There are many different types of loans available to assist people in buying homes. The following information is included for general informational purposes only. Much loan information is regional specific, varying from location to location. Ask your lender about specific information as it applies to your situation. If you have yet to select a lender,…
Funding home improvement and remodeling projects can be quite daunting. Surely smaller projects can be budgeted for, but what about the larger ones? This is a financing guide for those of us who are not independently wealthy. If you participate in a 401k plan through your employer, you may be able to procure a short-term…
Determining your wants and needs is the first step to identifying the right loan for you. Is it important to you to have your payments remain the same every month, or are you more concerned with having a lower initial interest rate? There are pros and cons to each of these types of loans. Fixed…
Property Ownership – How Secure Are You? Real estate is traditionally a family’s most valuable asset, and many laws have been passed to protect it. While most of these laws are set up to protect the owner, their family and heirs, others may have claim on the property. In certain situations, governmental bodies, contractors, lenders,…
Most lenders require homebuyers to carry homeowner’s insurance. This is a hazard insurance policy designed to cover your property against peril. Most homebuyers elect to take out a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy. This type of coverage covers the cost of rebuilding your home, your possessions, liability, vandalism, theft, water damage (not flood related) and loss…
Escrow is “a deed, a bond, money or a piece of property held in trust by a third party to be turned over to the grantee only upon fulfillment of a condition,” as defined by Webster. It exists to provide confidentiality and impartiality during a real estate transaction. Escrow exists because buyers, sellers and lenders…
Appraisal – An opinion of value based upon of factual analysis. Appraisal Methods – Generally, there major methods – Cost approach, Income approach, Market Value (comparables) approach. Appreciation – An increase in value of real estate. Assumption of Mortgage – The taking of title to property by a grantee, wherein he or she assumes liability…
Marketing your home is important to get the best possible price. We want to get as many buyers to the door to look at your home. How we do this, is we give the house as much exposure as possible using a number of marketing tools. The more tools you use as a homeowner to market your…
Rule # 1 Don’t let the selling process scare you. Rule # 2 Get representation – You need someone on your side Rule # 3 Get educated. Ask lots of questions Follow these steps with the help of your real estate agent: Before the sale – Marketing Meet your agent at your home to preview…
An open house is your chance to show home buyers exactly what they will get when purchasing your property. It is your chance to show off. Remember that first impressions are vital in the home selling process, so it is important to go through your property to make sure you create exactly the impression you…
