lizlaurenb

15

Jun

Real Estate

The Role of Escrow in Real Estate Transactions

Purchasing or selling a property is a significant financial transaction that involves numerous parties, legalities, and a substantial amount of money. To ensure a smooth and secure process, the real estate industry relies heavily on a mechanism known as escrow. Understanding Escrow Escrow refers to a neutral third-party entity or professional, typically an escrow officer or a title company, entrusted with holding and disbursing funds and documents during a real estate transaction. It acts as a safeguard, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and that the transaction progresses smoothly. How Escrow Works Once the buyer and seller have agreed…

14

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Simple Tips for a Stunning First Impression

They say, “you never get a second chance to make a good impression”, and when it comes to your home, curb appeal is the key to making a lasting one. Enhancing the exterior of your house not only adds value but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for both you and your guests. Here are some simple yet effective tips that will help transform your home's exterior and make it the envy of the neighborhood. Begin with a Welcoming Entrance: The front door is the gateway to your home, and a fresh coat of paint can do wonders to…

13

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Homeowners Insurance: How Much Coverage Do You Need?

Homeownership is a significant milestone that comes with a sense of security and pride. Your home is not just a place to live but also a valuable asset that needs protection. Homeowners insurance provides financial coverage for unexpected events and damage that may occur to your property. Determining the right amount of coverage can be challenging, here are some of the factors to consider when deciding how much homeowner’s insurance coverage you need. Assessing the Value of Your Home: The first step in determining your coverage needs is to evaluate the value of your home. Consider the cost of rebuilding…

12

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 12, 2023

Last week’s scheduled economic news included results from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Fannie Mae Survey Shows Lower Home Buyer Confidence in May Fannie Mae reported lower home buyer confidence in housing market conditions in May. High home prices and rising mortgage rates challenged prospective home buyers while providing favorable conditions for sellers. 65 percent of consumers surveyed for Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index believed that it was a good time to sell their homes as compared to 62 percent of consumers surveyed in April. This was the highest consumer…

09

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Around The Home

The Most Common Dangerous Home Issues

The most important reason to check for dangerous home issues is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Leaving home issues unchecked can cause significant damage to your property and if you're planning to sell your home in the future, it's important to ensure that it's free of dangerous issues that could affect its value. Here’s What to Look For: Electrical problems: Faulty electrical systems, exposed wires, and outdated circuits can pose a serious risk of electrical fires, electrical shock, and electrocution. Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm environments and can cause…

08

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

How Do You Make A Household Budget

Creating a household budget can be a helpful way to track your spending and ensure you are meeting your financial goals. You will need to examine your fixed expenses that are the same each month, such as rent or car payments and your variable expenses that change each month, such as groceries or entertainment. Dealing with debt can be challenging but incorporating it into your budgeting strategy can help you regain control of your finances. Here are some steps you can take to effectively manage your debt while budgeting: Assess your debt: Begin by gathering all your debt information, including…

07

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Buying Vs. Building a House

Deciding whether to buy or build a house can be a complex decision that depends on several factors. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros of Buying a House: Convenience: Buying a house is generally quicker and more convenient than building one. You can move in as soon as you close the deal, without having to wait for construction to be completed. Location: When you buy a house, you have the opportunity to choose a home in an established neighborhood with existing amenities such as schools, parks, shopping centers, and other essential services. You can choose a location…

06

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

When Buying Land to Build a New Home, Don’t Forget These Important Factors

Buying land for a new home is a significant investment, so take your time, do your research, and make an informed decision. It's essential to do your due diligence and research before buying land to build a new home. Here are some important things you shouldn't forget: Determine your budget: Before you start your search, it's important to have a clear idea of your budget. This will help you narrow down your search to properties that are within your price range. Choose a location: Consider the location where you would like to build your new home. Look for areas that…

02

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Financial Reports

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices Show Mixed Readings in March

March readings for the S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index showed that month-to-month home prices rose by 0.40 percent in March. The 20-City Home Price Index, which is considered a benchmark indicator by U.S. real estate professionals, rose by 0.50 percent month-to-month in March but posted a negative reading of -1.10 percent year-over-year. Analysts said that the slim supply of homes for sale drove up prices as demand for homes exceeded available inventory. Homeowners took a “wait and see” position as mortgage rates rose and concerns over the economy persisted. Those who refinanced their mortgages to low rates during the…

01

Jun

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Crafting a Counter-offer That Doesn’t Scare Away a Potential Home Buyer

Crafting a counter-offer that doesn't scare away a potential home buyer can be tricky. Here are five tips to help you navigate the negotiation process while keeping the buyer interested: Keep emotions in check: Avoid letting your emotions drive the conversation and try to remain objective throughout the negotiation process. Keep in mind that the buyer is also looking for a fair deal, and it's important to approach negotiations with a collaborative attitude. Understand the buyer's needs: Understanding the buyer's needs and motivations can help you craft a counter-offer that meets their expectations. For example, if the buyer is seeking…