Key Differences Between Condos and Apartments

Apartment or condo? Individuals and families looking to change their living arrangement, and are not in the market for a single-family home, should review both options. While condos and apartments have many similarities, there are several key differences to consider, including ownership, equity and maintenance. The most notable difference between an apartment and a condo […]

What’s an Assumable Mortgage and How’s it Work?

With mortgage rates ranging from 7 – 8%, buyers are eager to discover methods of saving money on their mortgage. One rarely used option that some buyers are considering is an assumable mortgage. Let’s dive into what this new trend in home buying really means.  What is an assumable mortgage? An assumable mortgage is when […]

Don’t let Home Insurance Shopping Scare You

Shopping, comparing and securing home insurance can seem like a daunting task to some home buyers, but having the right insurance and enough coverage is critical in the event of an accident or damage. There’s a lot to consider when reviewing home insurance policies and options, and each company has its own packages designed to […]

Buy a House or Sign a New Lease?

This year has seen several families move from apartments or rentals into their own homes. Ditching a monthly rent check in favor of a mortgage, equity and ownership, helps families lay a solid foundation for financial security. Owning a home is one of the largest and most important financial decisions someone makes, and making the […]

Is using a buyer’s agent free?

Real estate agents get paid through a real estate professional fee, which comes from the sale and/or purchase of a piece of property. But, who pays the this fee, the buyer or seller or both? Is using a realtor to buy a house free to the buyers? These are common questions among first-time buyers and […]

For Sale by Owner or Agent? Which is best?

In the current market, homes in many areas are selling quickly, so it makes sense that some homeowners may opt to sell their house themselves instead of enlisting a licensed realtor. The primary reason people choose this method is profit. By saving the average six percent sales commission, many feel like they’re walking away with […]

Careful what’s posted on social media when buying or selling a home

For those with social media accounts, especially Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram, it’s important to be aware of public settings and posts when you’re in the process of buying or selling a property, and this extends to anyone else living in the home. On more than one occasion, a seller’s or prospective buyer’s post has terminated […]

Be prepared for upfront real estate costs

First-time home buyers know they need to save money to place a down payment on a home; however, many times they’re unaware of the additional upfront costs leading to closing, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Here’s a list of five common expenses potential buyers should be prepared to […]

Beware of Online Property Rental Scams

Its not uncommon for renters to look online for their next property, but they need to be aware of the growing number of rental scams taking place on sites such as Craigslist, Zillow and others. The most common scam involves properties that have had their details lifted from a reputable realtor or property management company’s […]