Author Archives: Site Administrator
What Is An Appraisal?
Every house is unique; appraisers are trained and licensed for expertise in putting a value on properties. Appraisers don’t work for the buyer or the seller; their primary mission is actually to protect the lender who’s risking money against the home’s value. Appraisers have to weigh factors about the property and location – including… Read More »
6 Selling Mistakes
If you’re selling, don’t do these things – take some notes from the video! 1. Don’t Sell Before The House Is Ready. If it doesn’t present well, it won’t sell well. 2. Don’t Over-Improve People buy houses in neighborhoods. If yours is so “improved” that it sticks out you’re hurting your chances at selling. 3…. Read More »
Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?
Home size is one of the key figures used in comparisons. But you may have different measurements to choose from, as you’ll learn in this video, including builder, appraiser, tax records and possibly owner records. Which one is right, and which one is best? The official figure is the one in tax records – typically,… Read More »
How Should I Prepare The Inside For An Open House?
For many homes and markets, professional help from someone in “staging” makes good financial sense. Like this video say, check your staging options first. If you are doing it yourself, here are 5 key tips. One – Depersonalize. You want the buyer to envision this house being their home? Remove the things that make it YOUR… Read More »
How Should I Prepare The Outside For An Open House?
Professional “staging” may include the exterior, but if you’re doing it all yourself, try the five things outlined in this video. 1 – Landscape & lawn. That’s the first impression; make it a good one. Mow, prune, edge and get rid of junk! 2 – Paint And Clean! You don’t have to do the whole house, but… Read More »
How Should I Prepare For Internet Showing?
Today, your first “showing” will be on the Internet – you’re watching this on the Internet, right? Your price, listing description and PHOTOS determine whether someone will visit in person. Consider professional staging advice or help. Prep for photos and video just as carefully as real visits. Ask your realtor if they use a professional photographer If they… Read More »
Title Insurance Explained Visually
What is title insurance and why should any buyer get it when purchasing a home (single family, townhouse, condo, apartment, or whatever format your home purchase takes)? Doesn’t the attorney or settlement company handling the closing see to it that you have a clear title? Isn’t this just another way for someone to siphon a few coins off… Read More »
Closing Costs Explained Visually
Purchasing a home is exciting. Once escrow begins, the excitement can change to frustration, particularly if you are not ready for the closing costs that quickly accumulate. Closing costs simply refer to the fees associated with various things associated with the escrow process in a real estate transaction. In the excitement of having an offer accepted for your dream… Read More »
What Is “Prime”?
The Prime Lending Rate – sometimes just called “Prime” – is the interest rate that banks charge each other for overnight loans. Some consumer rates – like ARMs – are set in relation to Prime. In the US, Prime is affected by the Federal Reserve lending rate to banks; historically, Prime is about 3… Read More »
What Are Real Estate Commissions?
Like the video says – real estate agents aren’t paid by the hour!They’re paid a percentage of the purchase price in a successful real estate transaction. When one agent represents the sellers and another represents the buyers the commission is typically split between them. In the US, real estate commissions are commonly 6% of… Read More »
