25
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

Creating Fairer Housing for All and How REALTORS Are Leading the Way with Fairhaven and ACT!

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to recognize the organizations and individuals working to make that dream accessible to all. While much of the focus is rightly on financial assistance and buyer education, it’s equally important to talk about fairness, and what’s being done behind the scenes to ensure every person has an equal opportunity to purchase a home. That’s where two powerful initiatives from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) come in: Fairhaven and ACT!. Both programs are transforming the way real estate professionals approach housing equality, reinforcing the…
Read More
24
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

How the National Association of REALTORS Supports the Path to Homeownership

June marks National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate one of the most important milestones in life, owning a home. While many organizations work to make homeownership accessible, one of the most influential is the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As the largest trade association in the U.S., NAR plays a critical role in promoting, protecting, and expanding homeownership opportunities for all Americans. With over 1.5 million members, NAR is not just an association for real estate professionals, it’s an advocate for buyers, sellers, and communities nationwide. During National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight how this organization…
Read More
12
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

Why You Should Always Check the Street Name Before Buying a Home

When your house hunting, you are likely focused on the big things like: location, price, layout, and condition. But there is one small detail that can have a surprising impact on your homeownership experience, the street name. While it may seem insignificant at first, the name of your street can affect everything from resale value and first impressions to daily convenience and even safety. Curb Appeal Starts With the AddressFirst impressions matter, and your street name is often the first thing someone hears when you share your address. Names like “Ocean View Drive” or “Whispering Pines Lane” can evoke a…
Read More
10
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Real Estate Tips, ,

The Hidden Reasons Homes Linger on the Market

When a home sits on the market longer than expected, the price is often the first thing blamed. While overpricing can be a major factor, it's far from the only one. One of the most common culprits is poor presentation. Buyers today form opinions within seconds, often based on online photos before they even step foot inside.  Homes that are cluttered, outdated, poorly lit, or in need of deep cleaning may leave a negative impression. Listing photos that are dark, grainy, or unprofessional can stop interest before it starts.  Accessibility and Showings Another big reason homes don’t move quickly is limited…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More