The Ins and Outs of Homeowner’s Insurance

One of the things people rarely pay much attention to when they buy a property, is whether they have adequate dwelling hazard and liability insurance, otherwise known as homeowner’s insurance. Getting a policy is easy and almost always obtained when someone closes escrow on their home or rental property. But is it the right type and amount of insurance? Read more

Survey Reveals Why Buyers Are Waiting on Sidelines

Twenty-seven percent of Americans say they plan to buy a home in the future (with most saying in two or more years), and only two percent say they plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months, according to a new Move Inc. survey of 1,000 American adults. So why are so many buyers continuing to wait on the sidelines when home affordability is high and interest rates are at or hovering near record lows?

About 23 percent of those surveyed say they are delaying buying a home because they are concerned about the real estate market in their local area, particularly with concerns over the future of home values, the economy and jobs, as well as difficulty in saving for a down payment. Read more

5 Things to Do When You First Move In

You’ve signed the paperwork. You’ve picked up your new set of keys and you now have a new home. As you unpack the boxes, and take it all in as the new homeowner, there are a few critical things you should take care of.

1. Change locks

Unfortunately, you can’t assume the keys you’re holding are the only keys to your home that could exist out there. Play it safe and have all the locks changed as soon as you can. Read more

Before Buying a Foreclosure: 3 Things to Consider

Your buyers may be drawn to distressed properties. After all, “the No. 1 reason to buy a foreclosure is the potential for a good bargain,” says Daren Blomquist of RealtyTrac.com.

Indeed, discounts often can range from to 20 or 40 percent off on a short sale or foreclosure compared to a sales price of a nondistressed home.

But despite the big bargains, buyers need to tread carefully before jumping in. Blomquist provides some of the following tips in buying a foreclosure in a recent article at Business Insider. Read more

Should I Take My Home Off The Market During The Holidays?

When you look at your holiday calendars you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations — shopping, entertaining, children’s pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “showtime” condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.

It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded by enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right? Read more

Why You Hate Me: I Need More Money – By Charlie Mather

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After reading an article that said real estate agents are one of the most hated professions, Charlie Mather, the founder, owner and broker in charge of The Mather Company, Inc., decided to write a series of posts called “Why You Hate Me”. To read past articles in this series, please click here.

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Wikipedia states: “A fiduciary duty is the highest standard of care at either equity or law. A fiduciary is expected to be extremely loyal to the person to whom he owes the duty (the “principal”): he must not put his personal interests before the duty, and must not profit from his position as a fiduciary, unless the principal consents.”

In real estate school, ALL agents learn that we have a fiduciary relationship with our buyers or sellers as soon as they become our client.

Read more

Relocation Tips to Help You Make Your Move Stress-Free

Relocating for a job or personal reason is not easy. Relocating these days can be even more difficult especially if you have to sell your home first.

According to USA Today, “The leap is especially big for the nearly 25 percent of U.S. mortgage holders who owe more than their homes are worth–or will likely bring at sale.”

However, the housing slump may not have as much of an impact on employee mobility as some may think. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that moves associated with job opportunities remained steady from 2007 to 2009.

Read more

10 Tips for Those Who Have Decided to Buy

Wanting to buy a home and deciding to buy a home are two different things. The first is a desire or a dream. The second is commitment to achieve the goal. Do you want to buy, or have you decided to buy?

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How Much Down Payment Is Enough to Buy A Home?

Most people agree that buying a home without a down payment is a risky decision and soon it might not be an option. As the crippled housing market is beginning to see signs of improvement, lawmakers and key housing industry agencies are debating exactly how much down payment should be required.

Congress and a group of federal regulatory agencies are attempting to create new rules for mortgage lenders in order to avoid a future housing crisis. The loan would be known as “qualified residential mortgages.”

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There’s Still Value in Homeownership

It may be a down market, but the majority of Americans still see value in homeownership.

According to a recent survey, conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), “An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are happy with their decision to own a home.”

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