Real Estate

If you have feline companions, you may dote on them and give them full reign of your home. But potential home buyers might not like the sight and sound of cats. Others may love cats but might be allergic to the dander. When you go to put your house up for sale, consider these things you need to know to ensure that your beloved pets don't hold you back from selling your home as speedily as possible and...

When you sell a home, every room is important to the buyer, but the kitchen is something special. Many homeowners will spend a lot of time in the kitchen socializing, cooking, or relaxing. As you prepare your home for a sale, you should stage the kitchen to entice buyers who visit your home or look through pictures. Learn about various tips to get your kitchen ready and how staging works to impress...

For some homeowners, a large and spacious basement is a catch-all space. It might be a kids' play area one day and your craft space the next. It often houses Christmas decorations, the kids' sports equipment, and that old sofa that you've always planned to get rid of. While this makes a basement into a very useful part of your home, it also makes the space difficult to stage when you sell it. If you're...

If you have watched the news at all lately, you likely know of increasing talk of the likelihood of a recession within the next year or two. While that idea brings anxiety to many people, this can be a boon for real estate buyers. Why? A recession’s shrinking prices and changing housing market brings opportunity for those in the right position. What kind of real estate opportunities should you look...

Kitchens and bathrooms may sell homes, but they aren't the only things potential buyers look at. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that buyers peek in all your hiding places. They pull back shower curtains, examine closets, and even check out the garage. Your job is to prep your house, including the garage, so that the space wows buyers. Luckily, cleaning the garage is not as difficult as it may...

Buying a home together is an exciting step for any couple. It's a big commitment and leap of faith. Whether you will be living together for the first time or have been renting as a couple for many years, home ownership brings many new privileges and responsibilities. Weigh these considerations before buying a first home with your spouse or partner. Know Your Credit Scores The credit scores of both you...

Home appraisals are a major part of buying and selling a home. Both buyers and sellers will have a sincere interest in the result of the appraisal. An appraisal should only be done by an unbiased professional who is qualified to determine the true value of a house. As a home seller, you may be nervous about how much the home appraisal will affect your bottom line. Home appraisals don't have to be...

Home-Staging Hacks If You’re Short on Time The process of staging a home for sale is often misunderstood. Many first-time home sellers think that staging a home is a scary idea and not something they want to take on. However, depending on your living situation and the advance notice you have when potential buyers will visit the home, you may find yourself staging your home.  ...

Lenders require an appraisal to confirm that the property is as valuable as you claim it to be; the confirmation helps lenders secure their investments. Unfortunately, an appraisal may return a value lower than the price of the home. Such a low appraisal means you may not get enough money to buy your target home. Below are some of the major causes of low appraisals. Market Conditions A bad market can...

Selling your home can be both exciting and challenging. A great offer for your property can help you feel you've made the right decision. Your real estate agent can help you make smart choices every step of the way to bring that dream to fruition. One way you may connect with the right buyer is at an open house, so be sure to avoid these common mistakes at yours.