Home Buying / Selling: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Buying With Bad Credit
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get a bad credit home loan after foreclosure.
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get a bad credit home loan after foreclosure.
Preparing House for Sale
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Real Estate Agent Income
Real estate agent potential income and the average amount of money real estate agents earn.
Real estate agent potential income and the average amount of money real estate agents earn.
Get Rid of Fleas
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Buying Short Sales
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
First Time Home Buyer
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for a first-time home buyer because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with a first-time home buyer and can show you the ropes.
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for a first-time home buyer because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with a first-time home buyer and can show you the ropes.
Short Sale
The fundamentals behind a short sale, why banks accept a short sale payoff, how to do short sales, and how a short sale affects sellers credit, why short sales are better than foreclosure.
The fundamentals behind a short sale, why banks accept a short sale payoff, how to do short sales, and how a short sale affects sellers credit, why short sales are better than foreclosure.
Home Inspection Checklist
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Who Pays Agents
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
Calculate Square Footage
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
Tenants in Common
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
Close on Home
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
Worst Selling Mistake
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
Earnest Money Deposit
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
Short Sale Process
How the short sale process is handled from listing the home to reaching short sale approval by the bank. Complete A to Z short sale process.
How the short sale process is handled from listing the home to reaching short sale approval by the bank. Complete A to Z short sale process.
Owner Financing
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Minimum Down Payment
What is the minimum down payment required to buy a home? How to choose the loan with the lowest down payment for home buying. How to calculate the down payment amount that is right for you as a first-time home buyer.
What is the minimum down payment required to buy a home? How to choose the loan with the lowest down payment for home buying. How to calculate the down payment amount that is right for you as a first-time home buyer.
How Short Sales Affect Credit
The affect of short sales and foreclosures on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
The affect of short sales and foreclosures on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
Price Per Square Foot
Figuring the price per square foot for real estate. How to value homes in any given area by the price per square foot, including average and median square foot market values.
Figuring the price per square foot for real estate. How to value homes in any given area by the price per square foot, including average and median square foot market values.
Search Property Records
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
Bridge Loans
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Agent Interview
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Low Appraisals
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
Easements and Rights-of-Way
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Final Walk Through
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
Conventional Loan
Conventional loans and how conventional loans fit into the real estate marketplace today. What is a conventional loan? How are conventional loans different from government-sponsored entity loans such as VA or FHA?
Conventional loans and how conventional loans fit into the real estate marketplace today. What is a conventional loan? How are conventional loans different from government-sponsored entity loans such as VA or FHA?
Septic System Maintenance
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Buyer's Closing Costs
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Home Buying Questions
Here's a list of questions you need answers on before buying a home. Home buying questions to ask your agent or the seller before writing that offer to buy a home.
Here's a list of questions you need answers on before buying a home. Home buying questions to ask your agent or the seller before writing that offer to buy a home.
House Price
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
Mortgage Payment
How to figure out when your first mortgage payment is due. Mortgage payments pay first to interest, then to principal.
How to figure out when your first mortgage payment is due. Mortgage payments pay first to interest, then to principal.
short sale vs. foreclosure
Should you do a short sale or a foreclosure? Is a short sale or foreclosure better for your credit rating? How do you qualify for a short sale? Are there any advantages at all to doing a foreclosure?
Should you do a short sale or a foreclosure? Is a short sale or foreclosure better for your credit rating? How do you qualify for a short sale? Are there any advantages at all to doing a foreclosure?
What is a BPO?
Definition of BPO. What is a BPO?
Definition of BPO. What is a BPO?
Modular and Manufactured Homes
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Counter Offers
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
Buying a Short Sale House
How to figure out if buying that short sale house will work. Questions to ask the short sale listing agent, and how to research the home's history before writing a short sale offer.
How to figure out if buying that short sale house will work. Questions to ask the short sale listing agent, and how to research the home's history before writing a short sale offer.
Modular Homes FAQ
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
Dog Urine Cat Urine Odors
How to get rid of cat urine odors or dog urine odors in a carpet and / or wood floors. Tips for selling a home that stinks like dog or cat urine. How to clean difficult cat urine odors that won't go away.
How to get rid of cat urine odors or dog urine odors in a carpet and / or wood floors. Tips for selling a home that stinks like dog or cat urine. How to clean difficult cat urine odors that won't go away.
After Buying-Things to Buy
After you buy a home, here is a budget for things you will need to buy to stock the home. Many new home owners don't think about the hidden costs of home ownership or what they will need to buy after closing.
