Moving With Pets
Scope out the area Before deciding to purchase a new home, walk around the neighborhood yourself to make sure it’s pet-friendly, especially if you have a dog. If you have a puppy that’s still being house-trained, a home with lots of steps or no yard makes it difficult for them to get outside before making a mess. If you have …
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6 Things New Homeowners Always Forget to Do
1. Check the Plumbing Inspect each toilet, under-sink plumbing, faucets, and visible pipes to make sure there are no leaks. If you find any, get it fixed right away—wasted water means wasted money. 2. Find the Fuse or Breaker Box These are generally located in the basement or the garage of a house, and sometimes in the closet or laundry …
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Your Guide to Mortgage Loans
Fixed-Rate These mortgages have the same interest rates for the length of the loan, which means your monthly payment will also never change. Although this guarantees stability as payments will never raise over time, the downside is that your interest rate will also never lower with the market. Fixed-rate mortgages are available for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30–year terms. …
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Home Staging Tips and Tricks
If hiring a decorator isn’t in your budget, here are some creative ideas to make your home appear as attractive as possible to potential buyers. Simple is Good The décor should always complement the style of the home, not overwhelm it. Get rid of unnecessary chairs, side tables, file cabinets, paintings or art, and distracting rugs or carpets. If …
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How Commission Works in Real Estate
Something to keep in mind is that sellers can negotiate the commission, but buyers cannot. It’s also tax deductible! Here’s a breakdown of exactly where that commission fee ends up: Paid by Seller When signing a listing agreement, the seller acknowledges the commission rate they will need to pay, which is typically 6 percent. This amount is generally split …
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Are You Ready to Commit to a Second Home?
Many people choose to purchase a home and either live there permanently, or sell the home when they are ready to move. However, some people choose to purchase a second home, whether for a financial investment or as a vacation home. Real estate investing can a lucrative move, and having a second home can have many benefits. But are you …
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How to Handle a Last-Minute Closing Crisis
Crisis: Misplaced loan documents Sending your loan package overnight by express mail is not guaranteed to reach the seller’s agent on time. That’s why you and your realtor should stay in constant communication with the seller’s agent to make sure they have all the documents they need before your closing appointment. Call beforehand to confirm that all paperwork is ready …
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Common Questions From 1st Time Homebuyers
Q: What does a real estate agent actually do? A: A real estate agent is essential to first-time buyers. Their most important duty is to represent you throughout the transaction, but they will also be there for you during every step of the home buying process and use their insider knowledge to help you understand it. Great realtors are responsible …
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Finding a Family-Friendly Home
If you’re a potential buyer who either already has children, or the intention of starting a family, the home search is going to look a little different for you. No need to fear—you’ll have quite a few options. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a home that’s kid-friendly. Function Depending on the size of your …
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Selling Your Home Successfully
Every seller wants to gain an edge in today’s competitive real estate market. Here are some suggestions on how to present an irresistible home. It’s All About Aesthetics To enhance “curb appeal”, make sure you have all the bases covered before even thinking about placing your home on the market. This includes fresh landscaping, power-washing the deck, painting the …
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