Tips for Sellers Understanding Closing Costs as a Seller Understanding Closing Costs as a Seller Sellers often focus on their home’s sale price, but closing costs can significantly impact net proceeds. Here are common expenses: Agent Commissions – Typically 5-6% of the sale price, split between your agent and the buyer’s agent. Title & Escrow Fees – Costs for managing the transaction, title insurance, […]
Tips for Sellers What to Expect From a Home Inspection as a Seller What to Expect From a Home Inspection as a Seller A home inspection is a common part of the sales process-and a moment that can cause anxiety for many sellers. Here’s what to expect: Buyers Hire the Inspector – Once under contract, the buyer schedules and pays for a licensed inspector. Inspection Takes 2-4 Hours […]
Tips for Sellers Why Overpricing Can Hurt Your Sale Why Overpricing Can Hurt Your Sale Overpricing may seem like a way to leave room for negotiation, but it often backfires. Here’s why: Fewer Showings – Buyers search by price range. If your home is priced too high, it may not even appear in their searches. Longer Time on Market – The longer a home […]
Tips for Sellers Small Upgrades That Add Big Value Before You Sell Small Upgrades That Add Big Value Before You Sell Paint – A fresh coat of neutral paint instantly modernizes and refreshes your space. Hardware Swap – Update cabinet handles, doorknobs, and light fixtures for a more contemporary look. Bathroom Boost – Replace old mirrors, add new faucets, or install a new vanity light for a […]
Tips for Sellers 10 Things to Do Before You List Your Home 10 Things to Do Before You List Your Home Declutter and Depersonalize – Buyers want to envision themselves in your home. Pack away personal items and remove excess furniture for a clean, spacious feel. Deep Clean Everything – A spotless home shows buyers that it’s been well-maintained. Pay attention to details like baseboards, grout, and […]
Mortgage Information Refinancing 101: When It Makes Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage Refinancing 101: When It Makes Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage Refinancing means replacing your current mortgage with a new one-ideally with a lower rate or better terms. It can: Reduce your monthly payment Shorten your loan term Eliminate PMI Tap into home equity (cash-out refinance) 📉 Refinancing usually makes sense when: You can lower your […]
Mortgage Information Common Mortgage Mistakes Buyers Make Common Mortgage Mistakes Buyers Make Even with pre-approval, your loan isn’t locked in until closing. Here are a few mortgage mistakes that can derail your home purchase: 🚫 Opening new credit accounts (like a furniture or car loan)🚫 Making large cash deposits without documentation🚫 Changing jobs (especially to self-employment!)🚫 Missing payments or maxing out credit […]
Mortgage Information Why Your Interest Rate Isn’t the Whole Story Why Your Interest Rate Isn’t the Whole Story You found a great interest rate-but don’t sign just yet! Look at the APR (Annual Percentage Rate), which includes: The interest rate Loan origination fees Points Mortgage insurance Other closing costs A loan with a lower interest rate might have higher fees, so the APR gives you […]
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Mortgage Information What Is PMI and How Can You Avoid It? What Is PMI and How Can You Avoid It? PMI, or Private Mortgage Insurance, is typically required when your down payment is less than 20%. It protects the lender-not you-if you stop making payments. PMI can cost between 0.3%-1.5% of your loan annually, added to your monthly mortgage bill. 💡 How to avoid or eliminate […]
Mortgage Information Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference? Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages: What’s the Difference? When you’re shopping for a home loan, one of your first decisions will be choosing between a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Fixed-rate loans keep the same interest rate for the life of the loan-meaning your monthly principal and interest payments stay the same. […]
Title and Escrow ⚠️ Common Title Issues That Can Delay Your Closing ⚠️ Common Title Issues That Can Delay Your Closing Even if a home looks perfect on the outside, issues with the title can cause major closing delays-or even stop the sale completely. Some common problems include: Liens or unpaid property taxes Errors in public records (wrong names, incorrect legal descriptions) Boundary disputes or unrecorded easements […]
Title and Escrow 🕰️ The History of Escrow and Title Insurance—And Why It Still Matters 🕰️ THE HISTORY OF ESCROW AND TITLE INSURANCE – AND WHY IT STILL MATTERS Escrow and title insurance both emerged to solve an old problem: how do you safely transfer property from one person to another? In the early 1900s, buyers often purchased homes without knowing whether the seller truly had legal ownership-or if the […]
Title and Escrow 🔒 Wire Fraud in Real Estate: How to Protect Yourself During Closing 🔒 WIRE FRAUD IN REAL ESTATE: HOW TO PROTEXT YOURSELF DURING CLOSING Real estate wire fraud is on the rise, with scammers intercepting or impersonating escrow instructions to steal large sums of money-often a buyer’s entire down payment. Protect yourself with these steps: Always verify wiring instructions by phone-call your escrow officer at a known […]
Title and Escrow 📝 Step-by-Step: What Happens During Escrow? 📝 STEP BY STEP: WHAT HAPPENS DURING ESCROW? Escrow is the neutral “holding period” between offer acceptance and closing. Here’s what happens during that time: Escrow is opened – Buyer deposits earnest money Title search is conducted – To confirm clean ownership Inspections & appraisals happen – To verify condition and value Loan processing continues […]
Title and Escrow 🛡️ What Is Title Insurance—and Why Do You Need It? 🛡️ WHAT IS TITLE INSURANCE – AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT? Title insurance protects you from financial loss due to problems with a property’s ownership history. Before closing, the title company will do a deep search to ensure the seller legally owns the home-but even the best searches can miss things like: Undisclosed heirs […]
Homeowner Information 🌧️ Mold and Moisture: How to Prevent Long-Term Damage 🌧️ MOLD & MOISTURE: HOW TO PREVENT LONG TERM DAMAGE Mold thrives in damp, poorly ventilated areas-and once it takes hold, it can be hard (and costly) to get rid of. Watch for early signs: Musty smells Discolored spots on ceilings or walls Condensation on windows Persistent allergy symptoms Prevent it with these tips: Run […]
Homeowner Information ⚡ What Is an Energy Score and Why Should You Care? ⚡WHAT IS AN ENERGY SCORE AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE? An energy score is like a report card for your home’s energy efficiency. It rates how much energy your home uses compared to similar properties-and how you can improve it. Why it matters: Helps buyers compare long-term costs Shows you where to save money (think: […]
Homeowner Information 🧾 Do You Need a Permit for That? Home Projects That Require Approval 🧾 DO YOU NEED A PERMIT FOR THAT? HOME PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE APPROVAL Planning a home improvement project? Before you grab a hammer, know that many upgrades require permits-even if you’re doing the work yourself. Typically requires a permit: Adding or removing walls Electrical or plumbing updates Installing a new deck, water heater, or furnace […]
Homeowner Information 🛠️ How to Extend the Life of Your Roof, HVAC, and Appliances 🛠️ HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR ROOF, HVAC, APPLIANCES Routine maintenance can add years to your home’s biggest investments-and save you from expensive surprises. Roof: Clean gutters twice a year Check for missing shingles after storms Remove moss or algae build-up with safe treatments HVAC: Replace filters every 1-3 months Schedule professional servicing […]
Homeowner Information What you Need to Know About Lead Based Paint 🏡 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEAD-BASED PAINT If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance it contains lead-based paint-a serious health hazard, especially for children and pregnant women. Risks:Lead dust can be released during renovations, sanding, or even everyday wear and tear. Exposure can lead to developmental delays and other health […]