Say you’re shopping for a new home. Your goal is to find the ideal property, in a neighborhood that is just right for you, within a price range that you can afford. What do you need — at minimum — to get started? If you’re looking for ways to get your ducks in a row, […]
Getting Schooled on Local Schools
If you have kids, the local school will be a big part of your new home buying decision. That’s why it’s important to get a school’s “vital statistics”, such as: Safety record Curriculum Accommodation for special needs Awards Average class sizes Extracurricular activities. (sports, arts, crafts, technology, etc.) Scores on standardized achievement tests Daily schedules […]
Why You Should Order Your Own Credit Report
“I don’t have a problem with credit,” a potential new home buyer says. “I pay my bills on time. I never have trouble getting a loan.” That may be true. However, according to several surveys, most people are surprised by at least one piece of information in their credit report. And it only takes one […]
Will Your Furniture Fit?
When shopping for a new house or condo, most buyers consider such factors as neighborhood, proximity to schools, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and more. These are, of course, all important considerations. But there’s one question that few buyers ask – until it’s too late. “Will our furniture fit?” This may […]
Surviving a Bidding War
Traffic Matters
Like taxes, traffic is a fact of life. (Particularly if you live anywhere near the HRBT). So, when you’re shopping for a new home, consider how the road situation will affect your commute to work, access to shopping and attractions, and the ability to conveniently reach places you need to go. After all, it’s difficult […]
Home Buying 101
How to Sell Your Home More Quickly
When you put your property on the market, ideally you want to sell it as quickly as possible and for the highest price possible. But sometimes one is more important than the other. For example, if you’re relocating, or have purchased another home that is closing soon, selling your current property quickly may be a […]
The 6 Most Important Qualities of Your Next Home
When you shop for a new home, you’ll probably start by thinking about what you need in your next property. Your list might include a spacious kitchen; three bedrooms; and, a mature tree in the backyard. Those are property features and, of course, they’re important. But finding your next dream home involves more than just […]
The Vocabulary of Selling a Home
As in any industry, there are terms and buzzwords that are unique to residential real estate. When you put your home on the market, you should know what those terms mean. Here are definitions for the most common ones: Fair Market Value: This is an estimate of how much a specific home will sell for […]