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...

Creating a Sell Sheet

Designing the sell sheet you’ll use for advertising is your chance to get creative while selling your home. This 8 1/2 x 11 flyer is where you announce the best features of your house. Packed with information, and presented with a little bi...

How to Find a Lawyer

If you’re concerned about the legal logistics of selling your own home, hiring a real estate lawyer may give you peace of mind. In most states, a lawyer isn’t required to finalize the sale of your home, but some sellers prefer having ...

Is Now the Right Time to Sell?

As with most things, timing is everything when is comes to selling your own home. Of course, the state of the market will have a tremendous effect, but even the season in which you sell your home plays a role. Waiting until the time is right can ...

Top 10 Mistakes Sellers Make

#1 Setting the price too high. Not only will you get fewer offers, but buyers may think something is wrong with your property when you lower your price. Get an appraisal or do a Comparative Market Appraisal (CMA), then set your asking price accor...

Top 10 Tips for Buyers

#1 Check your credit. Correct any errors, try to repair any damage, and establish two years of reliable payment history before you apply for a mortgage.

#2 Save. Plan for your down payment, closing fees, attorney fees, and other expens...

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...