Buyers Wish Lists Changing Due to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic swept around the globe unlike anything seen before. According to World O Meter, the beginning of October 2020 found more than 36 million cases and more than 1 million deaths from the virus with reports indicating that things will only get worse. As a way to curb cases, many schools sent students home to work online, including those in elementary through high school as well as college. As more students work from home, the preferences of buyers shopping for new homes changed too.

No More Open Layouts

Open layouts and floor plans were popular before the pandemic. You could invite friends over and entertain them as well as keep an eye on your family. As more families entered quarantine,…

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6 Signs You Have an Excellent Real Estate Agent

Selling your home can be difficult, but if you have an excellent real estate agent, then the process will become significantly easier. On the other hand, you may struggle to find a good real estate agent if you don't know what to look for. Because of this, we have six signs that will let you know if you found a top-notch real estate agent.

1. A Likable Personality

This may seem strange, but a likable real estate agent knows how to work with people. Keep in mind that buyers are more likely to make a purchase from someone that they like, so this is a key quality that you should look for in a real estate agent. This way, he or she can get on the buyer's good side and secure the sale.

2. Confidence

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How to Avoid Big Mistakes When Buying a Home

Buying a new home is one of the most exciting moments in your life. You can imagine yourself growing old and going through all the major milestones of your life there. When you make even one of the more common mistakes that other buyers made, though, you won't be as happy in that home. These mistakes can leave you paying more money than you should and cause you some major heartache. Before you start looking at homes for sale, make sure you know which mistakes to avoid.

Not Getting Pre-Approved

Most banks and mortgage lenders have a pre-approval process that lets you apply for a mortgage. They look at factors such as how much you make each month and your expenses along with your credit history to…

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The Impact of Credit Scores on Mortgage Applications

Your credit score can play a significant role in whether or not you are approved for a home loan. It can also determine the type of loan that you receive and the terms that a lender will offer. Let's take a look at some of the specific ways that your credit score can impact your ability to finance a real estate purchase. 

Traditional Lenders Require a Score of 620 or Higher

You'll need a credit score of at least 620 to be approved for a conventional mortgage. A conventional mortgage is one that is not insured by the Federal Housing Administration or (FHA) or otherwise guaranteed by the federal government. Conventional home loans may be advantageous because there is no need to pay mortgage…

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Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Hurts You Many Ways

When you're preparing to buy a home, there will be a long list of things you need to do. It might be tempting to skip a few of these things for the sake of convenience or time constraints. However, not getting yourself pre-approved for a mortgage could be harmful to your chances of getting the home you want. Here are some ways that failing to get a pre-approval from a mortgage lender hurts your prospects of becoming a homeowner and having a smooth transaction.

Plan Your Monthly Budget

When you go through the pre-approval process, the lender looks closely at your finances. This allows you to know how much you can afford for a mortgage payment. Your banker will explain how much you should…

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Ways to Make Obtaining a Mortgage Easier

It can be an uphill battle to qualify for a mortgage. Yet there are certain steps that you can take that make the process a little easier. The more organized you are, the less hassle applying for a mortgage will be.

Requesting Your Credit Report

Getting a mortgage becomes even more difficult if there are negative marks on your credit report. The first step is to order a copy of it and read it thoroughly. Any mistakes should be cleared up long before starting the application process. 

Improving Your Credit Score

The higher your credit score is, the more likely you are to qualify for an affordable mortgage. If your credit is not already good to excellent, it is smart to raise it before applying.…

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Your Go-To Home Buying Checklist

For people who have already bought their first home, buying a second one isn't difficult. For first time homebuyers, however, it’s a different story. In between discovering new neighborhoods and going on house tours, there are a few things you need to look out for before making the purchase. In addition, there are also a few red flags to keep an eye out for, as well.

To make sure you buy the house of your dreams, keep reading to learn how you should prepare to buy a home and the red flags you need to avoid.

Set Your Standards

It’s common knowledge that buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. As such, you want to make the most out of every cent you’re spending. Before you go…

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