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...

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 ...

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...

Setting the Purchase Price

When it comes to selling your home, setting the purchase price is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make. If your price is too high, your house could stagnate on the market, or you could alienate potential buyers. On the ot...

Top 10 Mistakes Buyers Make

#1 Making major purchases. Your finances will be scrutinized before a bank will approve a home loan application. Even if you have perfect credit – or you’ve recently come into some money – extravagant purchases can jeopardize yo...

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...

Top 10 Tips for Sellers

#1 Get ready to move on. Make sure you’re able to qualify for a new mortgage and you can afford homes in the neighborhood where you want to move.

#2 Get help if you need it. You can sell your home yourself and save money, or use ...

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...