Home Buying / Selling: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Short Sale Basics
The fundamentals behind short sales in real estate, why lenders would accept real estate short sales, how to do short sales, and how they affect sellers.
The fundamentals behind short sales in real estate, why lenders would accept real estate short sales, how to do short sales, and how they affect sellers.
Buying Short Sales
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
Buying Short Sales. Before you buy a short sale, read about your rights. Why the seller's lender needs to approve a short sale and what is involved in closing short sale transactions.
Buy First Home
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for many first-time home buyers because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with first-time home buyers and can show you the ropes.
Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming for many first-time home buyers because few home buyers know where or how to begin the search to buy a home. The first home buying step should be to align yourself with a pro who has experience working with first-time home buyers and can show you the ropes.
Preparing House for Sale
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Do you know why identical homes don't sell at identical sales prices -- why some houses sell for more money even though their square footage is the same? Learn what you can do to boost your bottom line and sell your home quickly.
Calculate Square Footage
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure stated when the home was advertised. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage.
How Foreclosures Work
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
All about foreclosures, the risks and the profits. Whether you're an investor or first-time home buyer,foreclosures can be a great deal, but not without substantial risk and work. Here's how to protect yourself.
Don't Buy Short Sales
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Why buyers may pay more for a short sale. 11 drawbacks to buying short sales. The hype surrounding short sales and why buyers should use caution.
Dishonest Real Estate Agents
Is your real estate agent lying to you? How to tell if your agent is dishonest or an imposter. Ways to find out the truth about your real estate agent.
Is your real estate agent lying to you? How to tell if your agent is dishonest or an imposter. Ways to find out the truth about your real estate agent.
How Short Sales Affect Credit
The affect of foreclosures and short sales on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
The affect of foreclosures and short sales on credit reports and FICO scores. Which is better to see on a credit report - a foreclosure or a short sale? How soon after foreclosure or short sale can a seller buy a new home?
Lease Options
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
Difference between lease options and lease purchase sales. Benefits to home buyers to do a lease option. Understanding lease options.
FHA Loans For Home Buying
FHA Loans are rebounding with homebuyers. Find out why FHA loans are suddenly becoming popular for first-time home buyers and benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
FHA Loans are rebounding with homebuyers. Find out why FHA loans are suddenly becoming popular for first-time home buyers and benefits to obtaining an FHA loan.
Quitclaim Deed
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Definition of quitclaim deed as it pertains to real estate and why it is so confusing to buyers and sellers.
Before Selling Home
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
Preparing to sell your home, before signing listing agreements or making repairs. Home selling checklist to determine if you are ready to sell your home.
Get Rid of Fleas
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Flea infestation? How to get rid of fleas in your house and yard, especially before putting your house on the market. Here's how to make your house flea free and stop the fleas from coming back.
Foreclosure & Short Sale Taxes
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
Home sellers' tax obligations on foreclosures and short sales. Distressed sale tax consequences. Sellers might owe taxes even when taking a loss and letting homes go into foreclosure or selling on a short sale.
Home Inspection Checklist
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Home inspection checklist items to look for when getting a home inspection. How to tell if your home inspector checked the essentials. Major and minor repair concerns.
Qualifying for Short Sales
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
Thinking of a short sale? Not every home owner qualifies for a short sale. Here is how to figure out if you meet the requirements for qualifying for a short sale.
Home Staging
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Beyond decorating and cleaning, home staging is about illusions. Staging makes your house look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, more loving, and it makes home buyers want to buy it.
Worst Selling Mistake
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
Pricing real estate is part art and part science. The one thing you DO NOT want to do is overprice your home! Why? Find out why this seller had to sell at almost 50% of her original list price of $1.3 million.
Home Buying / Selling - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Home Buying / Selling guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Home Buying / Selling guide site.
Who Pays Agents
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
How does a real estate agent get paid? Who pays the real estate agent's commission? Can real estate agents get paid by both sellers and buyers. Is it legal? Just how much money do real estate agents make anyway?
Earnest Money Deposits
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
Explains how much earnest money is required and why buyers submit good faith deposits with offers. Why are trust accounts essential and whom can a buyer trust? How does a buyer get the money back if the transaction does not close? How can a buyer lose her good faith deposit?
Loan Preapproval
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Why should a first-time home buyer get preapproved for a loan? Here are reasons why it's to a homebuyer's advantage to get preapproved for a home loan over being pre-qualified.
Finding Foreclosures
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
How to find foreclosures, government repossessed and bank repos. Find search engines that help you locate foreclosures after the Notice of Default is filed and homes seized by government entities.
