Blog

28
May
By Adrian Willanger
Home Seller Tips, ,

Why a Messy Neighbor Can Kill a Sale (And What Sellers Can Legally Do About It)

When you're preparing to sell your home, you likely focus on everything within your property line, cluttering, staging, repainting, and boosting curb appeal. But what if the one thing standing between you and a solid offer is not your house at all? It might be your neighbor.From overgrown yards and peeling paint to broken-down vehicles and loud pets, a messy or unkempt neighboring property can have a major impact on your sale when buyers are forming their first impressions before they even walk in your door. First Impressions Extend Beyond the Property LineReal estate is emotional. Buyers don’t just purchase…
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27
May
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 27th, 2025

Despite the recent pause on tariffs for Europe and progressing talks with China, the economic outlook remains largely negative across all sectors and markets. Although this week was relatively light on economic reports, the most notable was the Leading Economic Indicators, which showed a significant decline in every measurable category for April. This decline is largely attributed to the tariff policies implemented recently. Overall, the outlook remains pessimistic, despite other markets showing a more favorable reaction to the recent pauses on tariffs. U.S. Leading Economic Indicators The Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US fell sharply by 1.0%…
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26
May
By Adrian Willanger
Holidays, ,

Honoring Our Heroes and Celebrating the Meaning of Home

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom have made it possible for all of us to pursue our dreams, including the dream of home ownership.What Home Truly MeansHome is more than four walls and a roof, more than a place to lay your head at night, it is where memories are made, milestones are reached, and futures are built. It is the front porch where your friends and neighbors gather, the backyard where barbecues bring families together, and the…
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23
May
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

Inspecting Foreclosures Before You Buy

If you have been thinking about investing in a foreclosure property, you will want to make sure the home you choose does not have major hidden issues. Before hiring a professional inspector, you can do a preliminary check by looking out for some of these common problem areas: CeilingsCeilings are typically made of plaster or plasterboard. Keep an eye out for: Cracks, holes, or uneven areas Dampness or mold growth Crumbling surfaces Bulging or cracked spots WallsWalls may show similar signs of damage as ceilings, but also look for: Loose skirting boards Dampness or rot Discoloration, blisters, or peeling wallpaper…
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22
May
By Adrian Willanger
Mortgage Tips, ,

Should You Get a 15-Year Mortgage?

There are a lot of financing options available to help you purchase real estate, especially if you meet credit guidelines. Most lenders prefer to offer 30-year mortgage loans. With a longer loan term, they collect more money in interest over the life of the loan, but if you have strong credit, a 15-year mortgage may be a better option, and one worth considering. Here's a breakdown of the two: What About a 30-Year Mortgage?Thirty-year mortgages are the most common option for homebuyers. Monthly payments are typically more affordable, which is why lenders frequently recommend them. You may even qualify for…
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21
May
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

What Do Points Have to Do With Real Estate?

You may have heard of points when looking for real estate. Maybe your loan officer told you that you can trade points for a better interest rate. That sounds good, but just what are points? We'll give you a better idea of just what points are and how they work. What Are Points?Points, more specifically discount points, are a percentage of the total loan amount for the house that is pre-paid to the lender. Each point is worth one percent. Your lender may offer a lower interest rate for your mortgage loan if you buy discount points.  What do Discount…
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