After you buy a home, here is a budget for things you will need to buy to stock the home. Many new home owners don't think about the hidden costs of home ownership or what they will need to buy after closing.
Banks vs. Mortgage Brokers
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
For Sale By Owner
How to sell a home as a for sale by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home as a for sale by owner
How to sell a home as a for sale by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home as a for sale by owner
Finding Foreclosures
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
Short Sale Approval
How long should a buyer wait for a short sale offer to be approved by the bank? Approximate length of time for banks to issue short sale approvals.
How long should a buyer wait for a short sale offer to be approved by the bank? Approximate length of time for banks to issue short sale approvals.
Home Staging
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Don't Buy Short Sales
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Step By Step Home Buying
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
Qualifying for Short Sales
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
HUD-1 Settlement Statement
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
How Much Can I Afford?
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
Residential Appraisals
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
Deed of Trust
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
Before Selling Home
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
MLS - What is MLS?
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
How Foreclosures Work
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. What is a foreclosure? How foreclosure work. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. What is a foreclosure? How foreclosure work. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
What is a Short Sale
What is a short sale? Explanation of a short sale. Why not every short sale on the market is an actual short sale. What constitutes a real short sale?
What is a short sale? Explanation of a short sale. Why not every short sale on the market is an actual short sale. What constitutes a real short sale?
How Long to Sell House
How quickly should a house sell? What is the average length of time it takes to sell a house? If your home sold too quickly was it priced too low?
How quickly should a house sell? What is the average length of time it takes to sell a house? If your home sold too quickly was it priced too low?
Home Warranty
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Property Deeds
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Buying Points
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
Best Day to Buy a Home
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
Buying a Home Guide
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus in a home to what you want, to finding an agent to help you with buying a home, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to all the final details of buying a home.
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus in a home to what you want, to finding an agent to help you with buying a home, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to all the final details of buying a home.
Land Buying Tips
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
Fix Up or Sell as Is
Whether home sellers are better off fixing up the home or selling the house as is. How to draw the line at selling a home in its present condition or making repairs.
Whether home sellers are better off fixing up the home or selling the house as is. How to draw the line at selling a home in its present condition or making repairs.
Land Contracts
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Lowball Offers
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
FHA Loans For Home Buying
FHA Loans are rebounding with home buyers. Find out why FHA loans are popular for first-time home buyers and the benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
FHA Loans are rebounding with home buyers. Find out why FHA loans are popular for first-time home buyers and the benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
How to Improve Curb Appeal
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
Passing Your Home Inspection
Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to inspect your home before they go to closing and there are several home inspection hot-spots that worry buyers the most. Get your house ready for a home inspection by taking care of these issues before you put the house on the market.
Nearly all home buyers hire a professional home inspector to inspect your home before they go to closing and there are several home inspection hot-spots that worry buyers the most. Get your house ready for a home inspection by taking care of these issues before you put the house on the market.
Hardship Letter
How to write a hardship letter that is likely to win over the bank. Whether you seek a short sale or a loan modification, the bank will request that you write a hardship letter. Tips for putting your hardship into words.
How to write a hardship letter that is likely to win over the bank. Whether you seek a short sale or a loan modification, the bank will request that you write a hardship letter. Tips for putting your hardship into words.
Comparative Market Analysis
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Home Offer Pricing
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
HUD Foreclosures
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Lease Options
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
Agent Protocol
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
Paying Cash to Buy Homes
Advantages and benefits to paying cash for a home. Ways to beat out other non-cash offers. Why a home seller prefers cash.
Advantages and benefits to paying cash for a home. Ways to beat out other non-cash offers. Why a home seller prefers cash.
Multiple Offers
Multiple offer definition and tips on making offers to buy a home when competing against other home buyers. Multiple offer strategies for seller's and buyer's markets. Why not all multiple offer situations end up going to the highest home bidder.
Multiple offer definition and tips on making offers to buy a home when competing against other home buyers. Multiple offer strategies for seller's and buyer's markets. Why not all multiple offer situations end up going to the highest home bidder.
Buyer Agent's Commission
How buyer's agents in real estate are paid. Does a buyer's agent get paid by the buyer or the seller? How buyer's agents earn a commission.
How buyer's agents in real estate are paid. Does a buyer's agent get paid by the buyer or the seller? How buyer's agents earn a commission.
