Real Estate Advice

Moving for the First Time?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:18:45 GMT

If you're moving for the first time and feeling overwhelmed, don't despair. It's a common feeling no matter how many times you've moved. Moving veterans have figured out that you'll be less stressed if you plan, plan, plan. 1. First, figure out your moving date, and work backward from there. At least a month before you move, start r...

Tips for Seniors Downsizing Their Home

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:11:46 GMT

Senior citizens who are moving face many challenges -- finding a home that can accommodate their needs, and dealing with sad feelings of leaving a place where they've lived for decades. But one of the most challenging practical and emotional challenges is downsizing their possessions to fit in a new, smaller home. Remember, you're talking decades of items accumulated over a long an...

5 Tips for Moving with Children

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:48:28 GMT

Moving is stressful for adults. For children, it can be traumatic. However, you can make it much easier by following these 5 simple tips: 1. Tell Them. You might face some hostile reactions at first, but it's important that you encourage them to talk about how they...

Step 3: Find the right REALTOR®

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:46:49 GMT

Use our tips for finding the right REALTOR®. Choosing a real estate agent is a key decision when selling your home. Once you have decided to list your house, your next step is to find a REALTOR®. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow the tips below. Know the difference Many people assume there is n...

What makes a new home hold its value?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:08 GMT

There are certain choices you can make with your new home to help ensure that it keeps its value and remains a good investment. Building a new home is an exciting prospect. You get to put your “personal stamp” on it and have it reflect your tastes. But you also want to keep the future in mind. To help ensure your new home hol...

Top 10 tips for building a new home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:08 GMT

Use our tips for building a new construction home and make your experience go smoothly. Building your own home can be exciting, but it can also be challenging. The following ten tips can help make sure it goes smoothly: 1. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage Whether building a new home or...

Tips for completing new construction on time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:08 GMT

When building a new home, staying involved and proactive can help ensure that construction is completed on time. When building new construction, often one of the biggest problems can be falling behind schedule. The following steps can help ensure your new home gets built within the expected time frame. 1. Get p...

New home construction

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

There are special considerations to keep in mind when buying new home construction. Buying new home construction is a little different than buying a resale home. Here are three important factors to keep in mind: 1. Find a reputable builder There are many builders of new home constru...

New home builder incentives

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

Not all home builders offer incentives that are equal. Here's how to tell which new construction incentives are worth it and which are not. Everyone likes to feel they’re getting something for free. If you’re in the market for a newly built home, you’ve likely encountered builders who have offered to sweeten the deal with a free upgrade ...

How to resolve home builder disputes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

Knowing how to resolve disputes with your new home builder can help ensure problems don't result in costly construction delays. Despite the best-laid plans, problems can inevitably happen in new construction. The wrong sink can be ordered. Your living room walls may end up being painted a different shade from the one you aske...

Finding a new home community

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

You need to look at a variety of factors when shopping for a home in a new community. Buying a new home is an important decision. And with so many new home communities being built today, it can be a confusing one. Consider the following to be sure you choose the one that’s right for y...

Construction loans

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

You need a special type of loan if you want to finance the construction of your very own dream home. You’ve decided to build a new home. But rather than buying from a new home developer you want it to be custom built. That means you’re going to have to finance the actual building process. And most l...

Checklist: Pre-construction milestones

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

If you are considering buying a new construction home, our checklist can help guide your way. If you are in the market for a home, you may be looking into new construction. Sales of new homes have increased in the past 10 years, reaching a record 1,072,000 sales in 2003. But in new home const...

Buying a new home or existing home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

There are pros and cons for buying both new construction homes and existing homes depending on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as cost, convenience, extras, neighborhood and resale value before you decide on a new or existing home. Existing home Pros: - You may get more quality workmanship for your doll...

Buying a new home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:50:07 GMT

When buying a new construction home from a builder, it pays to do your research. Buying a newly built home from a developer can give you the best of both worlds: You get to have your very own custom-built dream home without the potential headaches involved in contracting a house ...

