The agent/seller relationship is like none other. No other professional spends the majority of their client time in the client’s actual home. We get very close to our sellers, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Because we see them in this somewhat vulnerable setting, and for an extended period, sometimes special bonds form. The
Home shoppers eager to qualify for a mortgage could get turned down because of a number they’ve never heard of: their debt-to-income ratio (DTI). If you’re a bit hazy on DTI, you’re in good company. According to Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group, more than half of consumers surveyed weren’t sure what it
The Baby Boomer generation is proving once again that they’re anything but predictable. In fact, Boomers are one of the fastest growing groups of renters in the country, and their numbers are expected to grow upwards of 12 million by 2030. While many Boomers are moving into rentals to downsize, others want the flexibility to move to stay
It can be a cookout space, lounge area complete with a brightly colored umbrella, or a display of potted plants. For whatever purpose you use your wood deck, it requires regular maintenance and upkeep to be able to provide you with years of pleasure. The key to preventing long-lasting damage to your deck is spotting
Living in a rental can put a significant damper on your design options. With unchangeable fixtures and cabinets, blasé paint colors, and the threat of losing your security deposit if you make changes, a lot of renters suppress their personal style and force themselves to live with builder-grade basic. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By
So you’ve set your sights on a home that, to put it mildly, needs a little repair work. The stairs are creaky, and you’ve noticed a leak (or three). Still, your mind is made up. What’s a love-struck home buyer to do? If your heart is set on a fixer-upper, this advice from real estate
Today, most mortgage shoppers start their process online. It’s so efficient that even the mortgage industry’s main regulator recommends it. But how do you ensure a lender you find online is credible? Here are the top five ways. Define your terms Specifically, know the difference between an “online lender” and a lender you found online.
Today’s home shoppers see dozens of homes before making an offer, and probably a few dozen more before they find the one that sticks. While you’re shopping, be on the lookout for things about the home that you can’t change (or that would require major time and effort to alter). These factors will impact the home’s
By Barry Bridges Look around any rented apartment, condominium or house and you’re likely to find the same things you would see in an owner-occupied home – furniture, clothes, electronics, and other belongings. In other words, you’ll see the same items that play an important role in everyday life. A standard home insurance policy typically provides
By Leigh Raper Tired of feeling like you have no say in the decisions about the common areas or rules and regulations of your neighborhood or condominium development? Thinking of serving as president of your homeowners’ association? Before you take the big leap, it pays to know what you’re getting into. What exactly is a