06
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Downsizing? Here’s What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo

Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren't using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels 'too big' is rarely fun. In today's post, we will share a few changes you can expect when you downsize from a large house to a smaller apartment or condo. Why Downsize At All? As you might imagine, having too much space is the primary reason that couples and families downsize. Larger homes cost more to maintain and can feel empty if it's just one or two people living there. In many cases, old items and clutter tend to build up…
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01
Dec
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Win the Bidding War With Our 5 Minute Guide to Making an Offer the Seller Won’t Refuse

Ask any experienced homeowner and you'll learn that buying in a 'hot' real estate market can be challenging. A high supply of buyers competing for a low stock of available homes is a combination that can lead to bidding wars, price inflation, and other headaches. The good news: with some careful preparation and the right mindset, a bidding war is one that you can win. Read on to learn how you can beat out other bidders by making an irresistible offer. Start With Strong Representation Answer this question honestly: are you an experienced negotiator? Unless you have made a career…
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24
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Find Out by Answering These 4 Questions

Have you been dreaming about a larger, roomier or more luxurious living space? Or perhaps just want to experience the joy of owning your own home and building your net worth instead of renting? Let's explore a few questions that can help to answer whether or not you're ready for a new lifestyle as a homeowner. Can You Realistically Afford To Buy A Home? The first consideration to make is a financial one: can you afford it? Buying in a home is a significant financial investment. In most cases you'll need to manage monthly mortgage payments for many years. The…
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14
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Buying a New Home? Make Your Move Easier With These Three Purging Tips

Are you thinking about buying a new house or apartment? While the prospect of a new home is undoubtedly exciting, you may be dreading the thought at having to pack everything up and move. In today's blog post we will explore three tips for purging old, unwanted or forgotten items before making a move into a new home. Sort Everything That You Don't Need The first step you will want to take is to sort everything in your home. Many families go through the house, room-by-room, separating their must-have items from everything else. At first, this process is quick as…
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09
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Taking Out a Mortgage for the First Time? Learn Why a Condo Might Be a Great First Home

Are you starting to tire of paying your monthly rent to someone and never building any equity? Renting forever can be a significant pain, especially as you're contributing to someone else's financial well-being. The good news is that there are affordable real estate options out there for those investing in their first home. Below we will share a few excellent reasons why an apartment or condo might be the best choice for a first-time home buyer. A Manageable Monthly Payment In most markets across the country, condos and apartments are available at a significantly lower cost than a full-sized house.…
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03
Nov
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

You Ask, We Answer: Should I Build a New Custom Home or Buy an Existing One?

Are you looking to buy a new house in the near future? If so, one of the choices you will face is constructing your own brand-new home or buying an existing home. The idea of building a new house on the right piece of land might sound enticing, but what if you could have a larger, more luxurious existing home in the same neighborhood for a much lower cost? As you might imagine, there are pros and cons to each kind of home. In today's blog post we will explore whether you should build a new home or buy an…
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