Tag sales

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

Say good-bye to unwanted belongings with a tag sale. You'll save moving them and bring in some cash. A pre-move tag sale of items you no longer want or need will save moving expenses, make your house look better while it’s on the market, and maybe even bring in an extra couple of hundred bucks. Here...

Moving tips and tricks

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

Moving can be a hectic experience even for the most organized person. Consult our list of useful tips and tricks to help make your move a snap. At first glance, moving looks pretty easy: Pack, load, drive, unpack. But as anyone who’s moved house can tell you, there are a million little things to remember. Did you cancel the utilities and arr...

How to pack a room

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

Packing up all your belongings can be a nightmare. Follow our tips for packing a room, and you'll find it a lot less scary! Getting started Set up a table in the center of the room as a staging area. Place your boxes and packing materials near the table so they are easily accessible. Pick a starting point in the room a...

How to downsize to a smaller house

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

Moving to a smaller home is a chance to purge what you no longer need and downsize your life. Why a smaller house? There are a variety of reasons to downsize to a smaller home. Many empty nesters decide they just don’t want to maintain a larger home, so they choose to downsize. Even some youn...

How to avoid moving scams

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

Moving company scams can cost you a lot of money and spoil the excitement of getting into your new home, so know what you can do to avoid getting ripped off. Moving can be one of the most stressful times in your life. There are usually a great deal of memories and a considerable amount of money at stake, so the last thing you want to deal with is getting ...

Help kids cope with moving

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:38 GMT

It's hard for kids to leave favorite friends, places and activities behind. But you can take steps to help your children cope with the stress of moving. Moving is hard on all family members. Even if you are transplanting to a bigger house in a nicer neighborhood, adjusting is difficult. If the move is a result of divorce or some other familial misfor...

Checklist: The perfect eight-week move

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Use our week-by-week moving checklist below and experience a easier transition regardless of whether you are moving across town or out of state. WEEK 1 Create a three-ring binder to organize all the details. Decide whether to move with the help of friends or professionals. Price the many costs (truck, gas, food, hotels, strained muscles, s...

Checklist: Picking a moving company

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Use the checklist below so that you succeed in picking the right moving company for you. Decided to hire professionals to move you? Recommendations from friends, relatives and neighbors are a good way to find the right moving company. Here are a few items to keep in mind when you intervi...

9 Tips for an easy move

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

The move into a new home is often a painstaking process. Although moving is inevitable, there are things you can do to make this transition a little easier. Read below to learn more. You found the perfect home, made an offer, signed the contract and now it’s yours. You can’t wait to live in your new abode, however, the process of packing up and moving in has to happen first – whe...

Tips for selling less-desirable homes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

If you focus on their strengths, less popular houses can be more appealing than you might think. Are you trying to sell a less-desirable home? These days, many home buyers want open floor plans, huge master suites (including master baths with walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs), and large, brigh...

Tips for buying and selling a home at the same time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Follow these tips to avoid paying more than necessary when you have to coordinate buying a new home at the same time you are selling your old one. Buying a home can be complicated enough. But it can be even more challenging when you’re selling your home and buying a new one at the same time. And if things don’t go smoothly -- for example, if th...

The best time to sell your house

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

The housing market's seasonal swings are just one of the factors you'll want to take into account when you pick your the time of year to sell your home. Everything has a season – including selling your house. Listing at the right moment could mean more money in your pocket. Traditionally, spring is the hottest season for real estate. Sales peak in Ap...

Selling a small home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Find out how to sell a small home. Clear the clutter, and make your home look bigger. If you’re in the process of selling a small home, you can’t do much about its size. But there are buyers for small homes and staging your home properly can help you get the sale. Staging a small home...

Staging a home on a budget

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

You don't have to shell out a lot of cash to stage your home making it more inviting to buyers. Staging a home is always a big help, but it can be especially important during a weaker housing market when there are many homes for sale and you want yours to stand out. You can spend thousands of ...

Selling a home in a slow market

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

If you are selling a house and the market is slow, perhaps it has not sold for reasons you have not yet considered. When the housing market is slow, it’s more important than ever to make sure your house shows at its absolute best. But there could be hidden reasons why your house hasn’t sold. Read on for things you...