Short Sale
Definition of a short sale
Definition of a short sale
Credit Score Calculation Facts
Home buyers who are seeking a mortgage find out early-on that their credit score plays an important part in the home buying process and in determining the interest rate that a lender offers. Learn how your credit score is calculated and start taking steps to increase your scores.
Home buyers who are seeking a mortgage find out early-on that their credit score plays an important part in the home buying process and in determining the interest rate that a lender offers. Learn how your credit score is calculated and start taking steps to increase your scores.
Stopping Foreclosures
Ways to stop foreclosure. Alternatives and options for foreclosure, working out forbearances, note modifications, reinstatements.
Ways to stop foreclosure. Alternatives and options for foreclosure, working out forbearances, note modifications, reinstatements.
House Price
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
How much is your house worth? Here is how to determine your house value and figure out which house price is right for your real estate market.
Buyer's Market Offers
Ten great tips on how to grab the edge in a buyers' market and get your purchase offer accepted at the price and terms you deserve.
Ten great tips on how to grab the edge in a buyers' market and get your purchase offer accepted at the price and terms you deserve.
Buyer's Closing Costs
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Definition of closing costs, including recurring and non-recurring (prepaid) fees. Addresses seller credits to buyer for closing costs and explanation of lender's requirements for such credits.
Agent Interview
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Questions to ask before you hire a real estate agent to represent you to buy or sell a home.
Modular and Manufactured Homes
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Modular homes and manufactured homes are not the same thing. They are different types of structures. The differences between a modular home and a manufactured home can affect resale value and determine whether or not the house can be built on your land. Learn the facts before you buy.
Auction As-Is Sales
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
The condition of homes puchased at auctions or trustee sales. What can a buyer expect and prepare for when buying a home without an inspection.
Deed of Trust
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
Explanation of deed of trust. Trust deeds evidence a mortgage loan secured by a promissory note. Parties to a trust deed, including role of the trustee.
How Much Can I Afford?
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
How much home can first-time home buyers afford? How to set realistic goals for home buying. Tips for selecting that first home.
For Sale By Owner
How to sell a home by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home by owner.
How to sell a home by owner, without an agent, without representation. Proven tips for marketing your home by owner.
Improving Your Credit Scores
Most increases to your credit scores take place over time and require an ongoing effort from you, but in order to increase your scores you must understand the factors that drive them up and down. Use these tips and techniques to start improving your credit scores today.
Most increases to your credit scores take place over time and require an ongoing effort from you, but in order to increase your scores you must understand the factors that drive them up and down. Use these tips and techniques to start improving your credit scores today.
Home Offer Pricing
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
Criteria to use when making an offer to buy a home. Data to help determine the price to pay for a home. Factors that influence home offer prices.
Property Deeds
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Real property deeds are used to transfer title. What are Warranty Deeds, Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds. What makes them valid? Do they need to be notarized? Legal instruments used to transfer title to real estate.
Short Sale Sellers
Who wins on a short sale? Do sellers benefit from selling homes on short sales? Who profits from short sales? Are short sales better than foreclosures for a seller?
Who wins on a short sale? Do sellers benefit from selling homes on short sales? Who profits from short sales? Are short sales better than foreclosures for a seller?
Tenants in Common
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
What it means to hold title as Tenants in Common. Property deeds that show title as tenants in common. Rights of owners and possession. How to hold title as tenants in common.
Interview Mortgage Broker
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
How do you know if your mortgage lender is giving you a good deal? Carry this list of questions to ask with you when shopping for a loan. There is more that separates loan officers and mortgage brokers from each other than interest rates and points.
Home Selling Mistakes
Common home selling mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them. Overcoming mistakes in the home selling process. How much selling mistakes cost sellers and why home sellers make mistakes.
Common home selling mistakes sellers make and how to avoid them. Overcoming mistakes in the home selling process. How much selling mistakes cost sellers and why home sellers make mistakes.
Short Sales - Foreclosures
Tips for sellers facing foreclosure, including short sales. Basics for home buyers or investors buying short sales and homes in foreclosure.
Tips for sellers facing foreclosure, including short sales. Basics for home buyers or investors buying short sales and homes in foreclosure.
How to Improve Curb Appeal
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
If you're selling a home, one of the first things you should do is improve its curb appeal. Use these curb appeal tips to attract potential home buyers from the moment they step out of their car.
Land Contracts
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Seller financing via a land contract, which is sometimes called an Installment Sale Land Contract or contract for deed. The benefits and drawbacks to using land contracts to buy or sell a home. The differences between wrap-around and straight land contracts.
