Top deal breakers for a home under contract and how to fix them
by Tucker F

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 Tucker F
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 Getting Pre-Approved Is Your First Step to Homeownership Success
by Brandon Test10
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 Brandon Test10

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...
Read MoreYour home is under contract, what’s next?
by Brandon Test10

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...
Read MoreWhat will be your payment on your new home?
by Brandon Test10
What Will Be Your Payment on Your New Home? Taking Charge of Your Financial Fitness Buying a new home can feel overwhelming—much like starting a new fitness regimen. Between understanding the financial aspects of your mortgage and navigating the paperwork, it's easy to feel lost. But just as you wouldn't embark on a fitness journey without a plan, you shouldn't dive into homeownership without understanding the key components that will affect your financial health. Understanding...
Read MoreHow to handle a multiple offer situation
by Brandon Test10

How to handle a multiple offer situation Over the last few years, buyer’s hunger for properties has been insatiable. As a result, properly priced homes were fetching multiple offers on a consistent basis. Though things have settled a bit recently, we’re still in a seller’s market, and that means the chance your listing will receive multiple offers on it is still very much a reality. But, as exciting as having a bidding war on your property is, it can also provide for...
Read MoreHow to Sell Your Home Fast and for the Most Amount of Money
by Brandon Test10

How to Sell Your Home Fast and for the Most Amount of Money The market has been moving at a pretty good clip over the last several years and it appears that things are going to stay that way for a while. According to the Case Shiller Home Price Index across the United States have increased roughly 45% over the last 5 years. Despite all of the amazing things that have been happening in virtually every market across the country, including ours, one thing still rings true no matter...
Read MoreWhat is the Interest write off deduction?
by Brandon Test10

What is the Interest write off deduction? Tax deductible interest is a borrowing expense that a taxpayer can claim on a federal or state tax return to reduce taxable income. Mortgage interest for both first and second (home equity) mortgages, mortgage interest for investment properties are among the list of deductions you can take on your taxes. This is another reason why owning a home is more favorable than renting. In addition to building equity in a home that you can call yours, you...
Read MoreWhy landscaping can make your home sell faster and for more money
by Brandon Test10

Why landscaping can make your home sell faster and for more money Plain and simple, the quality of your landscaping determines whether or not your home feels inviting from the outside. Curb appeal is what people call it and it’s a key ingredient in the decision to buy a home to more than 71 percent of homebuyers. As you know, landscaping plays a huge role in the curb appeal that you present to prospective buyers for your home. The first impression is key: if buyers don’t like...
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