We've made significant strides in combating discrimination in the United States, but we still have a long way to go. Imagine facing discrimination today—how would you feel? Today, we'll look into housing discrimination and the rights afforded to you under the Fair Housing Act. Housing Discrimination: A Historical Perspective Understanding where we've come from is crucial. If we forget our history, we're doomed to repeat its mistakes. Over the past hundred years, the United States has advanced significantly in civil liberties, eliminating many discriminatory practices. Why would we want to reve ..read more

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner! You’ve navigated through the complexities of the mortgage process, survived the property hunt and the real estate closing process, and celebrated getting your new keys. But the journey doesn’t end there. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll talk about essential aspects of homeownership that often surprise new homeowners: understanding what might happen to your mortgage, preparing for property tax reassessments, and navigating homeowners insurance coverage. Let’s dive in! Understanding the Mortgage Process Securing a mortgage is often the first major h ..read more

Picture this: you're getting ready to buy a home. You know you have a 401k but don't have enough funds in the bank to cover your down payment and buyer closing costs. How are you going to pay your down payment and your buyer closing costs? Let’s dive into how you can use your 401k to buy a house and explore the pros and cons of this option. Disclaimer: If you have any specific questions about your unique circumstance, please contact a local loan officer or your financial advisor to review these options with you. This is an educational post, and I hope it gives you another talking point when de ..read more

Today, we're discussing the last step of your home-selling journey: closing day. It's an exciting time as you prepare to finalize your home sale. Let's walk through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth and successful closing day. Home Selling Tips for a Seamless Closing Selling your home involves numerous steps, and preparing for the closing day is essential. Here are some top home-selling tips to get you started: Start Packing Early: Ideally, you should start packing as soon as your home goes under contract. Focus on items you won't need in the weeks leading up to closing day. This ..read more

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments we will ever make. Ensuring your potential property is in good condition is crucial. This is where home inspections come into play. By understanding the different types of home inspections and when to call in specialized inspectors, you can avoid costly surprises down the road. Let's dive into the 17 different types of home inspections that can give you peace of mind before closing on your new home. General Home Inspection A general home inspection is the most common inspection requested by home buyers. A licensed home inspector will use ..read more

If you've lost your HOA resale package, which includes your covenants, codes, and restrictions (CC&Rs), or you're trying to figure out whom to contact in your Homeowners Association (HOA) can be a real nightmare. It should be as simple as Googling the name of your association or subdivision, but it often requires more effort. Let’s explore the steps to find your HOA contact information and understand your HOA documents. What is an HOA? An HOA, aka Homeowners Association, is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium that makes and enforces rules for the p ..read more

Speaking from personal experience, facing bankruptcy can feel like hitting rock bottom. But I want to share something important: bankruptcy is not the end. Whether you're contemplating Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel is essential. Today, we'll explore the impact of bankruptcy on your credit score, how to rebuild credit, and what to expect when seeking a mortgage after bankruptcy. Bankruptcy Impact on Credit Score The first thing to understand is the impact on your credit score. When you file for bankruptcy, your FICO score takes a signifi ..read more

After the excitement of moving into your new home and making it your own, you'll eventually start thinking about the longevity of your home's essential components. You'll have questions about your HVAC system, refrigerator, dishwasher, roof, water heater, etc. How long will these things last, and how should you budget for their replacement? Let's dive into the lifespan of these crucial home elements and how you can maintain them.    How Long Does a Roof Last? The lifespan of your roof depends significantly on the materials used and your local climate. According to the National Associ ..read more

Whether you're a first-time seller or have been through the process before, it's crucial to avoid common mistakes that can hinder your sale. This blog post gives you 21 hard facts you need to know to sell your home successfully.  1. Know Your Local Market Conditions Understanding your local real estate market is vital. Market conditions vary by region and can significantly impact your home's selling price and the time it takes to sell. Use resources like Redfin's Housing Market Data to research current trends, average prices, and the demand in your area. To gain hyper-focus on the mo ..read more

In today's real estate market, everyone wants a good deal on a home, or at the very least, a fair one. As a homebuyer, it is vital to understand how to spot an overpriced home and know what to do about it. Let's dive into the nuances of real estate pricing strategy, comparative market analysis (CMA) role, and practical tips for negotiating home prices. By the end of this blog post, you'll be better equipped to navigate the market and secure the best possible deal. Understanding Real Estate Pricing Strategy Overpriced homes often stem from the seller's desire to maximize their return. It's rare ..read more