Insurance Plan 101
Purchasing an insurance policy is one of the most important tasks when buying a home. Your policy could mean the difference between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars of expenses should something happen. Most home insurance plans have a basic format for what?s included, with a few things dependent on location, but it?s […]
Should You Buy a House with a HOA
For many first-time homeowners, buying a home with a Homeowners Association can sound like an additional headache you don?t need. It?s true that many of the experiences that we hear about regarding HOA?s are negative ones. Exorbitant fees. Stuffy board members who never take your side. Maintenance requirements that are difficult, if not impossible, to […]
What Happens During An Appraisal?
There?s so much that happens behind the scenes of the home buying process. When the search is over and the home you?ve chosen goes under contract or into escrow, the ?due-diligence? period begins. Your agent will carry the responsibility of this investigative process for you but it?s still important to understand what?s happening. Today, we?re […]
What Sets A Good Agent Apart From the Rest
There are a lot of real estate agents out there. How do you know you?ve found the right one? Working with an agent is supposed to help you through the home buying process, not make it harder. So how can you tell if the agent you?re considering is a great one? The vibe is […]
What’s the Difference Between a Bank, Credit Union, & Online Lender?
When it comes to finding a lender, the first step is to understand the difference between the three types of institutions: Banks, Credit Unions, and Online Lenders. Each of these has a different bottom line for their business which could make a difference in your decision. We break down each specific lender a little deeper […]
What to Look for In a Neighborhood
Purchasing a home comes with much more than the house. It also comes with neighbors, a community, school districts, crime rates, and a whole bunch more. In fact, you might want to research neighborhoods before you start looking at homes. There?s a lot of information you can find on your own online, but when it?s […]
Why a Home Inspection is Crucial
Let?s cut to the chase. When you purchase a home, you?re spending hundreds of thousands of dollars. Even if it only seems like you?re spending $1500 per month with your mortgage payment, you are spending hundreds of thousands. We cannot say that more clearly. You should investigate and appreciate that asset like you are literally […]
Why Buying a Home Should Be a Financial vs. Emotional Decision
Deciding to purchase a home is a huge financial decision. It can also be an incredibly emotional process but the decision should ultimately be a financial one. We know you?re excited about buying a home. Whether it?s your first, second, third, etc. A new home is a new chapter in your life. The possibilities are […]
Real Estate Cliffnotes: 6 Steps to Buying a Home
If buying a home were simple, real estate agents wouldn?t exist. While it?s nice to have someone you can trust handle all the messy details, it?s important you know what goes on during the process. The first steps are a given: meet an agent, set a budget, find a house. But what comes next? What?s […]
8 Questions to Answer Before Choosing a Real Estate Agent
We?ve established the importance of?working with a real estate agent. Now let?s discuss what to think about while looking for one. A good real estate agent has your back through every step of the process. They?re well informed about the market, the neighborhoods, and they have great communication skills. While you interview prospective agents, make […]
