Whether you're the one buying or selling a home, the real estate closing is sure to be both exciting and daunting for you. Even though both parties agreed on a chosen date and might be pleased with the dollar amount on the table, there are still plenty of surprises that can be tricky to deal with.  According to February 2024 data from the REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 11 percent of contracts in the past three months encountered delays, while six percent were terminated. While no one wants to wait longer than they need to for a real est ..read more

Whether you're house-hunting for your dream home or looking for a lot to build it, you might have come across a corner lot and been contemplating if it’s a good location. What is a corner lot? A corner lot is a plot of land at the intersection of two roads or streets. Typically, the streets run in the front and one side of the lot or property. Corner lots have a range of locations; it could sit in the middle of a neighborhood or at the top of a very busy street.  Back in the ‘90s, when developers first started building cookie-cutter McMansions, builders had a challenging time selling cor ..read more

There's nothing more satisfying than lounging around the pool in your own home on a sweltering day, with a cocktail or a book in hand. The kids, meanwhile, are busy practicing their dives or just lolling about on pool floats.  Having a pool has always been seen as an upscale bonus. But the naked truth is, some consider it necessary, while others view it as a deal-breaker. If you're a homeowner who’s thinking about adding an in-ground pool and wonders whether it’s a wise investment and if it adds value to your property, continue reading to dive into the details.   According to the N ..read more

How amazing it must be if all potential buyers who were gushing over your home during showings were just as enthusiastic about putting in a competitive offer. If that's the case, selling your property would be a breeze. But that’s far from reality, whatever housing market you are in. This is why it’s important to distinguish between house hunters who are just shopping around and those who are serious about buying your property. After all, only a few of them are willing to take the plunge and commit to a major decision such as a home purchase.  Not sure how to tell if a buyer is serious ..read more

After April showers come May, with weather too wonderful to be stuck inside, but just make sure not to spend too much of your time relaxing, but also keep up with your home maintenance and improvements that will prepare your home for the hotter months ahead. Of course, getting it ready for your summer barbecues and outdoor entertaining is also part of the deal.  Here are a few things you should do for your home in May while enjoying more of the sunshine:   Check your home's electrical system. May is National Electrical Safety Month, which is the perfect time to check on your home ..read more

What is home buyer's remorse? Buyer’s remorse is a feeling of regret, guilt, or anxiety after making a purchase, thinking that it’s a wrong decision. It’s also known as buyer’s regret or buyer’s disappointment. While it can result from any sort of purchase, even the smallest ones, it usually occurs after a significant commitment, such as buying a house or a car. Some homeowners feel buyer’s remorse after purchasing a home. They either feel that it was an outright mistake or think that there’s a better option for them out there. Buyer’s remorse is common, especially to first-timers. In fact ..read more

When you put an offer on a home, you'd want to do everything you can to make your bid more competitive. One way to do this is through earnest money. But what is it, exactly? And how much do you need? Since providing earnest money deposits is an essential part of the home buying process, here's what you should know about them.   Earnest money is an upfront deposit that a buyer makes when planning to purchase a home, showing that they're making a serious offer. It’s also called a “good faith deposit” because the buyer is proving to the seller that they have every intention of buying the p ..read more

If you're starting this year house-hunting for your ideal property, you might have heard about the “location, location, location” mantra that’s prominent in real estate. Here we’ve listed five locations that might make you think twice before living near them.  And if you ever find a house you love that's located near or next to these landmarks, it’s critical to know which could be a deal-breaker for you, and which could suit your needs and lifestyle so you can enjoy your dream home with no regrets.   Airport and flight path Biggest pro: Ease of travel Probably the biggest advantage ..read more

When it comes to purchasing a home, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream property. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of maxing out your budget for this significant investment. By buying a home that is within your means, you can maintain financial stability and preserve the ability to pursue other important financial goals.    In this blog, we will explore several compelling reasons why stretching your budget to its limit when buying a home may not be the wisest choice. After all, homeownership isn't cheap, and the expenses that ..read more

The decision on whether or not to sell your beloved home is already a difficult thing to process. But knowing and understanding when to sell — it's another critical point that can affect your decision and would-be profit, especially when the housing market feels unpredictable.  Aside from the housing market having a significant impact on the sale of your home, it's also important to evaluate your situation and reasons for selling. To provide you with some guidance, we’ve laid out six factors that you should consider before putting your house on the market.   In general, the spring ..read more