If you’re shopping for a home, you might want something trendy with lots of character and personality. While tiny houses are all the rage because of their minimalistic offerings, the bungalow house has captured lovers of open spaces. The history of bungalow style homes is fascinating. If you want a home with character and style,
First Time Home Buyers
Are you thinking about buying or selling a property? Before you do, it’s important to figure out who has the right to use the land. It’s not always up to the owner. If there are easements on the property, someone else might have the legal right to use it, and depending on the type of
When it comes to investing, real estate crowdfunding is the newest kid on the block. Crowdfunding sites are popping up on the web, promising a revolutionary take on making money in real estate. Targeted at new and seasoned investors alike, real estate crowdfunding is a great way to break into a game that’s typically reserved
If you’re trying to buy a property, you might have come across the concept of right of way easements. Easements are a common component of real estate law. The right of way easement is one of the most common types of easements, but there are many more. We’ll tell you everything you need to know
You’ll probably receive a variety of housewarming gifts when you buy a home, but one of the best things you’ll get is the bundle of rights. This term is used to describe the various interests and legal rights that come with property ownership. Sure, you can technically throw a few rager parties or paint your
Real estate transactions can be complicated with many moving parts and can give you plenty to think about. Until closing day, your life revolves around interest rates, inspections and paperwork. So. Much. Paperwork. We’re going to add one more thing to the list: real estate scams. Yes, scammers are everywhere. From small-time application-fee thieves to
You’re thinking of getting into the real estate game, and you’re looking at a home with an asking price of $140,000 and you’ll need about $10,000 to make repairs and cover other expenses for a total of $150,000. It’s in a good neighborhood, and it doesn’t need much work to get it ready to rent.
What comes to mind when you try to imagine what a manufactured home looks like? If you’re seeing a trailer home in your mind – think again. Manufactured homes have come a long way in the past few decades. Modern manufactured homes are beautiful, sturdy and packed with creature comforts. They are ordinarily less expensive
Let’s imagine two people standing apart from each other, at least arm’s length apart. It might be safe to imagine they don’t know each other very well. Now, let’s imagine a second couple. They are standing close to each other, maybe even arm in arm. It might be safe to assume they know each other
For most people, a home is the largest single purchase they’ll make in their lifetimes. It comes with upfront expenses like closing costs, down payments and potential repairs or upgrades. These additional expenses can easily add tens of thousands of dollars to the upfront costs of buying a new home. You may think that saving the
A multiple listing service (MLS) is a database real estate agents and brokers create, maintain and pay for. Because it’s a collaborative tool, it makes transactions easier for all parties involved in the sale of real estate. Real estate brokers can see each other’s listings, schedule showings and easily connect buyers and sellers. The MLS
When you’re buying a home, you’ll want to make sure there are no legal issues with the property. Lis pendens means there is a legal dispute over a property, which can make a property difficult to buy or sell. Whether you’re a homeowner, a potential buyer or someone disputing property ownership, understanding how lis pendens
Did you know that flood damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners insurance? That’s right. Your policy covers different types of damage, but if your home gets flooded, your home and your belongings aren’t covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Here comes flood insurance to save the day! If you’re wondering whether you need flood insurance
After a buyer puts in an offer or purchase contract and makes a good faith deposit (aka earnest money deposit), there are only a few boxes left to check before the sale goes through. But what happens when the home appraisal comes back low, essentially warning you that you’re about to overpay for the home
When you become a homeowner, you hope that your home and its belongings are safe and protected for as long as you own the home. Unfortunately, no hope is guaranteed. Fire, theft, weather events, plumbing problems and the fickle finger of fate can strike your home at any time. That’s why you need homeowners insurance.
So, you’ve found a house, and your offer has been accepted. Congrats! Now you’re probably wondering how soon until you can move in. That’ll depend on when you’re scheduled to close on your new home. Closing is the date when everyone involved with the sale (including your lender) is satisfied and agrees that you and
There’s a lot that goes on during the home buying process, and one of those things is usually a home inspection. If foundation issues are uncovered, it can hamper your ability to get approved for a loan and might even hurt your home’s resale value. But you’ve got options. We’re here to help you figure
Your home is a large investment so you’ll want to make sure it stands the test of time. The foundation of a house is an essential component to its safety, stability and longevity. It keeps the house in place, ensures the house is level, keeps moisture out and even insulates. But foundations can have problems,
Just when you thought you had this home buying thing down, you hear about a hybrid appraisal. You know what a hybrid electric car is, but a hybrid appraisal? In real estate, a hybrid appraisal is an alternative to a traditional appraisal. With a traditional appraisal, a licensed appraiser inspects a property and analyzes local
The excitement of being a first-time home buyer is unbeatable. A home is one of the most important and largest purchases you’ll make, and it’ll have a significant impact on your financial future. The question that many first-time home buyers face? Should you buy a starter home or jump directly to your forever home? There’s
Accidents happen all the time; it’s just a natural and unpreventable part of life. Homeowners might not be able to prevent all the accidents, but they can prepare for them. Creating a home inventory list is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
For many first-time home buyers, the home buying process can feel like a mysterious journey into murky, uncharted waters. REALTORS® and real estate agents can help home buyers keep their dreams of owning a home afloat. According to the 2020 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 89%
There are few reasons why a rent-to-own option may be a good fit. Maybe you’re not financially ready to make a large down payment. Or maybe you aren’t ready to take out a mortgage. Rent-to-own agreements can help first-time home buyers, people getting their “financial act” together and anyone who is tired of the endless
Think of your down payment as the cover charge that gets you into the homeowners club. 🔥 A lot of home buyers might need to get creative to pull together the cash they need for this upfront cost, but once they’re over that hump and into their new home, they know it was worth it.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if we could give you a yes or no answer? Oh, if only things could be that easy. Deciding you’re ready to buy a house might seem like a major step. And that would be correct because – spoiler alert – it is. But it doesn’t have to be “meeting your
Wondering how to buy your first home? You’re not alone. For the past 20 years, 1 million to 2 million Americans became first-time home buyers every year. In 2020, that number spiked to 2.38 million. Even as homeownership is rising, it can still feel like a mysterious process for a newbie. We’ll help you understand
Buying your first house can be like buying a new motorcycle. Yeah, it costs a significant amount, but you’re pretty sure the payments will be just within your budget, so you get a loan. Before you know it, you’re paying for motorcycle lessons, insurance, a carbon fiber helmet, a synthetic leather motorcycle jacket, constant repairs