18
Jul
By Adrian Willanger
Financial Reports, ,

From Search to Keys How Long Does Buying a Home Take

Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming if you are not sure what to expect. One of the most common questions from homebuyers is how long the process takes from start to finish. The answer depends on several factors, but knowing the general timeline can help you plan and reduce stress. The Home Search PhaseFinding the right home can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. This phase includes deciding what you want in a home, searching listings, attending showings, and narrowing down your choices. Some buyers find their perfect home quickly,…
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13
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Home Buyer Tips, ,

What Every Homebuyer Should Look For During a House Tour

Touring homes is one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying process. But it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, beautiful staging, new finishes, or fresh paint can sometimes distract from more important details. That’s why having a checklist is essential. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned mover, knowing what to look for during a house tour can help you make a smart and informed decision. Curb AppealCurb appeal is important, but do not stop there. As you approach the home, observe the driveway, sidewalks, landscaping, and roofline. Cracks in pavement, standing water, or damaged…
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04
Jun
By Adrian Willanger
Home Selling Tips, ,

How to Read Between the Lines in a Real Estate Listing

When you are scrolling through homes online, it's easy to get swept away by beautiful photos, catchy descriptions, and enticing phrases like "charming fixer-upper" or "cozy starter home." But as a real estate agent, let me tell you, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Learning to read between the lines of a real estate listing can save you time, prevent disappointment, and help you find the right home faster. Here is how to decode what those listings are really saying: "Needs TLC" = Bring Your ToolboxIf you see phrases like "needs TLC," "great bones," or…
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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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16
May
By Adrian Willanger
Home Selling Tips, ,

Understanding the Process of Selling a Home Through a Power of Attorney

What Is a Power of Attorney in Real Estate?Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, legal decisions, and sometimes even travel. But what happens when a homeowner isn’t able to handle those responsibilities themselves? That’s where a Power of Attorney (POA) can come into play. A POA is a legal document that gives another person the authority to act on someone else’s behalf in legal or financial matters—such as selling a home. This can be incredibly useful for homeowners who are elderly, ill, out of the country, or otherwise unavailable to manage the real estate transaction personally. The person…
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15
May
By Adrian Willanger
Home Seller Tips, ,

Understanding the Process of Selling a Home Through a Lease-Option Agreement

What Is a Lease-Option Agreement?A lease-option agreement is a creative strategy that allows homeowners to sell their property by offering a potential buyer the opportunity to lease the home for a specified period, with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease term. This arrangement combines a standard lease agreement with a separate option-to-purchase contract. It’s an ideal solution in slower markets or for sellers looking to attract buyers who may not yet qualify for a traditional mortgage. How the Process WorksIn a lease-option setup, the seller and tenant-buyer agree on two main components: the lease terms…
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