Title Insurance Policy
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
Title insurance policies as they pertain to real estate: owners and lenders title policies, terms of coverage, liability and protection. Title commitments and preliminary title reports prior to issuance of title insurance policies.
Home Buying Guide
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus what you want, to finding an agent, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to home inspections, understanding disclosures, insuring and closing.
Complete A to Z guide to buying a home. From figuring out what you need versus what you want, to finding an agent, cleaning up credit, finding a lender and locating that perfect home to home inspections, understanding disclosures, insuring and closing.
Buying With Bad Credit
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get an FHA loan after foreclosure.
How buy a home with bad credit, even if you have filed bankruptcy or gone through a foreclosure. Comparing he difference in rates for a variety of FICO scores. How to get an FHA loan after foreclosure.
Finding an agent
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
How to find a great real estate agent. How do you find a qualified and knowledgeable real estate agent? Here are excellent suggestions.
Best Places to Live
How to choose the best place to live. If you could live anywhere in the United States, which places would you choose that are best for you? Here's how to help you decide where you would love to live.
How to choose the best place to live. If you could live anywhere in the United States, which places would you choose that are best for you? Here's how to help you decide where you would love to live.
Writing Offers
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
Guide to writing offers to purchase real estate.
HUD-1 Settlement Statement
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
Are you buying a home? The HUD-1 settlement statement is the standard real estate settlement form for federally-related mortgage loans. Deciphering the HUD-1 can be confusing, but you'll be ready to study your closing statement after reading this handy reference.
Hire Real Estate Agent
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Why hire a real estate agent when you can do the job yourself? Here are 10 good reasons to hire a buyer's agent or a seller's agent that you might have overlooked and not considered.
Reasons to Buy
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
There are many benefits to buying a home, especially for first-time home buyers, beyond tax deductions. Here is a list of eight reasons to buy a home.
The Nehemiah Program / FHA
Using the Nehemiah program gives the buyer a down payment and closing costs -- up to 6% of the sales price -- when used in conjunction with an FHA loan. While Nehemiah marries perfectly with FHA, other types of loans are also permissible under Nehemiah.
Using the Nehemiah program gives the buyer a down payment and closing costs -- up to 6% of the sales price -- when used in conjunction with an FHA loan. While Nehemiah marries perfectly with FHA, other types of loans are also permissible under Nehemiah.
Find Right Home
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
You can cut down on the red tape and save a lot of time if you stop to figure out what you might want to buy before searching for a home. Here are all the questions you need to answer upfront (and agree upon among all the home buyers) to define your objectives.
Foreclosures, Short Sales, REO
Foreclosures, short sales and REOs: differences. Buying distressed properties under market value. Which is more profitable for a buyer -- short sales, foreclosures or real-estate-owned (REO's)? How CA law affects foreclosure sales.
Foreclosures, short sales and REOs: differences. Buying distressed properties under market value. Which is more profitable for a buyer -- short sales, foreclosures or real-estate-owned (REO's)? How CA law affects foreclosure sales.
Repairs Before Selling
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Which remodeling jobs pay back big at resale? Here is how to invest your repair and home improvement dollars to get the most bang for your buck. Whether you're fixing up a home for resale or personal enjoyment, spending the right dollars in the right rooms will return rewards.
Land Buying Tips
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
How to buy land. Land buying tips for building a new home. Benefits and drawbacks to buying land in the country. Addressing concerns before buying land will help to ensure that you can build the home you want.
Buying Points
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
Discount points are fees paid to a lender at closing in order to lower the interest rate on your home loan. While buying points is sometimes a good decision, many times the purchase costs you more than it saves. Here are some tips that will help you decide if buying points makes sense for your home purchase.
Residential Appraisals
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
A successful home buying transaction depends quite a bit on getting a positive appraisal for the property. If you're paying cash for the house, the appraisal must only meet your approval, but if you're getting a loan, your lender will make sure that all aspects of the appraisal meet its requirements. Here are some of the appraisal results your lender will consider before granting the loan.
Home Marketing
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Top 10 marketing tips that are designed to sell your home faster and for more money, regardless of whether it's a buyer's or a seller's market.
Molds in Your Home
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.
Molds are a hot topic in the home buying community, especially stachybotrys chartarum, sometimes called toxic black mold. Find out what steps you should take to detect and kill black mold and other molds in your home.
Home Warranty
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Explanation of home warranty coverage and plans. What do home warranty program protect? What is covered and what is excluded from coverage? How to ask a seller to pay for a home protection plan.