Making Offers on a Home
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
Buying Houses for Cash Ads
Explanation of companies that pay cash for homes. The truth about cash for homes schemes and how much companies pay when you see those signs that read: We buy houses for cash.
Explanation of companies that pay cash for homes. The truth about cash for homes schemes and how much companies pay when you see those signs that read: We buy houses for cash.
Fire Agent
How to fire your real estate agent or terminate agency / listing agreements as a Realtor. Sure-fire signs that it's time to say goodbye. How to end your association without remorse or tension.
How to fire your real estate agent or terminate agency / listing agreements as a Realtor. Sure-fire signs that it's time to say goodbye. How to end your association without remorse or tension.
Tips for Buying a New Home
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Hire Real Estate Agent
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Contingent Contracts
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
Finding an agent
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
Buying After Foreclosure or Short Sale
After a short sale or foreclosure, how long must you wait before you can buy a home again? These guidelines set forth the waiting period for home buying after a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu-of.
After a short sale or foreclosure, how long must you wait before you can buy a home again? These guidelines set forth the waiting period for home buying after a foreclosure, short sale or deed-in-lieu-of.
Home Showing
Whether you are trying to sell your home yourself without representation or you have hired an agent, you can benefit from showing your home in its best light. Here are 10 home showing tips to guide you. From the moment the buyer arrives at your front door, you've got three seconds to make a good first impression.
Whether you are trying to sell your home yourself without representation or you have hired an agent, you can benefit from showing your home in its best light. Here are 10 home showing tips to guide you. From the moment the buyer arrives at your front door, you've got three seconds to make a good first impression.
Home Marketing
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Reasons to Buy
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
Mortgage Insurance
The basics of private mortgage insurance. Why does a borrower need private mortgage insurance? What do these companies insure when you take out insurance on your mortgage and how much does it cost?
The basics of private mortgage insurance. Why does a borrower need private mortgage insurance? What do these companies insure when you take out insurance on your mortgage and how much does it cost?
Disclosures & Material Facts
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Contract Contingencies
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
Negotiate Offers
The best way to get an offer accepted is to appeal to a seller's emotions. Why? Because residential real
The best way to get an offer accepted is to appeal to a seller's emotions. Why? Because residential real
FHA Repairs
Types of repairs that FHA will require to be fixed before closing and list of repairs that FHA does not require to be fixed. Repairs that FHA appraisers note when appraising a property for an FHA loan.
Types of repairs that FHA will require to be fixed before closing and list of repairs that FHA does not require to be fixed. Repairs that FHA appraisers note when appraising a property for an FHA loan.
Repairs Before Selling
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Requesting Repairs
Requesting repairs after a home inspection is common. Here is how to make repair requests that are acceptable and why sellers may reject unreasonable repair requests. Alternatives to making repairs that keep sellers and buyers happy.
Requesting repairs after a home inspection is common. Here is how to make repair requests that are acceptable and why sellers may reject unreasonable repair requests. Alternatives to making repairs that keep sellers and buyers happy.
Real Estate Commission
New real estate agents sometimes aren't aware that commissions are usually shared by all agencies who participate in a sale. Here are some examples that show how commissions are split.
New real estate agents sometimes aren't aware that commissions are usually shared by all agencies who participate in a sale. Here are some examples that show how commissions are split.
Manufactured Homes - Advice
Things you should think about before you buy a manufactured home. Advice to help you when you're buying a home.
Things you should think about before you buy a manufactured home. Advice to help you when you're buying a home.
Buying For Sales By Owners
Buying For Sale by Owner Homes. What home buyers need to know when buying For Sales by Owners: writing FSBO offers, negotiating with FSBOs, successfully closing For Sales by Owners transaction without representation by a real estate agent.
Buying For Sale by Owner Homes. What home buyers need to know when buying For Sales by Owners: writing FSBO offers, negotiating with FSBOs, successfully closing For Sales by Owners transaction without representation by a real estate agent.
Facts About Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Purchase Offers
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
Funds to Close Escrow
How to put money into escrow. Types of funds required to close on a sale of a home. The problems associated with cashier's checks and wire transfers. Why certified funds are required to close.
How to put money into escrow. Types of funds required to close on a sale of a home. The problems associated with cashier's checks and wire transfers. Why certified funds are required to close.
Mortgage Loan Types
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
Bank Rejection Short Sales
Reasons behind a bank's rejection of a short sale. Why short sales are most often turned down by banks and mortgage companies. How to increase chances a lender will accept a short sale.
