Refinancing a mortgage can provide lots of advantages for homeowners. They can lock in a lower interest rate or shorten the term of their loan that can help them save thousands of dollars in their monthly mortgage payments. However, there are still lots of confusion about the refinancing process that hinder them from reaping its benefits. If you’re one of those who have been contemplating if...
2018
The biggest mistake that both home buyers and sellers could make is skipping or waiving the home inspection due to various reasons, like during a bidding war. And while a home inspection contingency clause is almost always included in a purchase contract, some buyers agree to waive the vital inspections to win their dream home in a competitive market. Often, sellers skip it to save time and...
When you buy a home, you don’t only buy the land, the house, and any other physical structures that come with it. The most important thing is that you are also buying the legal rights of ownership to the property, which is referred to as “title.” This title is indicated in the “deed” — an official record of your rights and ownership of the property that states that it has been legally...
Whether you are a homeowner planning a major remodel or a seller preparing to put their home on the market, an important factor you have to consider is the products and materials you will use. This time, why not try to become more environmentally conscious when remodeling your home? You can incorporate eco-friendly and energy-efficient products into your home renovation ideas, especially those green...
Is this your first year filing your taxes as a homeowner? If yes, then you’re in for some sweet treats. There are certain deductions you are entitled to and can take advantage of to lower your tax bill. Some of these tax breaks can be a one-time deduction or recurring on the life of your mortgage. For buyers who are still contemplating whether owning a home is worth it, this is another good reason...
Here are five steps you must take to make sure you are ready for this hurricane season: 1. Create an evacuation plan and discuss it with your familyCreate an evacuation plan and discuss it with your family to make sure they know the evacuation routes and destinations. Also take note of the local emergency shelters or evacuation centers and make sure that your plan includes the latest emergency...
Whether you’re planning to buy a home or sell your current one with the help of a real estate agent, it is important for you to understand what commissions are and who pays for them. A real estate commission is a fee typically paid by the seller for the services of both the listing agent (also known as the seller’s agent) and the agent that...
Remodeling a bathroom is nothing like a piece of cake or a walk in the park because it’s an essential part of the house that involves complicated plumbing. You have to make sure that the new fixtures you choose will not only fit the design but also the bathroom’s layout. You also need to measure out everything even if you’re only rearranging things and adding a few items. If you’re planning to...
While there are certain home improvements you can add to your home to boost its resale value, there are also many external factors that can devalue your greatest investment. This is why the real estate cliché saying “location, location, location” will never be debunked or even grow old. Many of the things that can dampen your home’s value can actually be found in your neighborhood.These factors...
There are all sorts of questions that arise when you need to start seeking the help of a real estate professional, and one of the most common is: Who does what? The real estate industry is a complex system comprised of different key players, and the role of each person can sometimes be a little challenging to tell apart--which is why you should never feel embarrassed if you get a little confused!Though...