Property tax assessment too high...what you can do about it?
by Christine Graham

Property tax assessment too high...what can you do about it? An increase in home values is great because it increases the equity in your home without you having to invest more money in making it happen. Unfortunately, as the price of your home increases, so does the perceived value of your home in the eyes of your local tax assessor. When that happens, your taxes also go up. The bad news is that your tax rate - the annual percentage of your home’s value that you pay - is fixed...
Read MoreHow to sell a home that didn't sell
by Christine Graham

How to sell a home that didn't sell The real estate market has been a little crazy lately. Despite that, we’re still looking at homes selling for a great price when they are priced properly based on current market conditions. So, if your "for sale" sign has been sitting on your front lawn a lot longer than you expected, you might be wondering how to sell your home that didn’t sell when you thought it would. As a best practice, it is ideal to consult your real...
Read MoreTo Stage or Not to Stage Your Home for Sale
by Christine Graham

To Stage or Not to Stage Your Home for Sale Up until the early 2000’s, most home buyers would have only experienced the eye-popping appeal of home staging if they went and visited a model home at a new construction site. Builders know that it’s much easier for people to make a home-buying decision when they see a home decorated beautifully and set up like someone lives there. These days, staging is highly recommended whether the home is brand new or currently occupied because...
Read MoreTop deal breakers for a home under contract and how to fix them
by Mitch Morales

Your home is under contract, what’s next? Great news, you’ve put your dream home under contract and you’re excited to move in one day soon. That said, there’s a lot that has to happen before you can take occupancy: home inspection, appraisal, financing paperwork, contingencies and other requirements necessary to close. Here’s what you can expect to happen over the coming weeks. Due Diligence Now that the home is yours to negotiate exclusively with...
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Why It Matters More Than Ever
by Mitch Morales
Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Why It Matters More Than Ever Striking the Balance Between Debt and Income In today's fast-paced financial landscape, maintaining a healthy balance between your income and debt is crucial—especially if you're considering a major purchase like a home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) isn't just a number; it's a snapshot of your financial health that lenders scrutinize when deciding whether to approve you for a loan. What...
Read MoreWhy you should wait to buy that car until after your home purchase?
by Mitch Morales

Why you should wait to buy that car until after your home purchase Getting preapproved for a mortgage is a major step in buying a home. In fact, it’s a virtual necessity to secure a home in this market environment if you’re not paying cash. The great news is, when done properly, it’s like having cash in your hands so you can negotiate effectively with a seller to buy a home. It’s easily one of the most important things you can do in order to buy the home of your...
Read MoreWhat does a real estate agent actually do?
by Mitch Morales
What Does a Real Estate Agent Actually Do? If you’ve ever wondered what a real estate agent actually does all day, you’re not alone. It’s easy to think agents just show homes and sign deals, but there’s so much more that goes into the job. Real estate agents wear a lot of different hats and are involved in pretty much every part of the buying or selling process. The truth is, being a real estate agent isn’t just about opening doors and giving tours. It’s...
Read MoreWhat happens when you overprice your home?
by Mitch Morales

What happens when you overprice your home? When the real estate market favors sellers, it’s almost like there’s a feeding frenzy among buyers trying to secure listings that seem to get snapped up within hours of being put on the market. Such demand drives the prices of homes up rapidly, which only feeds into the perception that the good times will last forever. Unfortunately, trees don’t grow to the sky and there will always be a top of the market. What this means is...
Read MoreWhy Getting Pre-Approved Is Your First Step to Homeownership Success
by Mitch Morales
Why Getting Pre-Approved Is Your First Step to Homeownership Success Turning Dreams into Reality Without the Nightmares Buying a home is a dream many share, but the journey from aspiration to acquisition can be fraught with challenges if you're unprepared. In today’s dynamic real estate market, getting your offer accepted isn't just about finding the right property—it's about presenting yourself as the ideal buyer. Let's navigate this journey together, ensuring...
Read MoreWhy You Should Have A Home Inspection Before You List
by Mitch Morales

Why You Should Have A Home Inspection Before You List One of the largest home sale killers is the home inspection. Nearly one-third of all terminated real estate contracts fall apart because of the inspection results. Inspections also ranked as the number three cause of delayed settlements, accounting for 13 percent. For some reason - and I’ll never get it - a home inspection that comes back with anything less than a perfect report strikes fear into the hearts of buyer agents and...
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