Contract Contingencies
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
Common purchase contract contingencies to use when buying a home. How to make a contract contingent on appraisal, loan and approval of inspections.
REO Tips
Tips for buying REO homes. How to get REO offers accepted on foreclosed homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Tips for buying REO homes. How to get REO offers accepted on foreclosed homes, especially in multiple-offer situations.
Free Timeshare Vacations
Time-Share resorts offer free lodging to potential buyers in exchange for their attendance at a presentation about properties the developer has for sale. Use these tips to evaluate whether or not these offers are worthwhile.
Time-Share resorts offer free lodging to potential buyers in exchange for their attendance at a presentation about properties the developer has for sale. Use these tips to evaluate whether or not these offers are worthwhile.
Buying REO foreclosures
How to buy a foreclosures / REOs from the bank. Negotiating offers for bank owned homes. Difference between REO homes and short sales. Hiring an agent to buy REOs.
How to buy a foreclosures / REOs from the bank. Negotiating offers for bank owned homes. Difference between REO homes and short sales. Hiring an agent to buy REOs.
2008 Real Estate Predictions
Top 10 real estate predictions for 2008. Forecast for home buyers and sellers in 2008. Will home prices rise? Will a sellers' market rebound? Where will interest rates move? How will foreclosures and short sales affect market value in 2008?
Top 10 real estate predictions for 2008. Forecast for home buyers and sellers in 2008. Will home prices rise? Will a sellers' market rebound? Where will interest rates move? How will foreclosures and short sales affect market value in 2008?
Easements and Rights-of-Way
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Find out why you must know the details about existing easements and rights-of-way before you buy a home or other real estate.
Correct Credit Reports
You just discovered errors on your credit report, or even worse, accurate references to late payments or other issues that affect your credit scores and reports. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed--and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.
You just discovered errors on your credit report, or even worse, accurate references to late payments or other issues that affect your credit scores and reports. Take a few deep breaths and try to stay calm, because credit report errors can be fixed--and without help from companies that promise to repair your credit.
Down Payment to Buy Home
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
How to get a down payment, apart from holding up a liquor store. Legal ways to find the cash to put down on a home. How much is required for a down payment? How much do you need to put down? If you have good credit, it's zero!
Bridge Loans
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Bridge loans and how they work. Why a home buyer might consider a bridge loan when buying a home and selling a home. Bridge loans are temporary financing for bridging the gap between the sales price of a home and the new mortgage.
Step By Step Home Buying
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
You'll feel more confident about your home buying journey when you understand what is required of you and every other person who is involved in the transaction. This guide takes you through it, and shows you that you're only 11 steps away from buying a home.
Blunders
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
How to avoid messing up your real estate transaction. Here are common deal busters that agents often forget to warn buyers about.
Home Buying's Worst Day
The worst day of the year for home buying and reasons you might want to avoid it. Pick any other day of the year to close on your home but this day.
The worst day of the year for home buying and reasons you might want to avoid it. Pick any other day of the year to close on your home but this day.
Best Day to Buy a Home
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
If you could pick any day of the year to buy a home, which day is best? Under what conditions are sellers most likely to sign a low offer? On which days can you get the best deal of the year? How the pros often make a killing in the real estate market.
EIFS, Synthetic Stucco
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
EIFS, also called synthetic stucco, is under fire for promoting moisture retention that can lead to structural problems. Find out why this happens and what you can do if your home is affected.
Counter Offers
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
What are real estate counter offers and how many times do sellers and home buyers bicker back and forth? How are counter offers rejected and accepted? What are normal procedures for counter offers and multiple counters?
How To Sell a Time-Share
Selling a time-share usually isn't easy, but there are some things you can do to help make sure your unit is one that can be marked "sold." Use these tips to sell your time-share.
Selling a time-share usually isn't easy, but there are some things you can do to help make sure your unit is one that can be marked "sold." Use these tips to sell your time-share.
Downpayment Gift Assistance
Downpayment gift or grant assistance programs help home buyers close on a home by providing funds for downpayment and closing costs. Find out how they work and how you can take advantage of a gift assistance program.
Downpayment gift or grant assistance programs help home buyers close on a home by providing funds for downpayment and closing costs. Find out how they work and how you can take advantage of a gift assistance program.
Listing agreements
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Types of real estate listing agreements: Exclusive Right-to-Sell, Exclusive Agency and Open listings. Length of time to list, how to exclude buyers from the agreement, whether you can cancel the listing.
Making Offers on a Home
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
How much to offer to buy a home. Making offers on a home, how much is too much and how much is too little to offer. Tips for figuring out a reasonable price to offer a home seller.
