With a gradual increase in consumer confidence and positive economic indicators in general, those who have been putting off a home purchase due to market conditions should seriously consider moving into action. According to the recently released May 2012 National Housing Survey from Fannie Mae, consumer attitudes are slowly—but significantly—pointing toward an overall housing market […]
Stress Free Vacation!
5 Tips for a Stress-Free Vacation With the end of the school year right around the corner, families across the country are preparing for a fun-filled summer season. Whether you’re planning a road trip or taking to the skies, the following tips will put you in vacation mode while taking the stress out of the […]
Signs of Recovery: Home Sales, Prices Increase in April
Important signs of improvement in the 2012 real estate market continue to emerge as the year progresses. While the numbers vary from location to location, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing-home sales rose 3.4 percent in April and remain above a year ago. At the same time, home […]
Selling Vacant Homes
Top 4 Tips for Selling a Vacant Home A vacant home—regardless of how nice the property—can seem eerily empty and lacking in character and warmth, and selling a vacant home is more difficult than selling a furnished one, no matter the market conditions. However, if you are trying to sell a vacant home—whether it’s a […]
As Prices Stabilize and Inventory Shrinks, This Could be the Time to Sell
According to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), median existing single-family home prices are firming in many metropolitan areas, while improving sales and declining inventory are creating more balanced conditions. The median existing single-family home price rose in 74 out of 146 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) based on closings in […]
How to Protect Your Home from Flood Damage
Spring rains and summer storms set the stage for flooding issues for many homeowners. While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can take certain important preventative measures to help minimize potential damage and enhance personal safety. Bear in mind, you don’t have to live close to a body of water to be considered a flood […]
How an Appraisal Can Help Sell Your Home
While it’s standard practice for real estate professionals to conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help price your home correctly for sale, you may also want to discuss with your agent the possibility of investing in an appraisal before you put your home on the market. Appraisals have long been a part of the […]
Credit Repair Scams
As the economy and the real estate market show hopeful signs of improvement, opportunities continue to abound for prospective homebuyers. However, the jury’s still out on whether or not lenders will begin to loosen their lending criteria…and to what degree. Improving your credit profile will be integral to securing a mortgage and moving forward on […]
Americans More Positive About Economy, Housing
After several years of understandable negativity toward the economy and the real estate market, a new survey shows that Americans’ concerns about key economic and housing issues are beginning to subside. Fannie Mae’s February 2012 National Housing Survey shows that consumer attitudes have stabilized across most indicators—including personal finances, housing, and employment—compared to late summer […]
Buying a Home for your College Student to Live in While in School
Being from a college town, I have many clients coming to me who are considering purchasing a home for their college age child to live in while attending school. By purchasing housing for your college age child you can make a worthwhile investment financially, as well as create an excellent learning experience for the student. […]