There's a lot to discover when moving into a new neighborhood. After you've unpacked your boxes, the next step is to meet new people, explore the area, and get involved. Here are the top things you should do when you're new to the neighborhood.
House tours give buyers a good idea of which features they do and do not want in a home. Learn which features to look out for and which ones signal issues.
Cities and suburbs each have their own lists of pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at moving trends to help you decide on your next big move.
Read our blog to learn the difference between pre-approval and pre-qualification and how they can impact your home buying transaction.
If, like most people, you plan on purchasing a home through a lender and not with cash, then you’ll want a good credit score. Why? Well, the higher your credit score, the more loan choices you’ll have and the lower your rates will be. Read on to learn more about credit scores and they can impact your home buying potential.
Many home buyers panic when thinking about a down payment. Here is everything you need to know regarding down payments so you can prepare.
Closing costs make up 3 to 5 percent of the home loan and include different fees and expenses you pay when you close on your house, in addition to the down payment. Depending on the size of your loan, it can be a large chunk of money, so it’s important to account for these costs ahead of time.
Shopping for a new home can be exciting, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Before you start your home hunt, narrow down which property features are necessary and how they can impact your home budget and affordability.
If you plan on purchasing a new home, homeowners insurance is a must. Although there’s no law requiring homeowners insurance, most lenders and mortgage companies won’t finance your home until you obtain coverage. Homeowners insurance covers your home if it is damaged due to vandalism and certain natural disasters, such as a fire, storm, tornado, and more. Read on to learn how to obtain homeowners insurance and what it does and does not cover.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic spread fear across the country for the sake of personal safety and economic stability alike. As America shut down, and restaurants and offices closed, many believed that the housing market would suffer the same fate. But as restrictions weaned throughout 2021, people who were stuck inside over lockdown were eager to buy and sell. Let’s take a look at 2021 and how the housing market defied all odds.
There are a few questions you want to consider before purchasing a foreclosed home. In most cases, a foreclosed home is cheaper than other houses in the same area; but, at the same time, foreclosed homes are sold ‘as-is,’ meaning you will likely be responsible for any repairs. If you’re looking for an affordable option or a diamond in the rough, then a foreclosed home could be the right choice for you. Here is a list of pertinent questions to ask yourself and your agent before buying a foreclosed home.
Like most industries, the real estate industry experiences market fluctuations depending on the time of year. Spring has always been the busiest season for home buying and selling as warm weather encourages open houses, tours, and moving. However, the COVID-19 pandemic flipped the script in 2020 after homeowners were forced to stay put throughout the spring and summer. As a result, researchers expected real estate in 2021 to display a stabilization, but a new survey from Realtor.com® depicts just the opposite. As the buyer demand remains strong, sellers are choosing to list their homes this winter instead of waiting for spring, creating a seller’s surge in the market.