Things you’ll typically hear and read about during a buyer’s real estate market include low home prices, large inventories of available homes and little competition from other buyers. While homeowners naturally want to get top dollar for their homes regardless of market conditions, buyers’ markets present an opportunity for those hoping to jump into home […]

After all the time you spent finding the ideal home, negotiating back and forth with the seller on the price and terms, both you and the seller may be stunned when the appraisal comes in below the purchase agreement’s price. While low appraisals aren’t as common as they were as we rose from the ashes […]

Unless you’ll be paying cash for a home or you are applying for a loan backed by the government (such as a USDA or VA loan) or a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan, you’ll need at least 20 percent of the loan amount in cash. This is the down payment, required by the lender. […]

Last time we looked how lenders determine your rate and your credit worthiness based on your credit score. We suggested that you order your credit reports from the “big 3” credit reporting agencies. When you receive your credit reports look for mistakes or anything else you can challenge. According to a CBS News report, about […]

It may not seem like it, but there is a process to buying a home and taking certain steps in the proper order just about guarantees success. Taken out of order – putting the cart before the horse – the steps are inefficient and counterproductive, and the process becomes chaotic. Remember when you were learning […]

Subject: Top Tips for Home Buyers in Today’s Market Are you considering buying a home in today’s competitive real estate market? With low inventory and high demand, it’s important to have a strategy to help you navigate the buying process. Here are some top tips for home buyers in today’s market: Get pre-approved for a […]

Subject: Current Market Interest Rates for Home Buyers Are you in the market for a new home and wondering about the current interest rates? As a potential home buyer, it’s important to keep an eye on interest rates as they can greatly impact your monthly mortgage payment and overall home affordability. As of [current date], […]

Your credit score is an important aspect of your financial health that can affect your ability to obtain credit, qualify for loans, and even secure employment. It is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness and is used by lenders, banks, and other financial institutions to determine your risk level when lending you money or […]

Between applying for a home loan and the close of escrow comes a most crucial step: the home appraisal. Since the transaction that got you to this point is one in which a buyer and seller agreed on a price, the appraisal is more likely than not to match the purchase price. In fluctuating markets […]

Buying real estate means also buying insurance ― several different types, in fact. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is sometimes demanded by the lender to ensure the loan is repaid if the borrower defaults. Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity to protect the lender’s financial interests. Then there is title insurance, one of the least understood forms […]