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The Best Time to Buy a Home to Get the Best Deal

by Jessica Hawkins


The Best Time to Buy a Home to Get the Best Deal

When's the Best Time to Buy a Home to Get the Best Deal? The U.S. housing market has experienced significant changes over the past few years. Home prices have surged dramatically, and while the pace of price growth has slowed, the market remains competitive. With fluctuating interest rates and shifting economic conditions, many homebuyers are asking, “When is the best time to buy a home to secure the best deal?” Here’s what you need to know about timing your home purchase...

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

by Jessica Hawkins


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

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...

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Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Why It Matters More Than Ever

by Jessica Hawkins


Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Why It Matters More Than Ever

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...

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Why you should wait to buy that car until after your home purchase?

by Jessica Hawkins


Why you should wait to buy that car until after your home purchase?

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...

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What does a real estate agent actually do?

by Jessica Hawkins


What does a real estate agent actually do?

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...

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Why you should make a list of the top 20 features you love about your home when selling?

by Jessica Hawkins


Why you should make a list of the top 20 features you love about your home when selling?

Why you should make a list of the top 20 features you love about your home when selling Who knows your home better than you? The short answer is: nobody. And because of that, you should take the time to make a list of the top 20 features you love about your home before you put it on the market. You see, if you like those things about your house, then so will someone else. And, in an effort to help your agent get your home sold faster and for more money, it will help if you point out...

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Marketing Strategies: Luxury homes vs average priced homes

by Jessica Hawkins


Marketing Strategies: Luxury homes vs average priced homes

Marketing Strategies: Luxury homes vs average priced homes   As you can imagine, driving up demand for a luxury home takes a uniquely different approach than does selling a regular home. From the word go, you need a strong, clear and focused strategy that details how it will position your luxury home above the ordinary, illustrating and marketing its unique features in the proper manner to the perfect buyer at the perfect price. There are some very different ideas, thoughts and...

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Navigating Home Buying: Overcoming Deal Breakers and How to Fix Them

by Jessica Hawkins


Navigating Home Buying: Overcoming Deal Breakers and How to Fix Them

Navigating Home Buying: Overcoming Deal Breakers and How to Fix Them Your Home is Under Contract—What's Next? Congratulations! You've put your dream home under contract, and the excitement of moving in is building. But before you can turn the key to your new front door, there's a journey ahead filled with important steps: home inspections, appraisals, financing paperwork, and contingencies that are crucial for a successful closing. Let's walk through what you can expect...

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Owning vs. Renting in Today's Market: Making the Right Choice for Your Future

by Jessica Hawkins


Owning vs. Renting in Today's Market: Making the Right Choice for Your Future

Owning vs. Renting in Today's Market: Making the Right Choice for Your Future   Weighing Your Options: The Big Decision Deciding whether to own a home or continue renting is one of the most significant financial and lifestyle choices you'll make. This decision not only impacts your monthly budget but also influences your long-term financial health and personal happiness. Today, as the real estate landscape continues to evolve, understanding the pros and cons of each option...

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

by Jessica Hawkins


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

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...

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