Reasons behind a bank's rejection of a short sale. Why short sales are most often turned down by banks and mortgage companies. How to increase chances a lender will accept a short sale.
Title Insurance Policy
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
EIFS, Synthetic Stucco
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
Quitclaim Deed
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Hiring Buyer's Agents
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Popcorn Ceiling
Are popcorn ceilings dangerous? Tips for buying a home with a popcorn ceiling. How to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos and safely remove the textured ceiling.
Are popcorn ceilings dangerous? Tips for buying a home with a popcorn ceiling. How to test your popcorn ceiling for asbestos and safely remove the textured ceiling.
Home Buying Path
A to Z home buying path, 18 simple steps for first-time home buyers, from hiring an agent to closing. Complete path to buying a home in easy-to-understand terms.
A to Z home buying path, 18 simple steps for first-time home buyers, from hiring an agent to closing. Complete path to buying a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Listing agreements
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Cancel Purchase Contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
Short Sale Offer
How to make a short sale offer. 10 tips for making a short sale offer that will encourage the seller to accept it and the bank to issue short sale approval.
How to make a short sale offer. 10 tips for making a short sale offer that will encourage the seller to accept it and the bank to issue short sale approval.
Interview Mortgage Broker
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
Negotiate Commissions
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
Instead of Selling Your Home
What happens if your home doesn't sell? Here are alternatives to home selling when you can't sell your house.
What happens if your home doesn't sell? Here are alternatives to home selling when you can't sell your house.
Cash for Keys
Definition of cash for keys, including explanation of tenant's rights under foreclosure and how some how some homeowners can avoid eviction during the foreclosure process.
Definition of cash for keys, including explanation of tenant's rights under foreclosure and how some how some homeowners can avoid eviction during the foreclosure process.
Remodel Without Permit
What happens if you remodel or make an addition to your home without pulling a permit? Answers to whether you can sell a home with non-permitted improvements. What kind of trouble can a buyer get into by buying a home that was remodeled without a permit?
What happens if you remodel or make an addition to your home without pulling a permit? Answers to whether you can sell a home with non-permitted improvements. What kind of trouble can a buyer get into by buying a home that was remodeled without a permit?
Blunders
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
Streamlined 203K Loans
How to get an FHA Streamlined 203K loan when buying a fixer. Benefits to a Streamlined 203K loan over a 203K FHA loan. How to apply for a Streamlinde 203K loan to fix up a house you are buying and roll the costs into your mortgage.
How to get an FHA Streamlined 203K loan when buying a fixer. Benefits to a Streamlined 203K loan over a 203K FHA loan. How to apply for a Streamlinde 203K loan to fix up a house you are buying and roll the costs into your mortgage.
Walk Away From Closing
Sometimes buyers decide to walk away from closing and forfeit their earnest money deposit. What can sellers do if buyers don't show up at closing? How buyers can walk away from closing and why.
Sometimes buyers decide to walk away from closing and forfeit their earnest money deposit. What can sellers do if buyers don't show up at closing? How buyers can walk away from closing and why.
Agent Closing Gifts
What should you give your real estate agent to say thank you after your home sale closes? Here are gift suggestions and ideas for REALTOR® closing gifts. The gift most preferred by real estate agents doesn't cost you anything.
What should you give your real estate agent to say thank you after your home sale closes? Here are gift suggestions and ideas for REALTOR® closing gifts. The gift most preferred by real estate agents doesn't cost you anything.
Find Right Home
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
Why Buy Overpriced
Common knowledge dictates that if a home doesn't sell , there must be something wrong with it. That's
Common knowledge dictates that if a home doesn't sell , there must be something wrong with it. That's
REO Foreclosures
Tips for buying REO foreclosure homes. How to get REO foreclosure offers accepted on bank-owned homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Tips for buying REO foreclosure homes. How to get REO foreclosure offers accepted on bank-owned homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Backup Offer
What is a backup offer? How to determine if it's worthwhile writing a backup offer. Tips for writing a backup offer.
What is a backup offer? How to determine if it's worthwhile writing a backup offer. Tips for writing a backup offer.
Down Payment to Buy Home
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
Buyer's Broker Agreements
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
Ad Words for Home Selling
Words sell homes. Good advertising words sell homes faster. If you want to sell your house, choose advertising words that are designed to make home buyers want to see your house and buy it.
Words sell homes. Good advertising words sell homes faster. If you want to sell your house, choose advertising words that are designed to make home buyers want to see your house and buy it.
