What Comes With The House?

What Comes With The House?

When buying or selling a home, there is a lot going on. It can be easy to get caught up in the process and activity and overlook details that are important. One of the most overlooked issues is to define what comes with the home. 

How Lenders Treat Commissions When Qualifying for a Home Loan

How Lenders Treat Commissions When Qualifying for a Home Loan

One of the biggest factors lenders use in qualifying potential home buyers is income. When coupled with credit scores, income is critical in reducing the risk for the lender which in turn gives the buyer better terms, lowering costs. For most borrowers, income is a 

Finding An Affordable Home in a Great Neighborhood

Finding An Affordable Home in a Great Neighborhood

You have heard it a million times, “buy the worst home in the best neighborhood.” While you do not necessarily want to buy a home straight out of a horror film, finding an affordable home that might need some updating or repairs in a GREAT 

Are HOA Fees Really Necessary?

Are HOA Fees Really Necessary?

In addition to mortgage payments, homeowner’s insurance costs, and property taxes, some homes are also located within a planned community that requires monthly HOA fees. HOA (Homeowner’s Association) costs may feel like junk fees that add little to no benefit to the homeowner, but these 

What the New Credit Score Models Mean for Homebuyers

What the New Credit Score Models Mean for Homebuyers

Starting in 2025, new credit scoring models will be used by lenders to determine the creditworthiness of potential homebuyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will mandate the adoption of the new FICO Score 10T and VantageScore 4.0 by the end of the year. For those 

Ask the Right Questions: Tips for Getting Moving Quotes

Ask the Right Questions: Tips for Getting Moving Quotes

Buying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs 

New Home Loan Limits Announced for 2024

New Home Loan Limits Announced for 2024

As home prices continue to rise, consumers are getting a break from the Federal Housing Administration who regulates the loan limits for conforming and government guaranteed loan programs.  Home loans are categorized into government guaranteed, conforming, and jumbo lending products. As the name suggests, jumbo 

Uncommon Home Inspections to Consider When Buying a Home

Uncommon Home Inspections to Consider When Buying a Home

A home inspection is almost automatic for homebuyers during the escrow period. The goal is to uncover issues that present either an unsafe environment, potentially expensive repairs, and other challenges the new buyer may not expect. The cost and depth varies widely in the real 

10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Contractor Before You Hire Them

10 Questions You Need to Ask Your Contractor Before You Hire Them

Hiring the right contractor can mean the difference between a successful remodeling project and a nightmare. The contractor is responsible for hiring the best tradesmen, budgeting, ordering raw materials, timing, and much more.  Before you meet with a contractor, it’s important to prepare. Not only 

Avoid Short Term Rental Home Mistakes Before You Buy

Avoid Short Term Rental Home Mistakes Before You Buy

The short-term rental (STR) market has exploded since the Covid-19 pandemic. As America’s workforce raced home, people realized that they could work from anywhere. This, coupled with the desire to isolate oneself and family from other people during vacations, created a strong demand for STR