Real Estate

19

May

Real Estate

What is Cash to Close?

"Cash to Close" refers to the total amount of money that a homebuyer needs to bring to the closing table to complete the purchase of a property. It includes the down payment, closing costs, and other fees associated with the home purchase. How is it Calculated? The cash to close amount is calculated by subtracting any applicable credits, such as earnest money or seller contributions, from the total amount of funds needed to complete the transaction. The resulting figure represents the final amount of cash that the buyer needs to bring to the closing. It's important for homebuyers to carefully…

17

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Pet-Friendly Homes: Some Selling Do’s and Dont’s

Nearly 70 million American households include at least one pet, but most prospective buyers won't want to see evidence of pets in a home on the market. Here are some tips about how to sell a pet-friendly home. Prior To Listing Point out special pet features to your real estate agent -- a cat door, feeding station or a pet shower, even a fenced back yard or a dog run can be a bonus to many buyers. It's important to remember that buyers want to imagine their pets in the home, not yours! Minimize your pet's presence by decluttering pet supplies as…

16

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Critical Tips To Consider When Hiring A Home Contractor

Hiring a home contractor can be a daunting task, as the success of your home renovation or construction project depends largely on the competence of the contractor you choose. Here are some critical tips to consider when hiring a home contractor: Research: Do thorough research on potential contractors before hiring them. Check their credentials, licenses, certifications, and experience. Also, look for reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of their work quality. Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from multiple contractors and compare them. This will give you an idea of the average cost of the project and…

12

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

DIY Improvements Do Not Have To Be Expensive: A Few Examples

There are many do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement projects that can be completed on a budget and still have a significant impact. Enhancing the appearance and functionality of your home doesn't have to be costly or time-consuming. New Light Fixtures One simple and affordable way to update your home is by replacing old or outdated light fixtures. New light fixtures can give your home a fresh, modern look and can also help to improve the overall lighting in your living spaces. There is a wide variety of styles and price points to choose from, so you can find a light fixture…

11

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

How Do I Get Rid of PMI?

What is PMI? PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) is a type of insurance that lenders may require borrowers to pay if they have a down payment of less than 20% of the home's purchase price. The purpose of PMI is to protect the lender in case the borrower defaults on the loan. However, once you have paid off enough of your mortgage or your home has appreciated in value, you may be able to get rid of PMI. Here are some ways to do so: Pay down your mortgage: If you make extra payments on your mortgage or pay more than…

10

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Rebuilding Costs: Rethinking How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need

Buying a home comes with numerous financial planning obligations. It's far from a turn-key operation and one of the significant challenges involves developing a working knowledge about things often outside your area of expertise. For example, working as an educator, police officer, investment banker or office staffer does not necessarily make you an expert about home repairs or insurance coverage. Yet, the average homeowner is tasked with carrying a certain level of homeowners insurance coverage without a strong working knowledge. Many homeowners just purchase enough insurance to cover the purchase price or take the advice of others. Both of those…

09

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Top Reasons You Should Compare Mortgages

Comparing mortgages is a crucial step in the process of buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage. Here are some reasons why: Save Money: Comparing mortgages can help you save money by finding the best interest rates and terms available. A lower interest rate can mean thousands of dollars in savings over the life of a mortgage. Avoid Pitfalls: By comparing mortgages, you can avoid pitfalls such as hidden fees, penalties, or other unfavorable terms that can cost you money and cause financial stress. Negotiate Better Terms: If you have a good understanding of what's available in the mortgage…

05

May

By lizlaurenb

Real Estate

Important Things You Should Know About Land Surveys

A land survey is an essential tool that is used to determine the exact boundaries of a piece of land or property. It is often required when buying, selling, or dividing land, and is also important for resolving property line disputes. Process: The process of land surveying typically involves a licensed surveyor visiting the property to take precise measurements and create a detailed map or plan of the land. This may include identifying any physical features of the property, such as trees, buildings, or natural landmarks, as well as any easements or encroachments. Types: There are several different types of…

03

May

By lizlaurenb

Mortgage, Real Estate

The Benefits Of Working With A Real Estate Agent You Need To Know

When it comes to buying or selling a home, working with an experienced real estate agent can be the difference between success and failure. Not only do agents possess access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) — a comprehensive database of properties for sale — they also provide invaluable insight into local markets, saving buyers and sellers time by handling many of the tedious tasks associated with transactions. Access To The Multiple Listing Service: MLS From scheduling showings and negotiating offers to managing paperwork from start-to-finish, having an experienced professional on your side makes all the difference in navigating even complex…

27

Apr

By lizlaurenb

Mortgage, Real Estate

What Is A Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic's lien is a legal claim placed on a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who has provided labor, materials, or equipment to improve the property. The lien serves as security for the payment of the debt owed to the party who provided the services or materials. Mechanic's liens are typically used in the construction industry, where contractors and subcontractors may perform work on a property and then have difficulty obtaining payment from the property owner. The lien provides the contractor with a legal means to collect payment for their work by placing a hold on the property…