Covid-19 has ambushed economies all over the world, with leaders and businesses desperately trying to find a healthy balance between protecting people and protecting the economy. So many industries have been left in an unpredictable state, including the real estate market. Lets have a look at 5 important things you should know before taking the leap and investing in real estate...
Full Story >It might seem curious to some why mortgage companies use gross monthly income when determining affordability instead of take-home pay. After all, its the take-home pay that consumers use to pay bills including the mortgage but also other monthly expenses as well. Credit card debt and auto loans are paid each month but so are things like mobile phone bills, food, gas and other e...
Full Story >It may sound surprising, but doing Halloween dcor right may actually help you sell your home. Doing it wrongwell, were terrified just thinking about it. Heres what not to do when decking out your house for the spooky holiday.Dont overdo the exteriorYour home is strung with witch lights, gravestone markers dot your front yard and Casper the Ghost greets visitors at the door, sai...
Full Story >Spring is often thought of as the best time for planting, but do you know that plating in fall offers some significant advantages for your garden? In fact, marketing ploys aside, fall is the best time for planting and starting a gardenBelow are some reasons why fall is the best time for planting perennials, trees, and shrubs in your garden:The Weather is Perfect for PlantingThe...
Full Story >Financing for new construction as well as financing an existing home both involve getting a loan with real estate as the collateral. Theyre both the same in that manner but clearly different in others. Lets look at the differences between financing new construction and financing an existing property.When someone decides to buy an existing home and take out a new mortgage, the o...
Full Story >When youre considering buying a home, there are two terms youll hear, both of which are >Understanding these terms is critical because theyre going to help you know what you can afford as you search for a home, and theyre also how youre going to demonstrate youre a serious buyer to a seller.Both are similar in that they are steps along the way to get a mortgage, but if you have...
Full Story >"Nuisance" has been defined as "something that causes harm" and "a bit of a bother." Nuisances are a pretty common occurrence in homeowner associations since living in close proximity is bound to create friction from time to time. Most HOA governing documents include language like: "No resident shall engage in offensive activities which are a nuisance, or interfere with the qui...
Full Story >Homeownership. It shifts so many things. If youre coming from an apartment, you may experience conveniences like direct-access garages and walls that arent shared for the first time. If youve been renting a home, you will probably feel a new sense of security and peace of mind once the mortgage is in our name. Not to mention the itch to repaint, re-imagine, and redo at least a ...
Full Story >The Federal Housing Administration insures what are called FHA loans. These mortgage loans provide opportunities for buyers with less-than-perfect credit or limited down payments to purchase homes, but they arent without potential pitfalls.FHA loans are available to borrowers with a credit score of at least 580, and you have to make a minimum 3.5 down payment. Theyre a popular ...
Full Story >Owning real estate overseas is often a lifelong dream. It can look different for everyone. For example, maybe your goal is to retire in Tuscany, or perhaps you want to buy a second home but keep your primary residence in the U.S. You might want to purchase property now where youll live later, or you could want to move overseas full-time.Regardless of your situation, many specif...
Full Story >As the pandemic evolves, real estate professionals continue to adapt to changeboth for themselves and their clients.Over the past months, I have been struck by repeated situations in the media and on social media that reminded me that professionals in all fields often overlook opportunities to improve adaptability while in the midst of change.With more shifts on the pandemic ho...
Full Story >If youre in a tough sellers market or just looking to get top dollar for your home, you want to do any little thing you can to make your house stand out in a potential buyers mind. Staging is one of those things that can make the difference between a sold sign and a house that lingers on the market.The National Association of Realtors suggests that staging has a real impact on ...
Full Story >If youre a homeowner and thinking of maybe refinancing or youre out shopping for a new home, certainly interest rates are part of the picture. Rates determine your monthly mortgage payment as well as determine affordability. In either case, its important to know that any rate you see advertised on the internet or a rate you get from your loan officer arent immediately available...
Full Story >Online dating is a big business; according to eharmony, forty percent of Americans use online dating and twenty percent of all committed >Be smartWhen you create a dating profile, youre trying to capture the essence of your beauty and personality. Apply the same principle to your home for sale. If youre not certain what your homes best features are, your agent will su>Spruce it...
Full Story >Sometimes we dont focus on distinguishing between a buyers agent and a sellers agent, but understanding the differences is important when youre choosing someone to work with. The terminology can also get a bit confusing.A buyers agent is also called a selling agent because they help buyers find properties. A sellers agent is referred to a listing agent.For purposes of comparing...
Full Story >Question: Our By-laws indicate that expenses are shared equally. We have one and two bedroom units that vary significantly in size. Dividing expenses equally seems unfair. Can we simply vote to change it? If so, how many need to vote in favor of it?Answer: Occasionally, developers propose an expense allocation like the one you describe. Its easier to calculate but clearly overl...
Full Story >The real estate market remains hot right now, despite economic headwinds. Many people want to jump in and buy a home or upgrade their current home to a new one for good reason. Interest rates are incredibly low, so now could still be a buying opportunity, despite limited inventory and high prices in some locations.If your credit isnt perfect, you may wonder if anyone will appro...
Full Story >Having trouble sleeping? Or staying awake? Feeling down? Or stressed? Maybe you just need a new paint color.Turns out that the colors you use in your home can impact more than just the way it looks."Home decor is often viewed as simply a matter of aesthetics - what looks attractive. But proponents of color psychology believe that the colors you use to decorate your home can hav...
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