Cancel Purchase Contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
How to cancel a purchase agreement, listing, buyer's broker agreement or real estate contract
Why Buy Overpriced
When other buyers thumb noses at dated inventory, savvy home buyers can profit by considering homes that have been on the market longer than 30 days. When a home doesn't sell, it's not always a case of "something wrong" with the home.
When other buyers thumb noses at dated inventory, savvy home buyers can profit by considering homes that have been on the market longer than 30 days. When a home doesn't sell, it's not always a case of "something wrong" with the home.
Final Walk Through
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
What's involved in the final home inspection walk-through? What happens if repairs aren't made as promised or something else is wrong? What rights do home buyers have? When does the walk-through take place. All these answers and more.
Agent Protocol
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
How to keep the peace among real estate agents when home shopping. Here are the rules laid out for you. Whether you should hire a buyer's agent or buy a house without representation. How to approach agents if you aren't sure yet whom to hire. What is proper protcol? Why listing agents sometimes get mad when you call.
Land Contract Home Sales
How to sell your home on a land contract. Tips for putting your home up for sale on a land contract; negotiating land contract terms, protecting seller's rights under a land contract and making your land contract saleable on the secondary market.
How to sell your home on a land contract. Tips for putting your home up for sale on a land contract; negotiating land contract terms, protecting seller's rights under a land contract and making your land contract saleable on the secondary market.
General Warranty Deed
The definition of a general warranty deed. Real estate glossary.
The definition of a general warranty deed. Real estate glossary.
Negotiate Offers
Offer negotiation tips: three tried and true methods that get home sellers to say "yes" to your real estate offer, how to negotiate an offer to acceptance by using three simple tools.
Offer negotiation tips: three tried and true methods that get home sellers to say "yes" to your real estate offer, how to negotiate an offer to acceptance by using three simple tools.
Home Selling Path
Home selling path from A to Z. Simple steps for home sellers, from choosing a sales price to closing. Complete path to selling a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Home selling path from A to Z. Simple steps for home sellers, from choosing a sales price to closing. Complete path to selling a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Lowball Offers
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
How to make a lowball offer that is not insulting to the seller. Tips on getting lowball offers accepted.
Install Ceiling Fan and Remote
Personal account of how to install a ceiling fan that uses a remote control. Installing remote-controlled ceiling fans: installing remotes on wall switch vs. hand-held remote control. Wiring a remote-controlled ceiling fan. How remote-control fans differ from older ceiling fans.
Personal account of how to install a ceiling fan that uses a remote control. Installing remote-controlled ceiling fans: installing remotes on wall switch vs. hand-held remote control. Wiring a remote-controlled ceiling fan. How remote-control fans differ from older ceiling fans.
FSBO Negotiation Tips
How to negotiate with buyers as a for sale by owner, write counter offers, provide seller disclosures, get through a home inspection and close your For-Sale-By-Owner deal.
How to negotiate with buyers as a for sale by owner, write counter offers, provide seller disclosures, get through a home inspection and close your For-Sale-By-Owner deal.
Foreclosure Basics
Three basic types of foreclosures. Explanation of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure and post-foreclosures. How to determine the type of foreclosure before writing a purchase offer.
Three basic types of foreclosures. Explanation of pre-foreclosure, foreclosure and post-foreclosures. How to determine the type of foreclosure before writing a purchase offer.
HUD Foreclosures
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Learn how to buy a HUD foreclosure. HUD foreclosures are available throughout the US. This guide will help you understand the sales process you must use if you want to buy a foreclosure from HUD.
Purchase Contract
Definition of a contract to purchase real estate also known as a purchase contract
Definition of a contract to purchase real estate also known as a purchase contract
Home Heating Systems
Details to help you identify some of the traditional home heating systems you may encounter during your search for a new home.
Details to help you identify some of the traditional home heating systems you may encounter during your search for a new home.
Bad Home Layouts
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
What constitutes a good home layout? How to spot trouble layouts before buying a home. What types of layout turn-off home buyers and cost sellers potential profit? How can you avoid buying a home with a bad layout?
Comparative Market Analysis
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Definition of comparative market analysis (CMA) and how to interpret a CMA. Explanation of elements in a comparative market analysis. Understanding comparable sale numbers. Adjusting for variances between non-similar homes and the subject property.
Home Buying Path
A to Z home buying path, 18 simple steps for first-time home buyers, from hiring an agent to closing. Complete path to buying a home in easy-to-understand terms.
