How to Beat Other Buyers to Hot, New Listings (Before They Even Know About Them)
by Matt Schmiesing
How to Beat Other Buyers to Hot, New Listings (Before They Even Know About Them) In today’s competitive real estate market, timing is everything. The best homes sell quickly, and in many cases, they’re already under contract before buyers even have a chance to schedule a showing. If you’re tired of missing out on the hottest listings, here’s how to gain an edge over the competition and secure the home of your dreams before other buyers even know about it. 1. Partner...
Read MoreHow much you should put down to purchase your new home?
by Matt Schmiesing

How much should you put down to purchase your new home? Historically, home buyers seek to put down 20% when they purchase a home. However, according to a recent survey by The National Association of Realtors (NAR), the actual national average is much closer to 10%. When it comes to first-time homebuyers, the average down payment is at 4% as per the same survey. While down payment requirements vary based on the lender you choose to work with, the amount required will usually depend...
Read MoreWhy You Should Get a Home Warranty When You List Your Home
by Matt Schmiesing

Why You Should Get a Home Warranty When You List Your Home Home warranties aren’t just for buyers anymore. In the past, buyers have asked sellers to pay for a home warranty to give them a year of protection after it sells on roughly 16 major systems in the house including things like the electrical system, appliances, hot water heater, furnace, etc. Overall, it makes sense because the first time claim on a home warranty for most buyers runs around $1,500 to 1,600 plus a deductible...
Read MoreHow to Qualify for a No Money Down Home Purchase
by Matt Schmiesing
How to Qualify for a No Money Down Home Purchase Unlocking the Door to Homeownership In today's ever-evolving real estate market, the dream of owning a home might feel just out of reach—especially when faced with the challenge of saving for a down payment. But here's some uplifting news: even in today’s climate, there are exceptional loan programs that can help you purchase a home with little to no money down. Let's explore the best options available and guide you...
Read MoreWhat will be your payment on your new home?
by Jo Ann Massengilll
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 MoreTop deal breakers for a home under contract and how to fix them
by Jo Ann Massengilll

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 Jo Ann Massengilll
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 Jo Ann Massengilll

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 Jo Ann Massengilll
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 Jo Ann Massengilll

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...
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