Category: Finding a Home

Make the Most of an Open House Tour

Open houses are a great opportunity to check out a home and ask a lot of questions. Make the most of your touring by paying attention to these important factors. The neighborhood. Take a lap or two through the neighborhood and even the wider community surrounding it before you even set foot in the house…. Read more »

House Hunting with Kids: How to Keep Your Sanity

While house hunting with children isn’t the perfect scenario, sometimes it just can’t be avoided. Instead of letting the kids get the best of you, have a game plan in place that keeps them busy and keeps your sanity intact. Here are a few tips. Call in a favor or hire a sitter. During the… Read more »

Buying Versus Renting: The Pros and Cons

When is the right time to buy a home? Are there times when you’re better off renting? There’s more to consider than just the finances. Let’s take a look. Roots versus freedom. Homeownership brings the intangible benefit of feeling established and putting down roots. We’ve all seen those pencil markings on the walls of homes… Read more »

The Singles Guide to Home Buying

Buying a home can be daunting, even under the best of circumstances. Taking that big of a step alone – whether you’re single, widowed or divorced – can make the home-buying experience even more challenging. Assess your financial situation. Just like any other buyer, singles must do a detailed assessment of income, assets and recurring… Read more »

Real Estate Agent, REALTOR or Broker? What’s the Difference?

When buying or selling a home, most people look into hiring a professional. But what type of professional is best? Agent? Broker? REALTOR®? You may have used the terms interchangeably, but there are significant differences. Here’s what you need to know about each type of real estate pro. The real estate agent is the entry-level… Read more »

What is the MLS?

The Multiple Listing Service, or MLS as it is known in the real estate world, is the No. 1 source of listing information on homes for sale in the United States. Whether buying or selling, the MLS plays a big role in the marketing and sales of homes across the country. What exactly is the… Read more »