Many buyers enlist the assistance of a buyer's agent when purchasing a home. Buyer's agents play a crucial role in helping buyers navigate the complex real estate market and secure the best possible deal. However, it's essential to understand the concept of buyer's agent fees before agreeing. It should be noted that changes in the real estate industry could change how consumers pay a real estate commission. Following a real estate commission lawsuit, the industry is bracing for changes that c...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Get a Good Credit Score When Buying a Home Are you wondering what a good credit score for buying a house is? A healthy credit score is a vital factor when buying a house. A good credit score can mean the difference between getting the most favorable interest rate and terms from a mortgage lender. With a better score, you will pay less for the home you purchased. Potential buyers need to remember that the actual cost of owning a home is directly tied to the mortgage terms you receive. Many pro...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
When selling a home, a few things are essential to your success. The two most critical are working with a successful real estate professional and pricing your home correctly. After that, several factors will influence your success as a home seller. One of them is ensuring your home is in excellent condition and shows well. Others will emphasize that professional photography is vital. As a thirty-seven-year real estate veteran, I can attest that these things are crucial to home sales. We will ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you eager to paint the town red with a 'SOLD' sign? If so, then you're on the right page! Finding a top-rated Realtor in your area isn't always easy. You don't want just any agent but someone who will knock your socks off with their service and expertise. Navigating through the wild jungle of real estate can be overwhelming. Thankfully, your search for a trusted guide and partner ends today. Here, we dissect reviews, dive deep into facts, and reveal the traits of top-performing local real...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Understanding An Earnest Money Refund Are earnest money funds refundable? When you are purchasing real estate, there are quite a few things you need to know. One of those things is whether or not your money is refundable. The reason for this lies in the sometimes incomprehensible deal of purchase agreements. Many buyers and sellers will ask their real estate agents whether the earnest money deposit is refundable. Sometimes, these situations can be more complex than a simple yes or no answer. ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
One of the questions I often field as a real estate agent from buyers and sellers is the difference between a pending home sale and a contingent home sale. Some will also ask what a contingency means as well. The meaning of contingent is not difficult to understand and neither is pending However, if you are not buying or selling real estate daily, there is quite a bit of lingo that can make you wonder. When you start looking real estate listings, you will come across properties in different s...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Things To Consider When Buying A Home With A Well Well inspections are critical when buying a home with a well as the primary water source. Buyers considering homes in rural settings often encounter houses for sale that get their water from wells. With homes drawing on municipal sources, there is an assumption that the water in the house will be readily available and meet the safety standards of the municipality. But with private water, you cannot make any assumptions about its purity. Beyond...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering what a well inspector charges for an inspection? Having a reliable source of clean water is crucial for any homeowner, especially those who rely on well water. Regular well inspections help ensure the safety and quality of the water supply. However, many homeowners wonder about the well inspection costs. We will examine the factors that influence the price of a well water inspection and provide you with a better understanding of what to expect when hiring a well inspector. A...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering about the difference between a manor and a mansion? You're not alone. From experience as a Realtor, many don't know how these housing choices differ. As real estate agents, we often assume consumers understand our terminology. A manor is a large estate with a historic significance, serving as the primary residence. In contrast, a mansion is a luxurious and spacious house that often exceeds 7,000 square feet. It may not be located on an estate, but it is known for its extrava...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering how much an attorney for real estate charges for their services? Several factors come into play regarding the cost of hiring a real estate attorney. Factors such as the type of case, complexity, and the attorney's location can influence the overall cost. Attorneys may charge hourly rates or flat fees, ranging between $150 and over $400 per hour or between $500 and $2,000 for closing on a house. Additional expenses like title insurance, transfer taxes, and registration fees m...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering about the difference between dual agency and designated agency? Dual agency and designated agency are two distinct approaches in real estate transactions. In dual agency, a single agent represents the buyer and seller, potentially creating conflicts of interest. However, it can facilitate more accessible communication. On the other hand, a designated agency involves separate agents for the buyer and seller within the same agency, providing more ethical representation. Unders...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering how to negotiate after a home inspection? Negotiating after a home inspection is a skill and an art. The cost of a home inspection is relatively mild compared to the purchase price. A buyer can easily walk away when negotiations after a home inspection fail. A house is never bought or sold until the money exchanges hands. You may have received an offer on your house and be reasonably sure you have a buyer, but there are several other steps you must go through before the sale...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Many things happen when you buy a new home, and sometimes things don't go your way. When purchasing with a mortgage, one issue you can have is an appraisal gap. If there is an appraisal gap, you could lose your dream home. We will examine what happens when the real estate appraisal is lower than the purchase price and what you can do about it. From three decades of experience selling homes, I have dealt with appraisal deficiencies several times. What is an Appraisal Gap? The simple explanatio...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
