In theory, there's no rule about how quickly a seller has to respond to purchase offers. You can take as long as you want before responding since there is no official time frame. However, the industry standard is to get back to interested buyers within 24 to 72 hours. This is a common courtesy observed by many professionals in the industry. The...
2022
You've bought your first home—congratulations! It’s a huge milestone you finally accomplished after what could be years of saving up for the down payment. However, once you’ve moved into your new home, that’s when it hits you. Your house now requires far more furniture than the tiny apartment you rented. And the furniture is expensive. ...
The coronavirus pandemic turned the real estate market into a frenzied rollercoaster ride for both buyers and sellers. Especially because of the historically low mortgage rates coupled with the inventory shortage. But with the pandemic subsiding, the burning question is, what will happen in real estate in 2022? Housing experts forecast the market could calm down this year and ease up a little,...
A roof is one of the least thought of components of a home, but it's undoubtedly one of the most important. That lovely front porch or lush garden may be the first features that catch your attention when you drive by a home or during house-hunting. However, you shouldn’t fail to notice the roof as well, considering that it makes up a third of the exterior view of your home (or even more) and is a...
Just how much do we love our pets? Several surveys showed how much pets are affecting the homebuying process. Pets influence many buyers on the types of homes and neighborhoods they search for, becoming the biggest reason their favorite humans decide to become homeowners.A 2021 homes.com survey of 1,600 homeowners who are also pet owners showed that 68 percent of respondents who weren't already living...
Every homeowner is faced with a huge truth: their home's systems and appliances don’t last forever. Every major appliance has an average life expectancy, although it depends greatly on its usage and maintenance. And with many of us spending more time at home in recent years due to the pandemic, extra use may shorten their lifespan even more. Once their parts stop working, they’re bound to...
Selling a home is a serious venture for any homeowner. The process could be both time-consuming and emotionally challenging, more so if you've never done it before. You’d get anxious just thinking about all the steps it takes to list and sell your home. Or be overwhelmed by the fact that you have to remove most of your personal belongings to make your home ready for showings. The process is unlike...
If you're looking to make buying your first home your biggest goal this year, it’s crucial that you lay the groundwork as early as you can. And it’s important, especially in today’s competitive housing market.Fortunately, there are some pretty simple but huge steps you can take to get into the home-buying game on a strong footing. By understanding the ins and outs of the process and...
Most New Year's resolutions are about self-improvement—learning a new skill or hobby, eating healthier, or hitting the gym. If you’re a homeowner, it’s a no-brainer that you also want to improve your home and keep it in its best shape. Your living space has a much bigger impact on your life than you might realize, so what better way to improve your life than by making your home more...