The Importance of Inspecting an Older Home
Purchasing a home, whether for investment or as your primary dwelling, is one of the most significant transactions most of us will negotiate. You may feel it's clear why a home inspection is a critical step in the process for new home construction, but the benefits of inspecting an older home may not be obvious. One might think homes constructed in the 1970s or earlier, which have only had one owner, may not need as thorough an inspection. However, for several reasons you should ensure [...]
Photography Tips for Buyers
Buyers rarely put much thought into the images on a Realtor's site. Just like decluttering and staging, a homeowner wants to present the home at its best. After all, they want you to be interested enough to come and look closer. Knowing what you're looking at in the images can save you time and prevent disappointing showings. So, keep these things in mind when looking at house photos during your buyer's journey. Professional Photography Techniques Professional photographers make sure the house looks perfect. There's a [...]
3 Tips to Remodel Property to Use as a Vacation Rental
You've decided you want to rent out that beach house as a vacation rental. Nice job—turning a property into an extra source of income can be a game-changer for the retirement account or the family Mad Money. If you're hoping to get the best possible return on your investment, consider these three tips on remodeling your property as a successful vacation rental. 1. Plan Before Your Purchase When you're getting ready to remodel, your eyes will notice everything that's available out there: big sales, unique [...]
The 2021 Housing Boom: A Change on the Way?
With the current housing boom continuing well into 2021, many existing or potential homeowners are now carefully considering their next steps. The anxiety is understandable, with the housing boom of the Great Recession less than 20 years ago still fresh in our minds. However, while this housing boom is not sustainable and the real estate market will eventually change, key differences show us that a crash is not likely. Higher Lending Standards One of the most significant driving factors of the housing market crash during [...]
7 Things You Should Know When Buying a New Construction Home
Are you considering a new construction home? While many things about the home buying process are the same as purchasing a renovated home or even a fixer-upper, there are some things you should know before jumping in. Know the Home-Buying Process If this is your first home purchase, you will want to look at the steps involved, so you know what to expect along the way. Your lender and Realtor will be able to help, of course, but researching this ahead of time will [...]
How to Protect Yourself from 3 Common Real Estate Scams
Purchasing your first home can be an exciting process. If you are new to the real estate market, you need to be aware of potential scams to protect yourself. Here are the three most common real estate scams and how you can protect yourself. Real Estate Wire Transfer Fraud Real estate wire transfer fraud can be a common occurrence as you approach closing on your new home. Some criminals can pose as a real estate agent, bank or title company. These criminals may contact you [...]