Think back to the last time you were searching for homes... If you're actively working to find a home, that may have been just a few minutes ago.    Chances are you saw terms while searching that you may or may not know the true meaning of. This can be frustrating, especially if you've found a home that you love that has been marked "under contract."   Similarly, if you're thinking about selling your home, you may be wondering what the different stages of the process are once you've accepted an offer but before you've handed over the keys.   This blog post will peel back the curtain on 3 key real estate terms so that you know exactly what you're looking at while buying or selling.  

UNDER CONTRACT

A home is considered…

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When you are dreaming of moving to a new home but not yet ready to make the leap into your future, it’s a good idea to consider the details of what that future life will look like. As you get closer to starting the process, you should have a well-rounded idea of your wants and needs for that home. Setting expectations for yourself ahead of time will help you narrow down the search once you are ready to take the leap to purchase a new home.   So, what will your life in your new home be like? Here are 7 features to kickstart your imagination.  

BUDGET FIRST

Before you start looking, have an ideal price range in mind so you do not end up falling in love with a home you cannot afford. Leave room for money you may put into renovations and…

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A slew of real estate websites promise instant cash offers for homes, but sellers may not come out on top.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, you’ve probably come across a bunch of websites that promise an instant (or almost instant) offer for your property — all without having ever to list with a real estate agent. These services are referred to as “iBuyers,” a nod to their existence as online companies and since the sites function as the buyers in the transaction. 

​​​​​​​While many sellers who are anxious about the process of listing their property may find the idea of quick money an attractive one, iBuyers come with a lot of strings (and costs) attached. Here are just a few reasons why  99.7% of people  are still using an expert…

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Picture this... You won the bidding war! But did you get caught up in the moment, and now you have regrets? See how you can avoid buyer’s remorse before bidding gets heated.  

SET AND STICK TO CONCRETE LIMITS WHEN IT COMES TO BUDGET

Don't bid on a home you don’t want just to beat out the competition. Consider your priorities and what matters most. Once you've set your budget, build in some artificial wiggle room if you can by looking at homes that are priced $50,000-$75,000 below the top of your budget. That way, you have some flexibility to go over asking in your offer if needed.   By setting a firm budget, you'll know that if the bidding war goes above that threshold, you'll need to move on from that house no matter how in love you…

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Whether you're thinking of selling your home and are looking to get the most bang for your buck or you need to make a few improvements around the house on a budget, this blog is for you. If you're anything like us, you've thought about which home renovations are actually worth it for your wallet and which can be passed on. We're sharing the top 4 home improvement projects that aren't worth it and highlighting the projects that won't break the bank (or your back). 
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HOME RENOVATIONS THAT DON'T PUT ???? IN YOUR POCKET

WALL-TO-WALL CARPET

Wall-to-wall carpeting is expensive and hard to maintain or clean, so it might not be a wise investment. Instead, people are using rugs to create that warmth without the commitment…

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If you’ve been thinking about selling, it may be time to speed up that decision. Low inventory and low mortgage rates are still creating the conditions for a seller’s market this season. When homes hit the market, they generally go fast.    While this is great news for potential sellers, there’s something that may be in the way of being able to jump into the market — literally. We’re talking about stuff in your home. Whether you’re dealing with decades’ worth of memories or just the everyday pile-ups that pop up in rooms (and in closets), clutter can complicate the selling process.   For one, clutter makes it difficult to even think about selling due to just how overwhelming and time-consuming it can be to deal with. Second, clutter makes…

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When you’re getting ready to enter the market as a buyer or seller, the first thing on your mind is usually about price. Equally important, though, is the topic that’s usually secondary to the price talk: What will happen if mortgage rates increase — or decrease?    Mortgage rates affect more than the financial prospects of potential buyers because any movement has a ripple effect on the local market. Before we get into that, though, let’s take a quick look at what has been going on with mortgage rates to understand what’s going on right now.  

MORTGAGE RATES HAVE BEEN A (MINI) ROLLERCOASTER

Speaking broadly, mortgage rates have been on a downward trend for the past 30 years. (For example, in 1979, mortgage rates were an eyebrow-raising…

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An industry that is millions of real estate agents strong comes with its own set of compliments and complaints! In fact, as of October 2020, there were 1,451,031 members of the National Association of Realtors. Buying or selling a home is the biggest financial transaction that you'll have in your life, so of course, who you work with during that transaction matters. Just like with any job, there are expectations placed upon real estate agents, but when they are not met, they may leave you with a sour taste in your mouth.   Our goal is always to be transparent, so you'll find the top five concerns that folks may have about real estate agents so that you can ensure you hire the right agent to help you. Your experience should be as stress-free and…

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Spring Has Sprung, Which Means 2 Things: the Spring Real Estate Market Is Here, and It's Time to Clean! If you’re anything like us, the words “spring” and “cleaning” in the same sentence usually make us turn the other way, but when you can break intimidating tasks down into bite-sized pieces and turn them into a challenge, they are that much easier to complete. Introducing the 10-Day Declutter Challenge!    You've probably heard how hot the real estate market is right now, and with spring typically being the busy season, a lot is going on. Whether you're thinking about selling your home but know that some spring cleaning is necessary before a photographer comes by or you simply need to do a bit of a refresh, this challenge is for…

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Sometimes, you have to get a little creative to stand out in this busy market.   Over the past year, the real estate market has been so hot that it’s not unusual for homes to go off-market in days. (The lack of inventory is to blame.) When even homes that need serious work are breaking price records, it is easy to feel discouraged if you’re trying to buy right now.
Don’t give up, though. Getting your offer accepted isn’t necessarily about coming in with the biggest bag of money. It’s really being able to anticipate what, exactly, the seller’s goals are and creating the offer that solves all of their problems. While your agent will weigh in with a strategy based on your market, there are a few common ways you can make your offer stand out. Whether…

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