Real Estate Articles

While your real estate agent may be working flat out to sell your home, you – as the seller – also have an important role to play. It’s up to you to prepare your home for sale. While your real estate agent may suggest, recommend and even cajole, selling your home is your job, and [...]

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These days, a click of the mouse can open a world of dream homes to you. But when you’re facing down a determined seller or trying to figure out what to offer, it literally pays to have a buyer’s agent on your side. Real estate is all about negotiation. On one side there’s the seller [...]

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So, you’re selling your home. To decide on the right selling price, your real estate agent will have used information available through the Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system to compare your home to others that have sold recently in your area. Together you’ve gone through the comparables and opted for a price [...]

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So you’re moving on. Even though you’ve decided to sell, putting a price on years of happy times in your current home can be difficult. However, your first job as a new seller will be to set a sales price that’s just right. If you price your home too high, it may languish on the [...]

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The home buying process can be stressful, particularly for first-time buyers. But even seasoned buyers can be disappointed when their first offer is rejected. Luckily, in real estate, “no” doesn”t usually mean “no.” It simply means ‘let’s talk.” And it’s here that you can be glad you have a qualified real estate agent in your [...]

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Most people realize the necessity of hiring a real estate agent to sell a home, but they take an entirely different approach and opt to go it alone when buying, especially when the property is a short sale. Before buying a short-sale property, though, people should consider the benefits derived from working with a knowledgeable [...]

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For years, economists have used the study of behavioral finance to explain the role emotions play in investment decisions. Their observations have turned up some interesting results. First, they’ve found that while investors know very well that the stock market has its ups and downs, some will still base investment decisions on the assumption that [...]

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The list of things that can be wrong with a new home is endless, so don’t sign on the dotted line until a reputable home inspector gives you the all clear. The cost of an inspection is nothing compared to your purchase price. It’s also nothing compared to what you will pay for unexpected repairs [...]

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With the popularity of online photographs and virtual tours, some people are of the opinion that an open house is a waste of time. However, sellers should think twice before discounting this time-tested strategy. Following are some things you need to know about hosting an open house: What Is an Open House? Unlike an individual [...]

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Anyone can put a “For Sale” sign on a property, but an experienced real estate agent makes all the difference when it comes to marketing and promoting a property. Following are some examples of what goes on behind the scenes in promoting a property: 1. Communication: Writing a description that sells isn’t as simple as [...]

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If you’re hiring a home inspector prior to signing off on a piece of property, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. Following are some important questions to ask: Home Long Have You Been Working in the Field? An inspector should be able to provide references and a history of [...]

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Buyers searching for a new home will do well to remember how seasons are likely to impact real estate. Learn how to obtain the best price while making seasonal variations and weather trends work for you with these quick tips: Always view homes in person. Although a picture may be worth a thousand words, there [...]

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Buyers are often tempted to cut corners on things like home inspections to save money for fun items like furniture or a big-screen television. Don’t! A home inspection is one of the best investments you can make when purchasing a new home or other real estate. Learn how to use a home inspection to your [...]

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If you have ever wondered why it’s better to work with an agent rather than listing “by owner,” you aren’t alone. Superficially, selling a home seems easy – until you actually try it. According to statistics, nearly 80% of people give up and list with an agent after months of costly and time-consuming delay. Here [...]

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