In a recent annual Gallup poll that started in 2002, 35 percent of the respondents said real estate was the best long-term investment option compared to 27 percent who choose stocks. Although the top choices were real estate, stocks, savings accounts and buying gold, respondents had the most confidence in homes as investments. Even with […]
We are past April 15th, tax filing day. You already know what your expenses were for last year. Unfortunately, the money spent on home repairs is not deductible. But if you are aware of how much you spent, it could help you make decisions that will save you money this year. Buyers are often provided […]
Some potential home buyers determine which agent they will use when they start looking for their dream home. They believe that finding the home is the most critical part. While finding a home is critical, the most important part is getting good representation. Finding the right agent requires more skills then just being the agent […]
Private mortgage insurance is usually required on mortgage loans for more than 80 percent loan-to-value. If a borrower defaults on their loan, mortgage insurance will reimburse the lender. You need to be aware that when certain conditions have been met, expensive PMI can be removed. When your mortgage balance has reached 80 percent of your […]
A sector of the market that is not necessarily being met by other loan programs is being served by FHA insured mortgages. Buyers would love to secure a conventional 80 percent mortgage without mortgage insurance and get the lowest cost of financing possible, but if they can’t put down 20 percent then it isn’t really […]
Considering refinancing? Buying a new home? It maybe worth discussing a 15-year loan instead of a traditional 30-year mortgage. Monthly payments will be higher but your interest rate will be lower and your equity will climb faster. Below I have provided an example for comparison on a $300,000 mortgage with two terms. One 30-year term […]
Each year the National Association of Realtors publishes the Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report. In their latest report, they state that although Millennials are becoming the largest home buying group (34%) they are facing the difficulties of rising rents, rising home prices, student loan debt and flat wages. Today’s would-be buyers feel they […]
As a business, if you expect to have repeat customers and get recommendations to friends, you must treat customers fair. Nordstrom’s customers understand that their salespeople are employees and represent the company as a whole. In some industries, like real estate, the customer service line is not as clear. An Agency is a legal relationship […]
Making a wrong decision is actually better for you than indecision. Home values and interest rates are heading up. It can be very expensive for you to wait on buying a home. Of course, you may have a legitimate reason to wait like improving your credit score or saving a down payment or even waiting […]
Owning a home can be an emotional investment for some would-be buyers. They want to have a place to raise their family,enjoy gatherings and feel secure and safe. Other buyers may be more interested in lowering their costs of housing or building equity. No matter what your motivation is we can easily justify that now […]
