How to Buy a Home and Keep the Furniture
by Ben Chopka
How to Buy a Home and Keep the FurnitureEmbracing Your Dream Home—Furniture Included In the ever-evolving real estate landscape, finding a home that resonates with your vision is a thrilling experience. But what if the dining room table, the cozy sofa, or that exquisite bookshelf captures your heart just as much as the house itself? Good news—you can make them part of your new home. Let's delve into how you can negotiate to include furniture in your home purchase. Identify...
Read MoreHow to Find Bank Foreclosures and Distressed Sales in Today’s Market
by Ben Chopka
How to Find Bank Foreclosures and Distressed Sales in Today’s Market Looking for a great deal on real estate? Bank foreclosures and distressed properties can offer incredible opportunities—but you need to know where to look. This guide breaks down how to find distressed properties, evaluate their potential, and make smart investments, all tailored for today’s housing market. What Are Bank Foreclosures and Distressed Properties? Bank foreclosures and distressed properties...
Read MoreHow to handle a multiple offer situation
by Ben Chopka

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 Ben Chopka

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 Ben Chopka

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 Ben Chopka

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...
Read MoreWhy you should make a list of the top 20 features you love about your home when selling?
by Ben Chopka

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...
Read MoreDon't Spend More Than 30% of Your Income on Housing - Outdated Advice?
by Amanda Phillips
I'm sure you've heard the phrase "don't spend more than 30% of your income on housing costs." Is this outdated advice? While the 30% rule has been a longstanding guideline for housing affordability, it may not be feasible for everyone in the current economy and housing market. Factors such as location, income level, and other financial obligations should also be taken into consideration when determining what is affordable for housing. According to Christian Real Estate Network, in 2025, the...
Read More10 questions you must ask an agent before you list your home
by Julie Ingman

10 questions you must ask an agent before you list your home Currently, there are over 1.61 million Realtors in the United States alone. The number of people that have joined the real estate sales force over the last 10 years is more than a half a million.. No two agents are the same and less than 10% of the total number of Realtors to 90% of the business. In fact, the average agent has sold roughly 4.2 homes for more than five years now. In addition to that, not all agents are created equally....
Read MoreHow to Beat Other Buyers to Hot, New Listings (Before They Even Know About Them)
by Julie Ingman
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...
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