The Most Overlooked Costs of Selling a Home

Selling a home can feel straightforward, but many homeowners are surprised by the hidden costs that can affect their bottom line. Beyond the agentís commission and mortgage payoff, a variety of expenses can accumulate during the selling process. Understanding these costs ahead of time ensures you are financially prepared and helps avoid surprises at closing. Repairs and Home ImprovementsEven minor repairs can add up. Painting, fixing leaks, replacing outdated fixtures, and landscaping improvements can significantly enhance a homeís appeal. While some upgrades increase sale value, they still require upfront investment, and homeowners should budget accordingly. Staging and PhotographyProfessional staging and…
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Unlocking the Key to a Faster, Stronger Home Sale

When it comes to selling a home, many people assume that success depends on luck, timing, or even the perfect buyer stumbling across the listing. But the truth is, most successful sellers share one common strategy, and it has little to do with home staging, marketing, or even upgrades. The key? Getting the price right from the very beginning. Why Price Sets the ToneYour asking price is more than just a number. It frames how buyers perceive your home, and in today's market, perception is everything. With mortgage rates shifting and more properties available than last year, buyers are cautious.…
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The National Homebuyer Fund’s Role in National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a special time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and highlight programs that help make homeownership more attainable. One standout resource for many aspiring homeowners is the National Homebuyer Fund (NHF), an organization dedicated to providing vital financial assistance to low-to-moderate income families striving to buy their first home. What Is the National Homebuyer Fund?The NHF is a nonprofit that offers down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified homebuyers. This support often comes in the form of grants or forgivable loans, meaning that recipients may not have to repay the funds if…
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How HomeReady and Home Possible Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the American dream of homeownership and spotlighting the tools and resources that help make that dream a reality. For millions of aspiring homeowners, especially those with modest incomes, programs like Fannie Mae’s HomeReady® and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible® provide a critical pathway forward. These two government-backed loan programs are specifically designed to increase access to affordable mortgage options for low-to-moderate income borrowers. In a market where rising home prices and limited inventory can feel discouraging, HomeReady® and Home Possible® are helping more people achieve the stability and wealth-building potential that…
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Recognizing the Power of Having a Place to Call Home During Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, it is a time to celebrate the American dream of owning a home and to reflect on what homeownership means to individuals, families, and communities. I believe in the power of homeownership to build stability, create generational wealth, and provide a true sense of belonging. Whether you are already a homeowner or still working toward that goal, this month is dedicated to you. National Homeownership Month was originally recognized as National Homeownership Week in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded it to the entire month of June to stress the importance of homeownership…
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Why You Should Think Like a Seller When Buying a Home

When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer? It might sound backward, but approaching your home search with resale in mind can help you make a better investment, avoid future headaches, and even save you money in the long run. Here’s why you should always have your future resale value in mind, even on day one:…
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