Selling your house? A key question is who pays the buyer’s agent commission. Traditionally, sellers covered the buyer’s agent commission. However, the recent NAR legal settlement has opened the door for further negotiation. While all realtor commissions have been and continue to be negotiable, sellers will still establish a fee with their listing agent(in their listing contract) that typically equates to a percentage of the sale price. This fee can include an amount paid to the buyer’s agent. There are several reasons why sellers might choose to cover a buyer agent’s commission despite it not ..read more

Embarking on the journey from the warmth of Texas to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, was a significant transition for my clients – a leap into a world that differed culturally in many aspects. Having Texan roots myself, I understood the nuances of such a move, making the connection with my clients all the more special. My clients, who originally hailed from Portland but were living in Houston, eagerly anticipated new careers and a fresh chapter of life on the Eastside of Portland – an area that holds a special place in my heart and serves as the cornerstone of my real estate endeavors ..read more

The champagne flutes are tucked away, resolutions scribbled with hope are plastered on fridges, and a familiar feeling creeps in: “This year, my home will be…” But where do you start? Ditch the generic “clean more” or “downsize” mantras. Let’s tackle 2024 with resolutions that transform your home into a haven of happiness and efficiency. Boost Your Home’s Superpower Imagine shrinking your bills and your carbon footprint at the same time! We’ve all heard PGE is raising prices by 17% this year, so it’s the perfect time to save a buck by upgrading to LED bulbs, swapping out that dusty thermostat ..read more

There’s an old saying, “It’s not about timing the real estate market; it’s about time IN the real estate market.” The evidence is clear that the sooner you own your first home and the longer you continue to own real estate, the more significant positive effect it has on your net worth. So, could there be some challenges if you want a net worth 27x that of a renter? Of course, but the good news is that you will be rewarded if you take that step over the long haul. What is the #1 discussion point today concerning buying a home? Mortgage Rates. It is very common to hear someone say that they want ..read more

Finding the right group to work with can feel overwhelming when you’re in the market to buy or sell a home. Do you choose a national or local brokerage? Is it better to work with a team? At Dennison Capen Group, we believe that boutique is best. Boutique real estate groups are smaller, specialized firms that offer higher-quality customer service and a more personalized approach to buying, selling, and investing. Below, we walk through the top 5 reasons to consider boutique next time you’re looking to buy or sell a home. 1. Personalized Attention & Expertise One of the standout advantages ..read more

In today’s world, where sustainability and cost savings are highly valued, energy-efficient home improvements have become increasingly popular among homeowners. By making smart upgrades, you can reduce your environmental impact and save money on utility bills. Energy-efficient home improvements can also help when it’s time to sell your house by improving your Home Energy Score. Below we’ve listed common energy-efficient home improvements that offer long-term benefits for both your wallet and the planet. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting One of the simplest and most cost-effective improvement ..read more

Spring home maintenance is essential to keeping your home cared for. With warmer weather approaching, it’s the perfect time to inspect your home for winter weather damage. As the days get longer and brighter, you can thoroughly examine your home’s exterior and make any necessary repairs. Here are our tips for spring home maintenance to keep your house in tip-top shape! 1. Gutters & Downspouts Winter storms can cause all kinds of debris to fall from nearby trees. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and branches from the stormy season. This will prevent water from overflo ..read more

The market has cooled, and mortgage interest rates are up, but don’t lose faith! There are many options out there to help benefit buyers and sellers struggling in the current market conditions. A popular financial strategy is mortgage interest rate buydowns. Mortgage interest rate buydowns allow home buyers to reduce their monthly mortgage payments during the first few years of homeownership and can benefit both buyers and sellers. What is a Mortgage Interest Rate Buydown? An interest rate buydown is when a homebuyer provides an additional fee upfront for a lower interest rate on their mortg ..read more

Are you a long-time renter, intimidated to leap into homeownership? January is the perfect time to evaluate your current living situation and set new goals for the year, like deciding whether now’s the time to purchase a home. To help, we’ve provided a list of the pros and cons of renting vs. buying. This list will help you make an educated decision that aligns with your needs and helps set you up for the future. The Pros of Renting The most significant benefit to renting is the flexibility of moving and breaking leases with limited consequences. If you’re unsure whether you intend on stayin ..read more

The changing real estate market has many previously eager buyers questioning whether now is the right time to buy a house. The short answer is that if you have the income, credit, and total down payment in cash, then there’s no reason to wait, regardless of the market. Below we walk you through why these factors should be your priority when deciding whether to buy a home. Reason 1: You can never time the market perfectly. Think of the Real Estate and Financial Markets as living, breathing entities that fluctuate daily, weekly, and monthly. These fluctuations result from various factors of the ..read more