What Is Title Insurance?
It seems there's insurance for everything. Medical Insurance is one of the most common for help with medical bills. Automobile Insurance is there if you are involved in an accident or your car is damaged. Dental Insurance for your teeth, Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment...the list goes on and on. So, what exactly is Title Insurance? It's not Homeowner's Insurance, but it is required by mortgage companies when you buy, sell or refinance your home. So, is there a risk that the title to [...]
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 [...]