What's the right amount of money to spend in upgrading your home?
by Nancy O'Rourke

What's the right amount of money to spend in upgrading your home? You’re wanting to freshen up your house a little bit and you’ve already determined what you think you should do to make it amazing for you to really enjoy it. Before you jump into your renovation project, make sure you set a budget so you can spend the right amount of money upgrading your home. Without a plan and a budget, you can spend tons of money on all kinds of neat options — from a new marble island-top...
Read More10 questions you must ask an agent before you list your home
by Nancy O'Rourke

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 Nancy O'Rourke
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 Nancy O'Rourke

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 Nancy O'Rourke

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 Nancy O'Rourke
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 MoreHow much money will go into your pocket after your home is sold?
by Nancy O'Rourke

How much money will go into your pocket after your home is sold? It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep that matters. This holds especially true when it comes to the sale of your home. The sales price you see at the top of the closing paperwork is rarely, if ever, the amount of money that ends up in your pocket as the seller. There are often a variety of costs and fees associated with getting a home sold, so it’s important that you understand exactly what you’re...
Read MoreHow much should you offer on the home you fell in love with?
by Nancy O'Rourke
How Much Should You Offer on the Home You Fell in Love With? Navigating the Home Buying Process in Today's Market You've spent months searching, and now you've found the home of your dreams. The next crucial step is determining how much to offer to make that dream a reality. In today's dynamic real estate market, crafting a compelling offer requires strategy, research, and a touch of finesse. Here's how to navigate this important phase of your home buying journey. Understanding...
Read MoreHow to Buy a Home and Keep the Furniture
by Nancy O'Rourke
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 Nancy O'Rourke
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...
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