A to Z home buying path, 18 simple steps for first-time home buyers, from hiring an agent to closing. Complete path to buying a home in easy-to-understand terms.
Buy or Rent
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Not everybody should buy a home. Some potential home buyers should rent and not buy. How can you tell when it's time to buy? Which factors could make renting a better option?
Owner Financing
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Owner financing, using seller financing to buy a home. Types of owner financing and creative financing instruments. How to negotiate owner-financed real estate sales.
Hiring Buyer's Agents
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Should you sign a buyer's broker agreement? Should buying agents show homes to buy without a signed buyer's broker agreement? Advantages and pitfalls to working exclusively with a buyer's agent.
Septic System Maintenance
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Taking care of a septic tank and septic system isn't difficult, because modern waste removal systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines. Here are some tips to help you take care of your septic system.
Buyer's Broker Agreements
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Buyer's broker agreements, authorization to represent buyers, types of buyer listing agreements, terms, conditions and duration.
Closet Organizational Tips
Extra storage is always a plus, whether you are selling a home or staying there yourself. If you are selling, consider that well designed closets attract home buyers and help you stay organized while the home is still yours. Use these tips to maximize your closet potential.
Extra storage is always a plus, whether you are selling a home or staying there yourself. If you are selling, consider that well designed closets attract home buyers and help you stay organized while the home is still yours. Use these tips to maximize your closet potential.
Low Appraisals
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
Both sellers and buyers can get blindsided by low appraisals. If an appraisal comes in low, here are available options. A low appraisal doesn't mean the transaction will blow up. You can still close and salvage the deal.
Mortgage Buydowns
How buying down the interest rate gives buyers lower monthly mortgage payments. Mortgage buydowns such as 1-2-3 Buydowns or 2-1 Buydowns allow home buyers to qualify for loans that might otherwise be out of their financial reach.
How buying down the interest rate gives buyers lower monthly mortgage payments. Mortgage buydowns such as 1-2-3 Buydowns or 2-1 Buydowns allow home buyers to qualify for loans that might otherwise be out of their financial reach.
Wet Basement
Should you buy a house with a wet basement? What types of problems are present in wet basements? Solutions to fixing wet basements. What causes spalling and efflorescence? How can you tell if water has leaked into a basement?
Should you buy a house with a wet basement? What types of problems are present in wet basements? Solutions to fixing wet basements. What causes spalling and efflorescence? How can you tell if water has leaked into a basement?
Ways to Lose Your Home
How to lose your home and quickly go into foreclosure. Top home buying and home financing mistakes that make buyers lose their homes.
How to lose your home and quickly go into foreclosure. Top home buying and home financing mistakes that make buyers lose their homes.
Short Sale Ruins Credit
Will a short sale ruin your credit rating? What is better: a short sale or a foreclosure? Length of time before a home owner can buy another home after a short sale or foreclosure.
Will a short sale ruin your credit rating? What is better: a short sale or a foreclosure? Length of time before a home owner can buy another home after a short sale or foreclosure.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
An adjustable rate mortgage, called an ARM for short, offers home buyers lower initial interest rates, but the lower rates are not guaranteed for the length of the loan. Learn how ARMs work and when an adjustable rate mortgage might be your best option for a home loan.
Buy and Bail
Buy and bail is a phrase used to describe how some home owners buy a new home and then bail (go into foreclosure) on the former home. Is buy and bail against the law?
Buy and bail is a phrase used to describe how some home owners buy a new home and then bail (go into foreclosure) on the former home. Is buy and bail against the law?
Property Search
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
How to do a property search. How to find information on any property: who owns the home and balances of mortgage loans. Finding specific details of property. Public records search, MLS search, property information and tax records. Ordering free property profiles.
Junction Box
Definition of junction box. Installing electrical junction box.
Definition of junction box. Installing electrical junction box.
Modular Homes FAQ
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
If you think a modular home is the same as a manufactured home, take a closer look. Modular homes and manufactured homes are two completely different types of structures. Learn the similarities and differences before you get too far in your home buying journey.
Home Showing
Whether you are trying to sell your home yourself without representation or you have hired an agent, you can benefit from showing your home in its best light. Here are 10 home showing tips to guide you. From the moment the buyer arrives at your front door, you've got three seconds to make a good first impression.
Whether you are trying to sell your home yourself without representation or you have hired an agent, you can benefit from showing your home in its best light. Here are 10 home showing tips to guide you. From the moment the buyer arrives at your front door, you've got three seconds to make a good first impression.
Grantor
Definition of a Grantor as it pertains to real estate. What is a Grantor? What does a Grantor Grant?
