12
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate Tips, ,

Real Estate Terminology 101: What Exactly Is A “Buyer’s Market”?

If you've been following the real estate and mortgage industry for any length of time, you've probably heard the phrase "buyer's market" at some point. And although the meaning may seem apparent, it takes some study to understand what actually constitutes a buyer's market. Who decides whether it's a buyer's or seller's market? What's the threshold for deciding between the two? Here's what you need to know. Supply And Demand: Economic Factors That Govern...Everything If you studied economics in school, you'll probably remember an early lesson on supply and demand. Essentially, supply and demand are the two factors that influence…
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06
Aug
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

3 Closing Costs That Most Buyers Forget to Factor in and What You Can Expect to Pay

If you're in the process of buying a home, you probably have your deposit and monthly mortgage charges in a spreadsheet, along with a chart of your other expenses and your monthly income. But when it comes to buying a home, there are lots of different costs that will come into play - and it's easy to forget something. When you're preparing to close on your new home, make sure you consider these three closing costs that most buyers forget. Home Inspection Fees: A Small Charge For Peace Of Mind Most home purchase agreements are contingent upon a successful home…
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31
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

First-time Home Buyers: Why Splurging for a Larger Home Beats Condo Living

Some first-time home buyers are on a tight budget when making their real estate purchase, and there may be an inclination by many to purchase a smaller property, such as a condo, rather than the home they truly want. While there may be some initial financial benefit associated with buying a smaller property, there are a few benefits associated with splurging and buying a larger home as a first purchase. By analyzing these benefits, first-time home buyers can make a more informed decision about how to proceed. Costs Associated With Upgrading In The Future Some people will purchase a smaller…
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16
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

House Hunting? Watch for These 5 Red Flags when Viewing Potential New Homes

From the sales price to the general layout of the building, there are numerous factors that buyers will consider when touring homes. While there are specific factors that buyers may be searching for in a new house, there are also a few warning signs that home buyers should keep their eyes open for. The following are among the top red flags that may serve as warning signs. Signs Of Poor Home Maintenance It is reasonable to expect all homes to have some signs of wear and tear unless they are new construction. However, it is also reasonable to expect that…
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14
Jul
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

3 Reasons Why Your Closing Costs Will Vary Depending on the Type of Home You Buy

Savvy home buyers who are preparing to make a real estate purchase should do their research and understand that they need to save money for not only the down payment, but the closing costs as well. The closing costs can account for as much as three to five percent of the sales price in some cases, so this can be a rather sizable amount of money. Some home buyers however, may not realize that the amount of closing costs can vary considerably based on the home that is purchased. With a closer look at why this is, home buyers can…
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24
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Moving to the City? How to Downsize from a Large House to a Smaller Condo or Apartment

Many people make the decision to move from the country or the suburbs into the heart of the downtown area for a number of reasons, such as to enjoy proximity to work or to enjoy the urban lifestyle. With the higher cost of real estate in central urban areas and with real estate space at a premium, many who make the decision to relocate will need to downsize from a larger house to a smaller condo or apartment. While this can be challenging, it can be accomplished by following a few steps. Choose The Right Pieces To Keep When downsizing…
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