• You Need an Agent Who Will Always Put You First

    Whether you are a rookie homebuyer or have gone through the process many times, having a local real estate expert who is well versed in the neighborhood you are looking to move to, as well as the trends of that area, should be your goal while home... Read More

  • 4 Real Reasons Why We Buy A Home

    We often talk about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean... Read More

  • Average Rents Hit All-Time High - Even in Small Towns

    Is renting still an option? Home prices might be up, but rents aren’t any better. In fact, according to new data, average rents clocked in at $1,405 last month—the country’s highest rents of all time. Rents reach peak... Read More

  • What is a home appraisal, and why do I need one?

    Home appraisal What is a home appraisal? And why is it so important? A home appraisal ensures that you don’t overpay for a property Most mortgage programs require home appraisals Appraisals may identify other problems with the property, such... Read More

  • Cash to close: What is it, how to pay it and how to avoid fraud

    Cash to close (CTC) definition The term “cash to close” or “funds to close” is not the same as your closing costs or your down payment. Your “cash to close” equals your purchase price and closing costs, minus... Read More

  • Are You Wondering If You Can Buy Your First Home

    There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they get married or start a family, some might think they are... Read More

  • Parents Say Kids' Opinions Matter Big When Buying a Home

    A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll and released by SunTrust Mortgage found that “55% of homeowners with a child under the age of 18 at the time when they purchased their home said that the opinion of their offspring played a major role... Read More

  • Days On The Market Drops To New Low

    According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median number of days that a home spent on the market hit a new low of 26 days in April, as 57% of homes were on the market for under a... Read More

  • 4 Steps To Follow When Presenting An Offer In Today's Market.

    So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a great offer so that you can guarantee... Read More

  • Costs Of Owning A Home: What To Expect The First Year

    Homeowner expenses are more than your mortgage New buyers can be caught off guard by the costs of owning a home. Here are some top home expenses to consider before buying: Annual repair and maintenance Property taxes and homeowner’s... Read More

  • Moving Up to Your Dream Home - Don't Wait!

    Mortgage interest rates have risen by more than half of a point since the beginning of the year, and many assume that if mortgage rates rise, home values will fall. History, however, has shown this not to be true. Where are home values today... Read More

  • Your Down Payment: How Much Do You Really Need?

    What is a down payment? A down payment is what you pay for a home purchase. How much down payment do you need for a house? Anything from zero to 100 percent. The difference between your down payment and the purchase price is your mortgage. You must... Read More

  • Home Inspections: What to Expect

    So you made an offer, it was accepted, and now your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Oftentimes, agents make your offer contingent on a clean home inspection. This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you... Read More

  • Why Home Prices Are Increasing

    There are many unsubstantiated theories as to why home values are continuing to increase. From those who are worried that lending standards are again becoming too lenient (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices... Read More

  • Single-Family Rents Continue Their Climb

    Rents race to the top If you’re renting a house in hopes of saving money, you might want to re-think that strategy. According to a new report, single-family rents are up significantly over the year–particularly on lower-end... Read More