24
Jun
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage Tips, ,

What Are The Top Ways To Win A Bidding War?

Right now, there are not a lot of houses for sale, as inventory and new home construction continue to lag behind buyer demand. In addition, low mortgage rates are accelerating demand, meaning that in many situations the sellers are receiving multiple offers. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to do everything they can to win a bidding war. What are a few ways buyers can give themselves an advantage? Get Pre-Approved For A Home Loan The first thing interested buyers need to do is to get pre-approved for a home loan. Because many sellers have options, they might be…
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06
Jan
By Jim Hasek
Mortgage, ,

The Top House Appraisal Tips For Home Buyers And Sellers

There are a lot of steps that come with buying or selling a home. One of the routine steps that have to be accomplished is called a home appraisal. When it comes to a home appraisal, this is something that can cause both buyers and sellers to pause for a second. For those who might not know, a house appraisal is where a trained professional will take a look at the fair market value of the home. It is important to understand what happens when a home appraisal is conducted.  Compare The Home To Similar Properties When a home appraisal…
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06
Mar
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Looking For A Major Lifestyle Change? Consider Buying A ‘Micro’ Home

With the sometimes high cost of buying and maintaining a home and the concept of being sustainable becoming more popular, many people are considering moving to a smaller home to minimize their impact. It's important, however, to consider what living small is really like before deciding that it's the right move for you. If you're curious about life on a smaller-scale, here are some things to contemplate beforehand. Getting Rid Of The Excess It's just a fact that a smaller amount of space means a smaller amount of stuff, but many people don't realize this works two ways. While you…
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26
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Real Estate, ,

Managing Finances Before Applying For A Mortgage

Are you planning on using a mortgage to help cover the cost of a new home? If so, you will want to prepare your finances and figure out how you will manage all those wallet-draining monthly expenses. Let's take a look at how to run a quick financial health check to ensure you are ready to apply for a mortgage. Update (Or Start) Your Monthly Budget First, it is essential to get the basics out of the way. If you haven't already, it's time to start a monthly budget to keep track of your income and expenses. Once you have…
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16
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Seller Tips, Mortgage, ,

Recently Inherited a Home That You Don’t Need? Here’s How to Get It Sold Without Too Much Stress

Has a loved one or family member recently passed on and left you with their home? Inheriting a house can be a delightful gift, but it can also present a significant number of challenges that you must navigate. Let's explore how to deal with an inherited house and, should you decide to, how to sell it without incurring too much stress. Are Emotions Involved? The death of a family member or other loved one can be a trying time emotionally. Depending on how the deceased left the property, you may also have to deal with cleaning out personal belongings and…
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13
Feb
By Jim Hasek
Home Buyer Tips, ,

When Is the Right Time to Buy Your First Home? Use This Easy 4 Point Checklist

Are you growing tired of renting? Or perhaps you've recently graduated from college and are looking to set down some roots? Whatever the case, buying your first home is an exciting prospect. Let's take a look at a quick and easy four-point checklist that you can use to determine if you are ready to buy your first home. #1: Is Your Credit In Good Shape? How is your overall financial health? Once you have your down payment saved up, you should turn your attention to your credit rating. If you are going to borrow a mortgage to help cover the…
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