating a real estate purchase

Your home may be the most valuable asset you own. So when the time comes to sell, you’ll want to get the best price. But that may not be easy because buyers want to purchase your home for as little as possible. So, who will win this battle between sellers and buyers? The answer to … Read more

6 Tips to Prepare Your Home to Sell Faster for More Money

Making a list of things to do to prepare your home to sell faster

First impressions are critical in many aspects of life, and it’s particularly true in real estate. The instant potential buyers stop in front of a home, their minds start comparing it to other properties they’ve seen. A savvy seller wants to capitalize on that reaction and make that initial introduction warm and welcoming, inviting someone … Read more

FHA 203(k) Mortgage Rehabilitation Loan Details

FHA 203(k) Mortgage Rehabilitation Loan Details

The FHA offers a unique type of product that allows a purchase or refinance mortgage loan to include the expected cost of repairs and renovations. With a minimum 3.5% down payment for qualified applicants, a 203(k) mortgage rehabilitation loan can exceed the purchase price but not the FHA maximum loan amount, which can vary among … Read more

Budgeting for Home Maintenance When Buying a Home

Unpredictable house repairs can be costly. Discover how to create a budget for home maintenance when buying a home.

The number of homes sold peaked at almost 7 million in 2021 after steady growth in the previous ten years. Although sales will likely drop in 2023, many people still want to purchase their first home. Besides budgeting to buy the home, homebuyers must also set aside funds for home maintenance. Purchasing a property is … Read more

Paint Colors That Increase the Value of Your Home

Some fresh point colors can boost the value of your home when putting it up for sale

The global demand for house painting services continues to grow. But what’s the reason for this notable trend? First, there is an increasing focus on property improvement. Plus, many owners are trying to make their homes more appealing. The fact that exterior painting makes a property stand out is also a huge contributor to the … Read more

Tips To Buy A House In Another State

Discover how to make buying a home in another state a simple process

Around 16% of Americans have moved to a different state since 2019, which is about the same level experienced in the late 1980s, but twice the average percentage of the few years preceding 2018. However, several factors contribute to this trend, such as employment or job transfers to a new location. In addition, adventure and … Read more

Inventory of Homes for Sale Grew in February [Video]

February 2023 U.S. Housing Market Report Video

Home Inventory growth in February accelerated from January’s rate due to homes spending more time on the market. In addition, the number of homes under contract (including pending listings) in February was smaller than January’s decline; this could mean that the housing market is starting to stabilize at a relatively low level of existing home … Read more

What Is Delayed Financing?

Delayed financing lets you buy a home with cash and then finance the property to recoup up to 100% of the purchase costs.

Delayed financing allows homebuyers to purchase a property with cash, then obtain a cash-out refinance mortgage to recoup all, or most, of the money used for the purchase. This strategy lets the buyer make a cash offer on a property, which is more attractive to sellers, especially in a bidding war. Why Use Delayed Financing? … Read more

Is Homeownership a Hedge Against Inflation?

Homeownership can help protect you from the effects of inflation.

Prices for goods and services in a market economy are subject to change. So as prices rise, your purchasing power decreases because of inflation. Inflation, however, isn’t necessarily harmful in cyclical free markets. Inflation can bring down entire economies when prices rise too quickly, and the market fails to adjust. In 2022, inflation emerged as … Read more