Here’s our one-stop shop for everything you need to know about acquiring a home you’ll love. Browse our articles for valuable information on buying an existing home, finding new construction, or building your dream house.
The residential real estate market has been red hot across the country. Prices have pushed skyward as sellers receive multiple offers. Navigating these competing offers is tricky, and applicable laws vary from state to state. This article will not constitute legal advice, and you should consult an attorney during a transaction. But generally, here is… Read more »
The current short supply of available homes coupled with low-interest rates has led to competitive bidding wars over properties. This sometimes prompts buyers to add an escalation clause to their offer on a house. What is an escalation clause, and should you use one? What is an escalation clause? An escalation clause or addendum may… Read more »
When you close on the purchase of a new home, you’ll be issued a title insurance policy. What is title insurance, and why is it so important for you to have it? What is title insurance coverage? Title insurance protects you against any disputes over the ownership of your home after your purchase it. Your… Read more »
When you’re searching for appliances for a new or remodeled kitchen, today you’ll find an array of new textures and colors. Let’s find the perfect appliance finishes for your dream kitchen. Not your grandmother’s refrigerator In recent years, stainless steel appliances put an end to the days when your color choices were essentially white or… Read more »
The Federal Housing Administration’s accommodating lending standards help financially challenged Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. But buyers may be surprised to learn that FHA has minimum standards for the property condition that can potentially throw a monkey wrench into your purchase plans. What are these FHA requirements, and why does FHA require them? The… Read more »
Across the country, a shortage of houses for sale coupled with strong demand has led to homes selling mere days after going on the market. Often these houses receive multiple offers and sell well over the asking price. If you must sell your existing house before you can buy, you risk losing the house you… Read more »
For homeowners wanting little or no yard to maintain, a zero-lot-line home may be the answer. What is a zero lot line home, and is it right for you? Definition of zero-lot-line home A traditional single-family home is situated on a lot with front, back and two side yards. With a zero lot line home, … Read more »
Owning a home is an essential part of the American dream for most people. Did you know that federal and state governments, as well as mortgage lenders, offer homeownership incentive programs that can help you buy your first house? Read on to learn more about the opportunities available to you. More than just federal loan… Read more »
Having clear title to a property is a crucial part of any transaction between buyers and sellers. What does it mean to have clear title, and why is it important? Definition of clear title A clear title in real estate means that the owner has unrestricted ownership of a property. The property is not subject… Read more »
The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought periodic business shutdowns across the country and a huge spike in unemployment. The conventional wisdom is that the resulting recession should crater the housing market. Yet housing sales have largely remained strong because of housing inventory shortages. Here’s why there aren’t enough houses to meet today’s demand. National inventory… Read more »
When you are buying or selling a home, do you need a real estate attorney to help with the transaction? Your state may not require one and you may not want to spend the money. But if something goes awry, you’ll likely wish you had. Here’s why hiring an attorney is money well spent. All… Read more »
Getting the keys to a freshly built house is exciting, but buying one requires the same steps as purchasing an existing home coupled with overseeing a construction project. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in buying a new construction home. Should you hire a real estate agent? When working with the builder’s sales agent,… Read more »
A gorgeous deck in the backyard is a place to relax with family and friends. Occasionally, though, you’ve heard news stories about elevated decks collapsing and injuring people. How can you ensure that your deck stays safe, or build a new one that is trustworthy? Here’s our guide to safe construction and deck maintenance. Anatomy… Read more »
Significant financial misfortune may lead you to do the unthinkable: file for bankruptcy. You may fear that this means the American dream of homeownership is out of reach, but all is not lost. Homeownership after bankruptcy is possible. Types of bankruptcy Federal law allows individuals to file two types of bankruptcy: chapter 7 and chapter… Read more »
We’ve all heard the saying that “cash is king.” That’s especially true in real estate, where cash deals are super-attractive to sellers because they are generally a sure thing. But what if you can’t pay cash and are competing against an all-cash buyer? Are you out of luck? Not necessarily. Here’s how to successfully compete… Read more »
Buyers can get real bargains by buying foreclosed homes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Educate and prepare yourself with our guide to buying a HUD foreclosure. What are HUD homes? When the government forecloses on a home whose mortgage was backed by the Federal Housing Administration, HUD takes possession of the… Read more »
When a homeowner is forced to give up a home because of financial hardship, the house is referred to as distressed property. Buyers can often purchase distressed properties at a deep discount, but these transactions are not always easy. Here are three categories of distressed properties and how a buyer can purchase each of them…. Read more »
In recent years it’s grown increasingly popular to put up a “coming soon” sign before a home officially hits the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As a buyer, can you benefit from a “coming soon” home? How “coming soon” listings work You’ve probably seen “coming soon” signs in the yards of homes that are about to… Read more »
Coming home, especially during winter months, means dealing with coats, hats, and shoes among other paraphernalia. Having a designated spot for storing outdoor gear and pet things keeps your home cleaner and more organized, with everything in easy reach when needed. Here are some tips on how to create a functional entryway. Designate a space… Read more »
Pocket walls and doors, floating plumbing fixtures, mirrors that talk to you — all of these trends and more are new and creative ways to live large in limited space. Let’s take a peek at some fashionable home design trends that create space. Space-enhancing doors and walls An alternative to traditional swinging doors that take… Read more »