How to evaluate home offers to purchase

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Q: I’m about to put my house on the market. What factors should I consider when I’m evaluating home purchase offers? A: Obviously, you want to get a good price. But the closing date and other conditions can be just as important. Sometimes a lower price with fewer restrictions can be a better deal. Here are the majo...

How do I price my home to sell?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:37 GMT

Q: I'm about to put my home on the market. What factors should I consider when determining the selling price? A: The ten main factors that influence the value of your home are: 1. Interest rates: The lower the interest rates, the more buyers can afford to pay. 2. Supply and demand: Are ’for sale’ signs spr...

Do open houses sell homes?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:36 GMT

Ask yourself these questions to see if an open house will really help you sell your home. There is some debate over whether an open house is a useful tool in today’s real estate market. Consider the following when deciding if one makes sense for you. Where is your home? Is your home in an...

Curb appeal helps sell homes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:36 GMT

When selling it's important that your home appeal to consumers from the curb as well as inside. You’re ready to put your house on the market. Inside, it is beautifully decorated and sparkling clean. That bit of peeling paint on the porch and the bald spots in the garden won’t bother prospective...

Ask an expert: What if a buyer backs out of a contract before closing?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:36 GMT

Q: What recourse do I have if my buyer defaults on their contract to purchase my home before closing? A: When you enter into a contract with a buyer, you would think you have sealed the deal. But sometimes a buyer will pull out of a contract at the last minute. Most purchase contracts incorporate pro...

Ask an expert: How long does it take to sell a home?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:36 GMT

Q: How long will it take to sell my home? A: The length of time it takes to sell a home depends on many factors. First, there is the current market in your area. If there are a lot of people trying to buy houses in your neighborhood, it may ...

7 Tips to sell your home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:36 GMT

When selling your home, understand how price, condition, competition, access, and other factors can mean the difference between a speedy sale and no sale. You’re set to buy a new home, but you can’t go ahead with your plans until you find a ready buyer for the home you currently own. With more homes on the market today, how can you make sure yours will...

Step 5: Closing on your home sale

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:13 GMT

Because of the various contingencies that might be included in a real estate contract, closing on the sale of your home can take time. Prior to most home closings, there are contingencies that must be met and paperwork that has to be taken care of. Contingencies A contingency allows the buyer to back out of a contract if certain con...

Step 4: Negotiating home sale offers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:13 GMT

When negotiating offers, take into account more than just the price of the house. Your house has been on the market and now you have an offer. What should you consider when deciding whether to accept, reject, or counter? First, remember that the offer is not just about a price for...

Step 2: Determine your home's value

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:13 GMT

Knowing how to determine the value of your home is crucial when setting the listing price. Setting a listing price is one of the most important parts of the home selling process. Knowing your home’s value helps you determine its price. What determines home value Many factors go into determ...

Step 1: Get your home ready to sell

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

The first step in home selling is to get your house ready for market. The home selling process can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve broken it down into six easy steps. This article describes the first step: Getting your home ready to sell. The more p...

What to consider when buying a home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Answer these questions when buying a home and be sure you're making sound financial decisions. Buying a home is a serious financial undertaking and it is important that you know what you’re getting yourself into. Ask yourself some important questions so that you can make the smartest financial...

Three things to know before buying a home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Find out what you should know before buying a new home. Keep these tips in mind. Although the recent housing slump and tighter lending standards have affected the ability of some people to buy a home, millions of people are buying homes across the country, often at great prices. ...

Is a home a good investment?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Your home is your castle. But is buying a home a good investment? According to the annual National Housing Survey in 2003 conducted by Fannie Mae (the largest non-bank financial services company in the world), more than four out of five Americans – 84 percent – thi...

Home buying: Open house advantages

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Taking advantage of open houses during your home search is not only smart, but its also a fun way to spend your afternoon. Below are a few tips for making your next open house worthwhile. When it comes to home buying, open houses are a great way to step up your search and gain a better understanding of the housing market in your area. Below are a few advantages of open houses for you,...