Open Houses
Selling houses at an open house. Here's how to host a successful open house and sell that house. Not all homes are candidates for holding open and why.
Selling houses at an open house. Here's how to host a successful open house and sell that house. Not all homes are candidates for holding open and why.
Auction As-Is Sales
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
Price Reductions
Here's how to tell when the price of your house needs to be reduced. Lowering the price is smart if you know how to analyze the market and determine positioning for your price reduction. Price adjustments are never too low if computed correctly.
Here's how to tell when the price of your house needs to be reduced. Lowering the price is smart if you know how to analyze the market and determine positioning for your price reduction. Price adjustments are never too low if computed correctly.
Arms-Length Affidavit
Definition of an arms-length affidavit and why a short sale seller can't sell a home to a relative or business associate. Sample verbiage from a short sale bank regarding the arms-length affidavit.
Definition of an arms-length affidavit and why a short sale seller can't sell a home to a relative or business associate. Sample verbiage from a short sale bank regarding the arms-length affidavit.
Foreclosure & Short Sale Taxes
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
1031 Exchanges
The specifics of a 1031 exchange; why 1031 exchanges defer capital gains taxes and how to qualify for a 1031 exchange.
The specifics of a 1031 exchange; why 1031 exchanges defer capital gains taxes and how to qualify for a 1031 exchange.
Types of Agents
Types of real estate agents and the differences between an agent and a real estate broker. Definition of selling agents, seller's agents, buyer's agents, buying agents, listing agents, broker associates and real estate brokers.
Types of real estate agents and the differences between an agent and a real estate broker. Definition of selling agents, seller's agents, buyer's agents, buying agents, listing agents, broker associates and real estate brokers.
Advertising Houses for Sale
Writing advertising about homes for sale. How to write effective home ads. Selling a house by writing ads for classifieds in newspapers and creating direct mail post cards that reach the largest number of home buyers.
Writing advertising about homes for sale. How to write effective home ads. Selling a house by writing ads for classifieds in newspapers and creating direct mail post cards that reach the largest number of home buyers.
Buying Swimming Pool Homes
Pros and cons to owning homes with swimming pools. Types of pool construction. Whether swimming pools add or detract from the market value of a home.
Pros and cons to owning homes with swimming pools. Types of pool construction. Whether swimming pools add or detract from the market value of a home.
Easements
Easements - Definition of Easements - What is an Easement?
Easements - Definition of Easements - What is an Easement?
Full-Price Counter Offers
Receiving counter offers at full price is no reason to walk away. How to negotiate counter offers when the sellers counter at full price.
Receiving counter offers at full price is no reason to walk away. How to negotiate counter offers when the sellers counter at full price.
Releasing Contingencies
Purchase offer contingencies and how to release contingencies. What happens if contingencies are not released. Types of contingencies, how sellers request releases and consequences of refusal.
Purchase offer contingencies and how to release contingencies. What happens if contingencies are not released. Types of contingencies, how sellers request releases and consequences of refusal.
Free Timeshare Vacations
Time-Share resorts offer free lodging to potential buyers in exchange for their attendance at a presentation about properties the developer has for sale. Use these tips to evaluate whether or not these offers are worthwhile.
Time-Share resorts offer free lodging to potential buyers in exchange for their attendance at a presentation about properties the developer has for sale. Use these tips to evaluate whether or not these offers are worthwhile.
Why Isn't My Home Selling
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
Pending Home Sales Gone Bad
Why do pending home sales go bad? What makes pending sales fall out of escrow? Here are reasons why pending sales go back on the market. Advice on how to keep a home sale from falling apart.
Why do pending home sales go bad? What makes pending sales fall out of escrow? Here are reasons why pending sales go back on the market. Advice on how to keep a home sale from falling apart.
For Sale By Owner Negotiation
How to handle negotiation as a for sale by owner, write counter offers, provide seller disclosures, get through a home inspection and close your For-Sale-By-Owner deal.
How to handle negotiation as a for sale by owner, write counter offers, provide seller disclosures, get through a home inspection and close your For-Sale-By-Owner deal.
Loan Preapproval
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Reasons to Not Buy a Home
10 reasons you might not want to buy a home. Why some people are not cut out to be home buyers. When renting makes more sense than buying a home. Pitfalls of home buyers.
10 reasons you might not want to buy a home. Why some people are not cut out to be home buyers. When renting makes more sense than buying a home. Pitfalls of home buyers.
Buy or Rent
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Bad Home Layouts
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
Molds in Your Home
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.