Real Estate Articles

Selling a home without the services of a professional real estate agent can be a complex process that requires a lot of time and commitment. It can also leave homeowners with a few more gray hairs. First, home sales require complex legal documentation. There are many templates to use, but they skim only the surface [...]

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When you drive up to your dream home it’s difficult to imagine a substitute residence, especially if you are a first-time buyer. Its curb appeal is unbeatable, you think to yourself. But there are a number of things to consider before you take the plunge. Location is one of the big factors. Even in a [...]

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A comparative market analysis (CMA) is one of the most important considerations in any real estate transaction. It not only benefits both the buyer and seller, but a properly performed CMA is a critical step in establishing price versus value. Here is what you need to know about a CMA before buying or selling a [...]

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Deciding whether to hire a home stager isn’t an easy decision. In tough economic times there’s a tendency for homeowners to cut back on any added fees. However, that could be a big mistake. Research indicates that the need for a home stager is even more important during a buyer’s market as competition is tougher. [...]

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If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s best to test for radon before the deal is done. Home sales often occur at a fast pace, leaving little time to check for such problems. But it’s important to do so in order to avoid difficulties afterwards. Radon is a cancer-causing gas that has secretly infiltrated [...]

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Condo living often elicits images of carefree weekends sitting beside the pool, but there are some pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. 1. The Lifestyle Itself: One of the biggest advantages of condo living can also become a disadvantage. The sense of community, amenities and other features that originally attracted you to [...]

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The appraisal process can leave sellers in a state of confusion. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge can be detrimental to obtaining the best price and fast closing for even the most competitive properties. Following are some guidelines to follow for best results: 1. Understand the Home Value Code of Conduct (HVCC): The code stipulates that brokers, [...]

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When it comes to buying and selling real estate, timing is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, it’s also a topic few people truly understand. The following are some tips to keep in mind when speaking with your real estate agent. Sell before buying or buy before selling? It’s an age-old question, but asking a few [...]

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Matters of the heart tend to hurt rather than help the negotiation process when it comes to buying and selling real estate. The following tips will help you manage the emotional ties that bind buyers and sellers to bad decisions. Use an Agent: Agents do more than just show a home. They provide an impartial [...]

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Deciding whether to purchase a fixer-upper or go with a home in need of fewer repairs isn’t always simple. The following information can help you calculate the true cost of purchasing a fixer: Supplies, Labor and Time: Whether you do the job yourself or hire outside labor, repairs and renovations are notorious for costing more [...]

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Communicating with your real estate agent is the key to developing a winning strategy to show your property in the best possible light. The following tips might help you avoid frustration and increase the odds of a successful showing: Be Honest: The first step is to be completely honest with your agent. Make sure the [...]

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The decision of whether to remodel an existing home or buy another one has become more difficult because of the price of real estate declining across much of the nation. A few years ago, the benefits of remodeling were quite simple due to the cost savings. Today it isn’t as straightforward. The following are some [...]

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Whether you are buying or selling, the language of real estate is often complex and confusing. Following is a plain-language explanation of commonly encountered real-estate-related lingo. Title: Title to a property essentially denotes ownership interest and is designated by the name(s) on specific legal documents such as mortgages and deeds. The title can be held [...]

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If it seems like short sales have suddenly exploded in the real estate arena, it’s not your imagination. Once considered relatively rare, short sales have become a common phenomenon in the past 18 months, thanks in large part to the banking and mortgage crisis. To find out if you can benefit from a short sale, [...]

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Home is where the heart is, but everyone knows that the heart of a home is the kitchen. It should come as no surprise, then, that the kitchen is one of the most important considerations prospective buyers have in mind when evaluating property. Use these quick and easy kitchen fixes to add interest and obtain [...]

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When it comes to selling a home, almost everyone understands the value of working with a knowledgeable real estate agent. But buyers can often benefit even more than they might expect. Find out the top reasons more buyers than ever choose to work with an agent when searching for their next home or investment property. [...]

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Few things are more dreaded than moving day but new storage solutions can ease some of the stress. Learn how to select the right storage space for your needs, based upon your specific situation, without breaking the bank. Flexible Time. If your top priority is a flexible schedule, a POD might be the perfect choice [...]

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