Gardens are now a big deal in real estate. They used to be just a nice addition, but today, they can speed up the sale of a property by weeks, or even months.    This is because the modern buyer is increasingly looking at dual-purpose spaces—ones that are both aesthetically pleasing and serve a purpose at the same time.  And we can’t blame them. A nice garden can be both a relaxing spot and a place for growing lush flowers and even food. In fact, a recent study shows that at least 55% of Americans are now interested in gardening.  So, we’re looking at a confluence of i ..read more

Opinions on today’s real estate market are all over the board. With perspectives ranging from bullish optimism to cautious hesitation, renters considering a leap into homeownership may find themselves amidst a whirlwind of conflicting information. Enter the concept of rent-to-own, a unique arrangement that offers an alternative route to homeownership. But how does it work, and what are the benefits and risks involved? Let’s dive in. What is Rent-to-Own? Rent-to-own, also known as lease-option or lease-to-own, is a contractual agreement between a landlord/seller and a tenant/buyer. In this arr ..read more

Can you feel it? The summer real estate market is right around the corner. As many of you know, it’s typically the hottest and most active season compared to the rest of the year. Quick reminder for real estate agents: More homes sell in the summer months, with sales peaking in May-August. For example, in 2021, home sales jumped 68.7% from January (437,347 sales) to June (733,876 sales). Homes sell faster in summer, taking only around 15 days to go under contract in June-July 2021, compared to 34 days in January 2021. Buyers need to act quickly. More homes are listed for sale in summer, with ..read more

In recent years, the surge in remote working technologies and the global shift towards more flexible lifestyles have given rise to a new breed of professionals: digital nomads. These individuals leverage the freedom provided by remote work to travel and live in various locations worldwide, often changing their living arrangements to suit their nomadic lifestyles.  This shift is not just a cultural trend but a significant market force reshaping the housing demand. For real estate agents, understanding and adapting to the needs of digital nomads can unlock new opportunities and revenue stre ..read more

Getting preapproved for a mortgage is an exciting and important step in the homebuying process. It shows that you’re serious about purchasing a home and gives you a good idea of how much you can afford. However, always remember that the preapproval is not a guarantee of a loan, and there are several do’s and don’ts to keep in mind after receiving your preapproval letter. The Do’s Do Keep Your Finances Stable After getting preapproved, you want to keep your financial situation stable. This means avoiding large purchases or opening new lines of credit, as this could affect your credit score and ..read more

Appraisal waivers are a program offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that allows lenders to bypass the traditional home appraisal process for certain eligible loans and properties. They are also known as “Property Inspection Waivers” (PIWs) or “Value Acceptance,” allow lenders to forgo the requirement of a full in-person appraisal conducted by a licensed appraiser. Instead, the property’s value is estimated using automated valuation models (AVMs) and data analytics based on previous appraisals, recent sales data, and property characteristics. How Do Appraisal Waivers Work? When a lender submi ..read more

Embarking on the journey to homeownership can be an exhilarating yet challenging adventure, particularly for self-employed individuals. According to relevant population data, 10.4% of the workforce qualifies as self-employed. And unlike traditional employees with steady paychecks, self-employed professionals face unique hurdles due to their variable income and unconventional financial documentation.  This variability often complicates their ability to meet the standard criteria set by traditional lenders. As a result, navigating mortgage options becomes a pivotal role for realtors who cat ..read more

After your down payment, closing costs typically come in as your second-most expensive home buying charge. For most buyers, they can be somewhere around 2% to 5% of the total purchase price — or about $4,000 to $10,000 on a $200K home. What is Included in My Closing Costs? Closing costs are the upfront fees you pay when getting a mortgage and closing the sale of your new home. Basically they cover but might not be limited to: Application fee Attorney fee Closing fee Courier fee Credit report fee Escrow deposit Flood determination and monitoring fee Homeowners insurance Lead-based paint inspec ..read more

In the complex and often high-stakes world of real estate transactions, the bridge of trust between realtors and clients is both a vital asset and a fundamental necessity.  At the heart of building this trust lies the commitment to transparency—a commitment that extends beyond mere openness to embody honesty, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of client satisfaction. After all, you’re not just selling a bunch of bricks and wood beams, right? It’s someone’s home, whether it’s a luxury condo or not.  Hence, transparent communication not only navigates the intricacies of market reali ..read more

Are you currently renting and wondering if it’s time to take the leap into homeownership? Yes, we know, buying a home is a significant financial decision, and it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the responsibility. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are five signs that you might be ready to stop renting and start building equity in your own home: 1. Your Rent Payments Keep Increasing One of the clear signs that it might be time to consider buying a home is if your rent payments keep increasing. Rent prices can rise significantly over time, making homeownership a more cost-effect ..read more