Home buying mistakes

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Follow our tips to avoid mistakes people commonly make when buying a home. There are some common errors people make when buying a home. Be aware of the following home buying mistakes so that you can avoid them yourself. Over-extending yourself financially It is easy to get...

Home buyers negotiating in today's market

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Negotiate a winning home purchase contract since today's a buyer's market in most areas. A traditional buyer’s market, in which the supply of for-sale homes exceeds the demand to buy those homes, can be a great opportunity to negotiate not only the price of the home you want to buy, but ...

Five smart tips for home buyers

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

These five tips can save you time and money when you're buying a home. 1) Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you make an offer. When you are trying to buy a house in a competitive market, your offer to purchase should contain as few conditions as possible. An offer ...

Checklist: Get ready to go house-hunting

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

Make your house-hunting experience a postive one by following the steps outlined in our checklist. Before you go house-hunting, use this checklist to make sure you are prepared to make a purchase: Create a budget. You need to know where your money goes, where you can save, and how much you can a...

Buying and selling a home at the same time

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

With planning, organization and teamwork, it's possible to both buy and sell a home at the same time and have it go smoothly. Buying a new home and selling an existing home at the same time poses its own set of challenges. But with careful preparation, you can ensure everything goes according to plan. Teamwork Team up with...

Buying a second home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:49:12 GMT

A low-cost home equity loan can help you turn your fantasies of buying a second home at the beach or in the mountains into a reality. Many people fantasize about buying a getaway. These dreams are particularly common while you’re taking a holiday. Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own second home, and ski or stay at the beach whenev...

Working with your real estate listing agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:38 GMT

Listing your house on the market? Here are five ways to work with your real estate agent to sell it. If you are selling your home, your attitudes and behaviors will have an impact on how quickly it sells and how much you get for it. Of course, you need to hire a good listing agent -- interview sever...

Working with your real estate buying agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

If you know how to work with your real estate buying agent, you'll find the right house at the right price a lot sooner. You’re ready to look for a new home. But like most people, you need the assistance of a committed real estate agent. Here are seven tips to help you make the most of this important relationship: 1. W...

Why use a REALTOR®?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Learn how taking advantage of a REALTOR®'s expertise can save you money. When buying or selling a home, a common misconception is that the best way to save money is to avoid using a REALTOR®. Just the opposite can be true, however. Often, using a REALTOR® can ac...

Why use a real estate agent?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Understand why you should use a real estate agent. Find out how a realtor can help with everything from setting a price to negotiating and closing the deal. There’s good reason about 80 percent of homes are sold with the help of a real estate agent, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Here are some of the ways a REALTOR® can hel...

What to expect from your real estate listing agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Find out what to expect from you real estate listing agent when you are selling your home. Learn which questions to ask your REALTOR®. The moment you decide to sell your house, you’re faced with a long list of decisions and chores. A listing agent can help you through the process, from listing to closing. You’re putting a major fina...

What does a real estate lawyer do?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Understand what real estate lawyers do and why these attorneys are worth their cost. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, your team of expert advisors should include a real estate lawyer as well as a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® can help you find the right house or the right...

REALTOR® accreditations and designations

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Ever wondered what those initials after a REALTOR®'s name mean? Here's why accreditations and designations are important. The letters that follow a real estate agent’s name are acronyms for designations acquired after taking specialized courses offered by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)’s nine affiliate...

How to interview a real estate listing agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

You should ask a REALTOR® some important questions before choosing them to act as your real estate listing agent. Perhaps your best friend asks you to co-sign a loan for the new car he’s desperate to own. Or maybe your sister won’t qualify for a mortgage on her first home unless you co-sign the loan. There’s onl...

How to interview a buyer's agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

You should ask a real estate agent some important questions before choosing them to act as your buying agent. Picking the right real estate agent to help you find your next house could save you thousands of dollars and many hours of inspecting homes that aren’t right for you. Here are some questions you shou...

