What Are Open Houses? Open houses are a marketing activity performed by a licensed real estate agent, usually on a weekend, whereby a home seller’s property is open to the public for a designated time period. Open houses typically last for a couple of hours, when people can come and go at their leisure. There […]
What is a Septic System and How Much Does One Cost?
Are you wondering what a septic system is and how it works? Maybe you are wondering what type of septic system you have. When people look for answers to these questions, it is often because a repair or replacement is needed. Do you need to replace your septic system? Are you interested in understanding the […]
Loans For Construction: How They Work, Rates, and More
Are you considering getting a home construction loan? Do you want to know how a construction loan works? Construction loans are popular options when one owns the land and wants to build a custom home. When building your own house, you will likely need a construction loan. If you have ever gotten a mortgage, you […]
Filling Out a Property Transfer Disclosure: A Step-By-Step Guide
When selling a home, a seller’s property disclosure is among the forms you’ll be expected to sign when working with a real estate broker. Depending on where you live, the paperwork may be called a seller’s disclosure statement, property transfer disclosure statement, or statement of property condition. Navigating the intricate maze of property transactions can […]
First Right of Refusal in Real Estate: What You Need to Know
Do you have your home for sale, and a buyer has proposed a right of first refusal? Numerous clients have asked me what a right of first refusal is and how it works over my nearly thirty-seven years in the business. A right of first refusal, or ROFR for short, is also known as the […]
What is Due Diligence in Real Estate?
Check For Potential Issues When Buying Your First House Do you understand what’s needed for due diligence in real estate to be completed? If you are a first-time homebuyer, you are probably doing all the research to ensure you don’t make any mistakes. Performing due diligence increases the odds that you won’t regret purchasing. The […]
What is Earnest Deposit Money and How Much Is It?
What is earnest money? How much is earnest deposit money? How does earnest money work? What’s the difference between earnest money and down payment funds? These are all common questions that home buyers ask real estate agents daily. By the end of the reading, you will have a solid understanding of the answers to these […]
Nonpermitted Work: What You Need to Know When Buying or Selling a House
What is Unpermitted Work? Are you buying or selling a home with unpermitted work? If so, you are not alone. Many homeowners skip the process of pulling building permits. Unpermitted work is construction on a home that does not carry the necessary permits to make it legal per local ordinances. Additions to homes and finished […]
Everything You Need to Know About Townhouses
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Townhouses Are you thinking about buying a townhouse? Many potential buyers ask what a townhouse is. Townhouses are once again becoming popular with homebuyers. The increased popularity is thanks to buyers looking for low-maintenance homes near amenities they can walk to and offer better value. Many people purchase a townhouse […]
What is an Appraisal Contingency and Why Should I Care?
What is an Appraisal? Appraisals and appraisal contingencies are standard parts of most real estate transactions and the home-buying process. A real estate appraisal is often conducted when purchasing a home and getting a mortgage. It ensures that you pay the fair market value for a property. Appraisal is a requirement of mortgage lenders before […]