Explaining Escrow

For many home buyers and sellers, escrow is an unfamiliar term that’s often confused with closing. While an escrow agent is involved in the closing of a real estate transaction, escrow itself is the process where an impartial third party ho...

How to Deal with Offers

You got an offer – Congratulations! So…what now? Read on to learn what to do when you receive an offer to buy your home.

An offer should be submitted in writing as a sales contract, which is a binding legal agreement. Neve...

How to Make an Offer

There’s nothing like that moment when you finally find the perfect house. You may be tempted to write the seller a check on the spot, but knowing how to make the right offer can make all the difference on whether or not you actually land yo...

Negotiating Tips for Buyers

Negotiating can be intimidating under any circumstances, and it can be especially stressful when the house of your dreams is on the line. If your offer to buy is met with a counteroffer, use the following tips for negotiating to help you haggle y...

Qualifying the Best Buyers

When you’re selling your home, waiting for your first offer can be agonizing. When it finally comes in, you may be tempted to accept it on the spot – especially if it matches your asking price. However, before you consider an offer to...

Should you Remodel?

As you prepare to sell your home, you’re probably considering which renovations will help to increase its value. Almost every home could use a little updating before it’s put on the market, but even the most popular upgrades – l...

What Buyers Should Expect at Closing

Once the house-hunting, negotiating, and inspections are over, you’re counting down the minutes until you can move in to your new home. Closing, the final meeting where all the papers are signed and property title is formally transferred, i...

What to Consider Before You Buy

If you’re thinking about buying a home, your head is probably filled with a million questions: Is now the time? Can you afford it? Will it pay off? Buying a home comes with an array of benefits. A fixed rate mortgage will stabilize your hou...