Category: Real Estate News & Tips

Mortgage Rates Today Mortgage applications increased last week, as reported by Mortgage Bankers Association. “Mortgage applications decreased last week, even as mortgage rates dropped for the third week in a row… Even with a few weeks of lower rates, most borrowers have likely already refinanced,” said Joel Kan, MBA Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry … Read More “Current Mortgage Interest Rates” »

Realtor-supported effort may free up housing inventory in the Golden State A slim majority of California residents voted in favor of Proposition 19 on Election Day, green-lighting a motion that gives new property tax breaks to older homeowners while increasing property taxes for those inheriting their parents’ or grandparents’ properties. The latter is a big … Read More “How will California’s Proposition 19 impact property taxes?” »

(NewsNation Now) — A new study out by Zillow says 11% of Americans moved in 2020, and they’re calling it “the great reshuffling.” With more businesses shifting to remote, it’s also opened up a world of possibilities for people to live and work from anywhere. Fresh, white powder underneath a bluebird sky is the view … Read More “‘The great reshuffling’: Why are millions of Americans moving?” »

If you’re serious about buying a home, understanding your finances is a crucial first step. When deciding to purchase a home, the list of things to consider can be daunting. While you might be comparing square footage, finishes, and neighborhoods, mortgage lenders are looking at specific numbers that make up your financial picture with the same discerning … Read More “4 Numbers That Determine Your Home Buying Power” »

You just returned from an awesome family beach vacation, and now you have the bright idea to buy a seaside home to keep the memories going year after year. Before you start searching for available properties, it’s important to step back and consider some questions about owning a vacation home. You might discover that over … Read More “How Can I Afford a Vacation Home?” »

KEY TAKEAWAYS One hardball tactic is sticking to your list price in your first counteroffer or even rejecting an offer without making a counteroffer. To foster a sense of competition, you should only accept offers after an open house. When making a counteroffer, put an expiration date on it to force a speedy response. If … Read More “5 Negotiating Strategies When Selling Your Home” »

Are you a senior or know of a senior who is considering selling a home? Many seniors are indecisive about the topic, but more and more seniors are selling their homes. To help with the decision to sell or not to sell, this post reviews the top reasons seniors today are choosing to sell their … Read More “Top 5 Reasons Seniors are Selling Their Homes” »

Written by Nellie Lazar, CRS A bathroom remodel can be a daunting task.  I should know… a few years ago, we purchased an 80-year-old home with charming original bathrooms (4 total!), all of them in some state of want.  Last fall, we experienced a shower leak in one of the upstairs bathrooms that required a … Read More “The Do’s and Don’ts of a Bathroom Remodel” »

Moves that have the greatest impact when you’re short on time and money. When real estate agents talk about staging your home, they’re referring to a method of preparing a property for sale on the real estate marketplace. Staging is designed to showcase a home’s best assets, impress buyers, and sell it quickly for the highest … Read More “Stage Your Home for a Quick Sale” »

What to Look for in a Good Fixer-Upper Location is almost always the most important factor when purchasing real estate, and that’s especially true when it comes to finding a good fixer-upper. Look for a home in an established neighborhood that is close to amenities and is predominantly made up of owner-occupied homes. Unless you’re … Read More “Buying a Fixer-Upper: What You Need to Know” »