How to choose a real estate agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

When choosing a real estate agent ask plenty of questions to find one who is qualified to meet your individual needs. Many home buyers choose a real estate agent on the basis of a personal recommendation from a friend, relative or associate or because they met an agent at a weekend open house. Either of those approa...

Finding the right REALTOR®

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Whether you're planning to buy or sell a home, you can benefit from the services of a professional REALTOR®. Perhaps nothing is more important when buying or selling a home than finding the right REALTOR® to help guide you through the process. A good REALTOR® should have a thorough understanding o...

Finding a local real estate agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:37 GMT

Finding a real estate agent familiar with the local market pays regardless of whether you are buying or selling. When you are shopping for a real estate agent, his or her reputation and track record are very important. So is your level of comfort and rapport with him or her. Another factor you should take into ...

Checklist: Finding a buyer's agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Find out what to look for in a buyer's real estate agent and questions you should ask prospective agents before committing. The relationship between a homebuyer and his or her buyer's agent must be based on trust, mutual goals and understanding. The buyer entrusts the buyer's agent with putting his or her interests first ...

Ask an expert: Can I use more than one real estate agent?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Q: Can I work with more than one real estate agent at a time? A: Generally not. Many REALTORS® require you to sign a contract that binds you to work exclusively with them (or their agency) for a set period of time, usually two to six months. If you have si...

Step 10: Home closing procedure

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Be prepared at closing. Learn about the final walk-through in the 24 hours before closing as well as the home closing procedure itself. In order to complete your home sale, you will need to go through a closing procedure. This is when all parties involved sign the required papers and the ownership of the property is transferred from ...

Step 9: Home inspection and appraisal

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Making an offer contingent on your prospective home passing an inspection can save you thousands of dollars in repairs later. Your lender will almost certainly require an appraisal to get a mortgage. Before you finalize the sale of a home, you should hire a third party to do an inspection of the property. Inspections are meant to uncover any problems with the home that could affect its livability...

Step 8: Lock your rate and points

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Understand what locking your interest rate and points means. Knowing when and for how long to lock is an important part of the loan process. Since weeks, and sometimes months, can go by between having your offer accepted and closing on your new home, it’s a good idea to lock in your interest rate and points. What is a rate lock? A lock is...

Step 7: Finding the right mortgage

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Understanding the pros and cons of the various types of loans available will help in finding the mortgage that is right for you. One of the most critical steps in buying a home is finding the right mortgage. For most people, buying a home is impossible without getting a mortgage, and because it is a major financial commitment,...

Step 6: Making an offer on a home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Keep these tips in mind when making an offer on your next home. Once you’ve found the right home, the next step is to make an offer to the seller. This can be a nerve wracking step in the home buying process, especially since you stand to spend a great deal of mo...

Step 5: Finding the perfect home

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:36 GMT

Be clear with your real estate agent about what you are looking for in the perfect home. Searching for the perfect home can be overwhelming. To avoid wasting time looking at homes that aren’t right for your family, first set aside time to determine what you need in a home. If you and you...

Step 4: Finding a real estate agent

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:35 GMT

Find a real estate agent who is familiar with the area where you are looking to buy. When buying a home, it’s helpful to have a real estate agent who will keep the process running smoothly. Finding an agent who has expertise in the area you are looking is crucial. Your agent will kno...

Step 3: Mortgage pre-approval

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:35 GMT

Mortgage pre-approval not only helps you understand your financial limit, but can also give you an advantage over other buyers not pre-approved. Getting pre-approved by a lender before shopping for a home helps you in two ways. First, it helps you narrow down the homes under consideration because it tells you what price house you can afford. ...

Step 2: What price home can you afford?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:35 GMT

First determine what kind of mortgage you can afford. That will help determine what price house you can afford. Building a budget is no fun, but to make sure you don’t overextend yourself, you need to make sure you know how much you can truly afford to pay toward your mortgage each month. To begin, add up all...

Step 1: Checking your credit score

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:48:35 GMT

Before getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you should check your own credit report and score. When buying a home, one of the first things you should do is check your credit report and score. Your credit score is probably the most important piece of information a lender considers when deciding...