There are many lending institutions out there that will provide you with a loan that meets your needs, your budget, and your timetable.  However, there are also some unscrupulous lenders out there who will try to take advantage of you.  These lenders will target the elderly, those with credit problems, and those who don’t make a lot of money by tempting them with the prospect of home ownership.  However, as with anything that’s sounds too good, these loans always come […]

When many people think of buying a luxury home, they picture a mansion with a huge swimming pool and dozens of bathrooms. They may also hire a shower installation company to put an elegant shower in their bathroom. Today, luxury real estate has been redefined. Yes, many people still want the large mansion, but more and more people are looking at smaller properties that have specific appeal to them. To ensure that your new frameless glass shower remains in top […]

Selling your home is just the first part of the battle.  Now you’ve got to move!  But moving is more than just putting things in boxes and driving them to your new home.  To move with the least amount of stress and work, you need a plan.  Here are a few tips to help make your move easier. Ask your Realtor for Information – While your realtor may not be able to help you pack up your things, he or […]

As a seller, one of the most exciting things you can hear is that someone has made an offer on your house.  This is especially true if you’ve been on the market for several months without a lot of interest.  But once you’ve finished letting out that sigh of relief or jumping up and down, it’s time to actually take a look at the offer. Your agent will most likely want to meet in person to discuss the offer because […]

Renting to own, also called a lease option or lease purchase, can be perfect for those who want to own their own home, but simply can’t get financing or are unable to come up with a down payment.  A portion of the monthly rent is applied against the price of the home.  Often, homeowners have covered their down payment within a year of renting the property.  In that case, they may be able to go ahead and get permanent financing […]

In a perfect world, you’d put a bid out on your dream house, the seller would accept, and everything would be great.  Even if you and the seller had to go back and forth a bit, you’d still end up with a great house.  But more and more, especially when it’s a seller’s market, people end up in bidding wars with other potential buyers.  What can you do if you get caught up fighting for a property?  Here are a […]

When shopping for a house, you may come across a few properties that your Realtor tells you have contingency offers on them.  What does that mean?  Basically, it means that a buyer has made an offer on the property and the seller has accepted it, but before everything is finalized and the sale actually takes place, certain criteria have to be met. Contingencies are generally to allow the prospective purchaser to get their home sold, the buyers mortgage hasn’t officially […]

You’ve found a great realtor. You’ve fixed all those little nagging issues you’ve put off for months. You’ve even done some great lawn maintenance and put on a new coat of paint. But for some reason, your house is still sitting on the market. It’s just not moving. Why? There can be a number of reasons. While the ones listed here may be common issues, they by no means will apply to every seller or every situation. Your realtor can […]

First time homebuyers are often distracted by things like ugly wallpaper, dark lighting, and a backyard that’s more dirt than grass.  Often, these things make people walk away from a house that may otherwise be absolutely perfect.  That’s why many realtors stress that it’s important to see beyond the décor and look at the structure itself.  A good house may be hidden behind some ugly colors, but it’s still a good house.  You can always repair and change things that […]

You’ve found your dream home.  You’ve made an offer and it has been accepted.  Now you’re just a few days out from the closing.  Then the call comes in.  For whatever reason, your financing didn’t go through.  Now it looks like the house you’ve always wanted is lost!  What can you do if your financing falls through at the last minute? First of all, do everything you can to make sure you’re never in this position.  This is one of […]