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The Advantages of Getting a Mortgage Preapproval

May 28, 2013

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The homebuying process can be exciting, but also stressful. When there are a large number of buyers in the market for real estate, the odds of being able to purchase your desired home can be low. However, getting a mortgage preapproval prior to home shopping can dramatically increase the odds of success. Make Mortgage Preapproval […]

The Benefits of Buying in Mixed-Use Developments

May 24, 2013

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If you’re in the process of buying a home, you’ve probably seen the terms single-family residential, multifamily, and mixed-use development. You may be wondering what exactly these terms mean and what the benefits may be of one over another. Single-family residential is simply a residence occupied by one family, as opposed to multifamily, which means […]

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

May 16, 2013

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Selling a home can take more time than the seller might like. You’ve made your decision, and all you want is to be at the end of the process with an amazing sell. One of the first steps for a speedy settlement is to hire a real estate agent. As you research your best options, […]

Are You Ready to Buy a House?

May 10, 2013

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Cue Michael Buffer yelling, “Are you ready? Let’s get ready to rumble!” Buffer’s is a fitting soundtrack for the homebuyer in a seller’s market, trying to prevail in catching the seller’s attention. The better equipped with knowledge you are, the better your offer will look to the current owner of what you long to possess: the […]

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House

April 19, 2013

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Lucky is the homeowner who has experience with selling a home. First-time sellers have a steep learning curve ahead of them and many obstacles on the road to a successful sale. Although common with first-time sellers, some of these obstacles aren’t obvious. 1. Not Preparing the Home for Sale “Dress your house for success,” is […]

How to Stage a Vacant House

February 22, 2013

in Tips When Selling a Home | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Most homeowners learn about the value of staging their homes for sale from their real estate agents. The statistics are clear: Staged homes sell quicker and for more money. What happens when you don’t live in the home? If you’ve used it as a rental or had to move to the new home before putting […]

Applying for a Mortgage? Avoid These Common Mistakes

February 15, 2013

in Home Buying Guide, Mortgage Loans | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

If you’re a first-time buyer, an itch to start looking at homes typically starts just after you make the decision to buy. The feeling may be so overwhelming that it’s the very first thing you do. That’s mistake number one: Looking at homes without knowing how much you can spend on a home isn’t just […]

What You Should Know About Buying a Condo

December 28, 2012

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There’s a lot to like about life without yard upkeep, or worrying about what color to paint the front door, or what to do if the roof leaks. Such is life in the typical condominium. Although the maintenance headaches of owning a single-family home are pretty much nonexistent when you own a condo, this headache-free […]

The Real Estate Transaction: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

December 14, 2012

in Home Buying Guide, Tips When Selling a Home | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

“Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” While Edward Murphy was referring to the use of new measurement devices, his rule can be aptly applied to the real estate transaction without a hiccup. From the very first step – getting preapproved for a mortgage – to choosing a real estate agent to the close […]

Swimming Pools: Do They Add Value or Turn Buyers Off?

November 30, 2012

in Home Improvement | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Sparkling blue water, especially when it’s lit up at night – what’s not to love about a swimming pool in your backyard? If you have one, you may feel blessed. If you don’t, and are considering adding one, hang on a minute. Who Wants a Pool? According to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, middle-aged […]