Definition of a Grantor as it pertains to real estate. What is a Grantor? What does a Grantor Grant?
Facts About Radon Gas
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that can seep into your home. Most home buyers perform radon tests before buying a home because high radon levels can potentially cause health problems. Get the facts about radon tests and learn what to do if levels are high.
Free Credit Report
There is only one place to order your free credit report online. Don't be mislead by companies charging you a fee for ordering your credit report.
There is only one place to order your free credit report online. Don't be mislead by companies charging you a fee for ordering your credit report.
Grantee
Definition of a Grantee as it pertains to real estate.
Definition of a Grantee as it pertains to real estate.
Sell House Where Pets Live
How to sell a house where pets live, especially to potential buyers who do not like pets. From overcoming objections to pets, to eliminating pet odors and stains, dealing with dirty cat boxes and barking dogs to get the sale. Advice on how to get top dollar for a home with pets in residence.
How to sell a house where pets live, especially to potential buyers who do not like pets. From overcoming objections to pets, to eliminating pet odors and stains, dealing with dirty cat boxes and barking dogs to get the sale. Advice on how to get top dollar for a home with pets in residence.
Downpayment Help
Downpayment Assistance Programs, sometimes called downpayment gift programs, are a popular option for home buyers who can afford to make mortgage payments, but need help with the initial downpayment and closing costs. Here are profiles of several DAP providers.
Downpayment Assistance Programs, sometimes called downpayment gift programs, are a popular option for home buyers who can afford to make mortgage payments, but need help with the initial downpayment and closing costs. Here are profiles of several DAP providers.
Close on Home
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
Time period to close on a home. Explanation of process and time length required to close when buying a home. Ways to speed up your home closing.
MLS - What is MLS?
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
MLS stands for multiple listing service. Definition of MLS. Suggestions for MLS home searches. How to find MLS listings in your area.
Disclosures & Material Facts
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Homebuyers are entitled to seller disclosures and to hear all material facts. As a home seller, what do you need to disclose? Are deaths on the property required disclosures? Do you need to disclose recent repairs?
Contingent Contracts
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
How to write a purchase contract contingent on your home selling. What happens if your home doesn't sell? Enforcing the First Right of Refusal. Decisions buyers face when sellers issue a Notice to Perform. How sellers can knock a buyer out of a contingent contract. Protection clauses for both parties.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
If you're in the home buying mode, you might be thinking about a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan, wondering if it can help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. Here's an explanation of how a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan works, plus tips about other methods you can use to reduce your interest expense and pay off your home loan in a much shorter time.
If you're in the home buying mode, you might be thinking about a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan, wondering if it can help you pay off your mortgage more quickly. Here's an explanation of how a bi-weekly mortgage payment plan works, plus tips about other methods you can use to reduce your interest expense and pay off your home loan in a much shorter time.
Building a Safe Room
Where do you go for safety during a wind storm? One storm shelter choice is the safe room, a structure designed to withstand battering ferocious winds and the debris caught up in them. Find out how you can add a safe room to your new or existing home.
Where do you go for safety during a wind storm? One storm shelter choice is the safe room, a structure designed to withstand battering ferocious winds and the debris caught up in them. Find out how you can add a safe room to your new or existing home.
Mortgage Loan Types
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
Mortgage loan types. Differences among conventional, FHA and VA mortgage loan types. Interest Only Mortgages, Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Types, Fixed-Rate Mortgages, Combo / Piggyback Loans, HELOC, home equity, reverse mortgages and bridge loans.
Buying in Falling Market
Strategies for buying a home in a depressed real estate market. When real estate prices drop, here are buying tips on how to deal with a falling market of declining prices.
Strategies for buying a home in a depressed real estate market. When real estate prices drop, here are buying tips on how to deal with a falling market of declining prices.
Divorce and Selling
How to protect your credit and yourself during divorce when buying or selling a home. What you need to know about dividing real estate when divorcing. How to handle credit cards and joint credit accounts, including secured or unsecured credit.
How to protect your credit and yourself during divorce when buying or selling a home. What you need to know about dividing real estate when divorcing. How to handle credit cards and joint credit accounts, including secured or unsecured credit.
Banks vs. Mortgage Brokers
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
If you're buying a home, chances are you'll need a mortgage, but did you know there are big differences between mortgage brokers and bank loan officers? The differences affect your home buying transaction.
Open Houses
Selling houses at an open house. Here's how to host a successful open house and sell that house. Not all homes are candidates for holding open and why.
Selling houses at an open house. Here's how to host a successful open house and sell that house. Not all homes are candidates for holding open and why.
