According to a recent study by Zillow, owning a home is more affordable than renting in most metro markets across the United States. According to the study, renters pay an average of 29.1% of their household income towards rent, while homeowners only pay an average of 15.4% towards their mortgages. This means renting eats up […]
Have you ever walked into an open house, or called a real estate agent about a listing, and within minutes, they’re asking you if you are “pre-approved” for a mortgage? You may feel like it’s pretty pushy for them to ask that. But the reality is, they are asking that question for your own good. […]
When buyers are ready to purchase their first place, most are in the market for something relatively small and economical — in other words, a starter home. These diminutive dwellings are a smart first move for newbies because, ideally, they offer a chance to build equity without over-burdening the budget or requiring more maintenance than […]
You may have heard of credit scores (FICO) and wonder what they are. These “scores” affect your ability to get a home loan, the interest rate and points you will pay. The following explains credit scores and how you can improve your score. What is a Credit Score? When lenders evaluate your loan application, […]
It is important to do a little homework before buying or selling a home. Some of the information you should know is who is who does what in a real estate transaction. Below is a general list of the various parties involved in a sale and a simplified description of their responsibilities. […]
While real estate agents are busy helping buyers and sellers navigate the often-rocky terrain of the real estate world, we put dozens of important skills to the test. Possessing an uncanny ability to anticipate the needs of others, we’re also pros at the art of negotiation, often diffusing potential problems before they begin. And let’s […]
You’ve received an offer on your home and you’re thrilled at the prospect of getting the deal done. But first you need to make it through the next hurdle: the home inspection. In most real estate contracts, a home inspection contingency is in place, allowing the buyer a chance to back out should significant mechanical […]
There are many items a lender will need from you to pre-approve you for a home loan. Depending on the type of loan you are applying for, you may need to bring in additional documentation in order for your loan to close. Below are some of the documents required to close a “FULL DOC” […]
One of the most common questions I get as a realtor from buyers and seller is “who pays for what in a real estate transaction?” I have compiled a general list of the items each party is typically responsible for in CA. Keep in mind; these items are negotiable and not definitive for every […]
Getting Ready to Sell If you are thinking about selling your home, you can maximize your profit by getting your home “Fit-to-Sell”. Before putting your home on the market, review the items below and take some time making your home shine! You will be glad you did. Home Staging Staging is a service that […]