Your home is under contract, what’s next?
by Sharon St. Clair

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 MoreWhy Getting Pre-Approved Is Your First Step to Homeownership Success
by Sharon St. Clair
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 Sharon St. Clair

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 MoreWhat happens when you overprice your home?
by Sharon St. Clair

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 MoreUnderstanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio: Why It Matters More Than Ever
by Sharon St. Clair
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 Sharon St. Clair

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 Sharon St. Clair
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 MoreThe Best Time to Buy a Home to Get the Best Deal
by Sharon St. Clair
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...
Read MoreTop deal breakers for a home under contract and how to fix them
by Sharon St. Clair

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 MoreTo Stage or Not to Stage Your Home for Sale
by Sharon St. Clair

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 More