Mortgage Fraud
Types of mortgage fraud. How do borrowers commit loan fraud? Mortgage loan fraud pitfalls and penalties.
Types of mortgage fraud. How do borrowers commit loan fraud? Mortgage loan fraud pitfalls and penalties.
Inspect Attic
Home inspections can go wrong. Undoubtedly, this is one of the worst home inspections I've ever witnessed throughout my real estate career; read this nightmare and view the graphic photographs that illustrate the horrors that can lurk in an attic.
Home inspections can go wrong. Undoubtedly, this is one of the worst home inspections I've ever witnessed throughout my real estate career; read this nightmare and view the graphic photographs that illustrate the horrors that can lurk in an attic.
Why Isn't My Home Selling
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
How to figure out why your home isn't selling and fix the problem so your home sells. There are a lot of reasons why a home doesn't sell apart from price.
Negotiate Commissions
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
How are real estate commissions negotiated? What's fair? What's open for debate and discussion? Why should you negotiate? Why would an agent negotiate real estate commissions with you?
Protect Privacy
Are your secrets safe? Before a home goes on the market and home buyers start to traipse through, savvy sellers will hide confidential information. Even so, you might be astonished to learn what home buyers can figure out about you.
Are your secrets safe? Before a home goes on the market and home buyers start to traipse through, savvy sellers will hide confidential information. Even so, you might be astonished to learn what home buyers can figure out about you.
Falling Market Sales
Falling real estate market strategies: how to obtain financing, utilize agents and write offers for bottom dollars in a falling and depressed real estate market. Winning in a real estate slump.
Falling real estate market strategies: how to obtain financing, utilize agents and write offers for bottom dollars in a falling and depressed real estate market. Winning in a real estate slump.
Tips for Buying a New Home
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Tips for buying a new home from a builder. What rights do buyers have when purchasing new construction? Is it wise to use the builder's agent and lender? Precautionary steps new home buyers can take to ensure the neighborhood will sustain its value and the buyer's investment is protected.
Make Purchase Offer
Making a purchase offer and buying a home are two different things. How to tell if you're ready to make a purchase offer on a home for sale. Tips for home buyers on dealing with the emotional tug and pull over deciding to make a purchase offer.
Making a purchase offer and buying a home are two different things. How to tell if you're ready to make a purchase offer on a home for sale. Tips for home buyers on dealing with the emotional tug and pull over deciding to make a purchase offer.
Marketing Mistakes
Alternative approaches to attracting home buyers. When market activity cools, not every home will sell. Houses with the most traffic through them go "pending" faster, and here's how to do it.
Alternative approaches to attracting home buyers. When market activity cools, not every home will sell. Houses with the most traffic through them go "pending" faster, and here's how to do it.
Wood Destroying Insects
Wood destroying insects are a threat to nearly all homes. Learn how to detect an infestation of powder post beetles before they damage the structural components of your home.
Wood destroying insects are a threat to nearly all homes. Learn how to detect an infestation of powder post beetles before they damage the structural components of your home.
Making an Offer on a Home
When you buy a home you cannot assume the home sellers agree with your ideas of what stays with the property and what goes with them. You must include the details with your offer to purchase, where they become a signed agreement of the contract.
When you buy a home you cannot assume the home sellers agree with your ideas of what stays with the property and what goes with them. You must include the details with your offer to purchase, where they become a signed agreement of the contract.
Mortgage Interest
How to figure mortgage interest on your home loan. Computing simple or mortgage interest. Determining the unpaid principal balance on your amortized loan, the monthly interest amount and the daily interest charged.
How to figure mortgage interest on your home loan. Computing simple or mortgage interest. Determining the unpaid principal balance on your amortized loan, the monthly interest amount and the daily interest charged.
Avoid Home Buyer Turn-Offs
Are you selling a home? Potential buyers are all looking for something different, but the majority of them will turn around and walk back out of your door if they notice one or more of these Top 10 problems.
Are you selling a home? Potential buyers are all looking for something different, but the majority of them will turn around and walk back out of your door if they notice one or more of these Top 10 problems.
About Real Estate Agents
How to work with a real estate agent; find, interview and hire a real estate agent; understand how agents operate and who pays them; whether you need a full-service, minimum- or discount-service agent. The differences between an agent and a Realtor. How to fire your agent.
How to work with a real estate agent; find, interview and hire a real estate agent; understand how agents operate and who pays them; whether you need a full-service, minimum- or discount-service agent. The differences between an agent and a Realtor. How to fire your agent.