It’s a hot seller’s market these days. That means there are more buyers looking to purchase homes than there are homes for sale, giving way to some strong competition. With the pandemic, more city dwellers and renters are looking to buy resulting in bidding wars and homes selling for more than the asking price. So how are you supposed to beat out the competition? Take these tips into consideration if you’re looking to buy! Be Proactive. Homes may go off the market lightning fast in a seller’s market, so be ready to act fast. Research houses in your preferred neighborhood before you are ready t ..read more

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, your real estate agent is going to play an important role. Real estate agents perform a variety of tasks during real estate deals such as organizing the transaction, acting as a liaison between buyer and seller, and offering support to their client throughout each step of the process. With so many real estate professionals available to work with, it can be hard to know how to choose someone. Here are some tips for finding the best agent to work with. Get Referrals Ask friends, family, and other area homeowners you know about their past real estate agent ..read more

When you’re pre-qualified for a home loan or beginning the mortgage application process, there are some actions you should avoid taking. These things could potentially delay your mortgage closing or even put you at risk of not being approved at all. Here are some things to avoid before your loan closes. Avoid Making a Large Purchase You’ll want to avoid making any large purchases regardless of whether it’s in cash or on credit. A large cash purchase will take away from your savings which you’ll need for a down payment and closing costs and a large credit purchase will increase your debt-to-inc ..read more

1 Decorate and dress up to make the day feel special, even if you’re celebrating with a smaller group or by yourself this year. 2 Relax and watch the Macy’s Day Parade. It will look a bit different this year with no crowds, but the tradition continues nonetheless! 3 Try outdoor dining and activities as a safer way to gather with friends and family. Picnic tables and cornhole might just become new holiday favorites. 4 Adjust your Menu. With many of us having much smaller gatherings than usual this year, it’s a great time to take it easy and keep the meal simple. On the other hand, it’s also an ..read more

Your credit score affects more than just your mortgage rate. It also plays a role in how much you will get approved for, what you need to put down, and what you will pay for your private mortgage insurance. While it is not impossible to buy a home with a lower score, you will need to keep in mind how it will affect your qualification. Those with higher scores are more likely to receive a lower rate. Most lenders view a potential home buyer with a high credit score as more dependable and less likely to default on mortgage payments. It’s best to know and understand your credit score in the month ..read more

There are many mortgage types. The one that is best for you is dependent on your particular situation and needs. It’s important to understand what options are available and what makes each one unique. Here are some of the primary home loan types. Conventional Home Loans Conventional home loans are what most often come to mind when we think of mortgages. They are loans that either need no mortgage insurance or are be insured by a private company. Conventional loans can either be conforming or non-conforming. Conforming loans meet the guidelines set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the government-s ..read more

1. Choose Outdoor over Indoor Activities The CDC recommends outdoor over indoor activities as s safer alternative to indoor activities this Halloween. Some popular safe suggestions are pumpkin patches without hayrides, outdoor costume parades, reduced contact trick or treating, and small outdoor gatherings. Indoor costume parties and haunted houses are considered to put you and guests at a higher risk of sharing germs. 2. Plan for Social Distancing While outdoor events are certainly safer, it’s still important to practice social distancing as much as possible. If you are visiting a pumpkin pat ..read more

Buying a home may seem like a daunting process but being prepared can ease your mind. It is important to understand what to expect when preparing to buy a home, and what to expect during the home buying process. Below we’ve provided a short outline of the five main milestones of the home buying process. Pre-Qualification You’re ready to buy a home, congratulations! The very first step to take if you are ready to start your new home search is to get pre-qualified. This is a no-cost, no-commitment, 10-20 minute analysis that will give you a great starting point for your new home loan. Especially ..read more

Welcoming a new bundle of joy into your family is an exciting milestone, but as they get older and more mobile and curious, it’s important that you make sure your home is safe. Babyproofing, or kid-proofing, your house is a great way of minimizing risk and ensuring your little one stays healthy and safe. Here are some helpful tips for how to best babyproof your home. Secure Furniture and Décor Your child may be small, but in many cases, it doesn’t take much to tip over a large piece of furniture which can severely injure them. Heavy and large pieces such as dressers, book shelves, TV stands, a ..read more

Now that fall is officially here, it’s time to start thinking about switching up your décor to fit the new season. Check out these ideas for decorating your home this autumn! Try Out Different Patterns Beyond the traditional red, orange, and green color palettes, fall is a great time to play around with various patterns. Plaid and tartan are very popular for fall and allow you to use different and often unique color schemes. Let the Light In As it starts getting dark earlier, you’ll likely find yourself using additional light sources more often in place of waning natural lighting. Use candlest ..read more