5 Not-So-Obvious Things People Ignore When Selling a Home

Selling a home is not always a walk in the park. Markets can be demanding, and at times, you may feel overwhelmed by the task. The commonly overlooked mistakes sellers tend to make cost them both in the final sale price and time their property stays on the market. If you want to sell your home at a reasonable price and fast, ensure you do not miss these essential items on your itinerary list.

1. Cancellation of Current Utility and Internet Services

You would assume it is pretty straightforward. However, when selling your home, you have to be on top of switching your utility bills. Switch over your electric, phone, gas, water, cable, and internet service bills, or else you might find…

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Understanding Escrow When Buying or Selling a Home

When you buy or sell a home, there are several steps to the real estate transaction. Escrow is the period of time between when you sign a contingent agreement and when you close on the home. Escrow can also refer to a sum of money that a buyer places with the lender in good faith for completing the transaction. Escrow agents handle the escrow process. Whether you're the buyer or the seller, it's important to know the pros and cons of using escrow for the real estate transaction.

Escrow Instead of a Title Agent

You can use escrow in lieu of a title agent. A seller can choose this method of closing the purchase of a home. The escrow agent will prepare the title and deed. The escrow agent is…

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Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Home Warranty

A home warranty is a contract that covers the cost of maintaining or replacing systems in the home for a predetermined amount of time. For example, a home warranty may cover repairing or replacing an air conditioning unit, a heating unit, or appliances in the home. A home warranty and home insurance are two completely different things.

Where Do You Get a Home Warranty?

If you purchase a newly constructed home, the systems and appliances in your home are likely covered by a builder’s warranty. A builder’s warranty is going to cover the same things that a home warranty will cover.

The seller might buy a home warranty for the buyer. This is a perk to encourage the buyer to purchase the…

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How to Visit an Open House During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When you're planning to buy a house, the best way to get a feel for the space, its flow and its size is to go there and see it for yourself. The home-buying process has changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional open houses that attract a crowd of people aren't possible for now, so buyers, sellers and real estate agents have had to change the process of home tours and showings. Use these tips to navigate and plan for open houses while the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Arrange a Real-Time Tour Conducted by the Agent

Just like you can make a private online shopping appointment with a small business, you could arrange a private online tour with a real estate agent. This would allow…

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4 Tips for Making an Offer That No Homeowner Could Refuse

In the real estate market, sellers readily turn down purchase offers. Seasoned negotiators use several strategies to sweeten offers to buy homes. Rather than letting your dream home get away, use these four tools to win over private sellers and real estate agents. 

1. Seek Pre-Approval for a Mortgage

While some people can afford homes without debt, most people get mortgages to buy homes. According to Zillow, more than 60% of American homeowners have mortgage debt. Real estate agents and private homeowners expect offers to come from prospective buyers with mortgage offers.

Even if you've received a quote from a loan officer, your mortgage might not be approved. Sellers would rather…

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Using Your Home to Make Money Without Selling It

According to REALTORS, Americans bought more than six million homes in 2019. Although selling your home can bring in a lot of money, giving up the place where you've made countless memories can be difficult. Considering that homes appreciate in value, you also lose a solid investment opportunity by selling your home. Fortunately, selling a home isn't the only way to make money from it. Before saying goodbye to your domicile, consider these legitimate money-making alternatives.

1. Think About Opening a Bed and Breakfast

Travelers usually find overnight accommodations by renting hotel rooms. While you can find hotels virtually anywhere, many travelers get tired of hotels. They're often expensive,…

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What New Homeowners Should Know About Property Taxes

After buying a home, you'll have a lot of new ongoing expenses. One of them will be your property taxes. The property taxes are assessed by your county, and the way you pay them varies based on whether you own the property outright or if you're paying a mortgage. Here's what you need to know about paying property taxes as a first-time home buyer.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Some counties allow you to pay property taxes online. Others require you to remit payment by mail. If you owe a mortgage, your lender will receive the bill. They will roll it into your monthly mortgage payments, so you'll pay 1/12 of your annual property taxes on each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these payments…

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A Good Home Inspector Is More Than Just Credentials

Finding a home inspector is an important part of the home selling and buying process. To find the right inspector for your needs, you need to look beyond credentials.

You should be ready to interview multiple candidates to make sure that the person you hire is a professional with experience. The home inspector you hire is going to serve as your eyes and ears. He or she will tell you the true condition of the home you are considering purchasing. Remember, a home is likely one of the most expensive purchases you will ever make. 

Check Out Real Estate Agent Referrals

A real estate agent might give you a list of home inspector names with the best of intentions. However, there is a conflict of…

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6 Things to Consider Before Investing in Rental Property

Real estate is a good way to boost your investment portfolio. If you make the right investment choices, real estate is an exciting option. Finding investment property can be a major challenge for new investors. Here are six things new investors should consider.

1. Talk to a Professional

Prior to starting your search, talk to a professional realtor. They can give you insight into what to expect in the area where you are searching. Doing research can help you identify key characteristics customers in your area want, including the size of the property they're looking for, the location, and any amenities.

2. Think About the Neighborhood

The neighborhood where you buy an investment…

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The Advantages of Working With a Home Appraisal

Home appraisals have long been considered an integral part of the home-buying process. The appraisal makes sure that the buyer is paying a fair price, and the appraisal protects the mortgage company against losses.

Still, for all of their benefits, appraisals can feel like an added stress. The buyer needs to spend money on the appraisal, and the seller is worried that the appraisal will come back for less than what they feel the home is worth.

Changes to the Laws on Appraisals 

Changes have been made to how appraisals are done. Government agencies have made rules saying that home appraisals are not required for a home that sells for under $400,000. That being said, most major lenders will still…

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