When buying your first house, understanding pre-approval for a mortgage becomes essential. Many first-time buyers will seek knowledge on how to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Some will hear mortgage pre-qualification vs. pre-approval and wonder if there is a difference. There has been some confusion among those looking to buy a home and qualify for a mortgage loan regarding the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification letter. Indeed, they sound similar, so hearing these ter...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
A seller assist, also known as a seller concession or seller credit, is a feature of loan programs that allows the seller to help the buyer by covering a portion or the entire closing costs. This option is desirable for buyers with limited cash and sellers facing challenges selling their properties. It's essential to note that a seller's assistance is not free money, as sellers may compensate for this assistance by increasing the sale price. Different loan types have specific rules regarding ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Understanding sub-agents in real estate is crucial for buyers and sellers alike. A sub-agent is a real estate agent representing the seller's interests alongside the listing agent. They help with tasks such as marketing the property and facilitating negotiations. However, it's essential to note that sub-agents primarily focus on the seller's needs, which can pose potential disadvantages for buyers. Some states have even eliminated the sub-agency model in favor of buyer's brokerage agreements ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Have you heard a real estate agent use the word “comps” and wondered what they meant? Understanding a real estate comp will probably be foreign if you are not in the industry. Comps in real estate are comparable sales. Real Estate comps are used to compare and determine the fair market value of a property. Without appropriate comparisons, determining a home's value is far more challenging. Real estate agents and appraisers use comparable sales to assist buyers and sellers in understanding...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Utilizing a St. Joseph Statue For Selling a House Are you considering buying a St. Joseph statue to sell a house? Burying a St. Joseph statue for selling a home has become a popular tradition among many Catholics and others in the U.S. Though not officially endorsed by the Catholic Church, it's believed to be effective. This practice involves placing the statue underground near a 'For Sale' sign or in a chosen location, following varying instructions. Praying regularly to St. Joseph is advise...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Have you heard the real estate term 'CMA' and wondered what it was? It's an abbreviation for comparative market analysis. Sellers and buyers should understand a comparative market analysis in real estate. If you are selling your home, deciding how much to ask can be difficult. Likewise, choosing how much to offer for the home is crucial when buying. Whichever side of the real estate transaction you are on, getting this wrong could cost you thousands of dollars. Having an appropriate listing p...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Selling a house in probate can be a complex and legally intricate process. It involves specific steps to ensure the property is sold appropriately and that the estate is settled according to legal and ethical standards. My guide will provide detailed insights into each stage of the process. I have put in substantial effort to ensure you are up to speed on everything you should know about the process. I will educate you on the following: How probate court appoints an executor or administrator ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Over the years, a few people have asked me if there is anything different about selling a home on a busy street. Selling many homes is challenging, but some are more difficult than others. Homes on busy streets are one type of home that takes extra finesse to unload for a great price. But don’t […] The post Selling A House on A Busy Road: What You Should Know appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Selling a house with unpermitted work is challenging and complex, and it can lead to legal issues, financial losses, and strained relationships between buyers and sellers. Unpermitted work refers to renovations, additions, or alterations to a property without obtaining the necessary building permits from local authorities. These unapproved changes can significantly impact the sale process […] The post How to Sell a Home With Unpermitted Work? appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Do you know the typical mistakes in selling winter homes? Selling your home in winter presents a unique set of challenges. However, there are still buyers out there, which means there is a good chance you can sell your home for a great price. But to do so, you must avoid the most common mistakes […] The post Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a House in The Winter appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
An appraisal is vital when applying for a mortgage, refinancing an existing mortgage, or selling your home. Appraisers can help determine your home’s value and ensure you receive the best possible deal. An appraiser uses several factors to determine the value of a home, including its size, location, condition, and amenities, The appraisal process is […] The post Appraising Property: How it Works and What to Know appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Selling an inherited property can be a complex process involving legal, financial, and emotional considerations. Understanding the steps and legal and tax implications is crucial for a smooth transaction. I have gone to great lengths to help you understand the process in an easy-to-understand fashion: The detailed process for selling an inherited property. Comprehensive information […] The post How to Sell an Inherited Home: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering when you should stop making mortgage payments on a home loan when selling? Selling a house with an existing mortgage is expected in real estate sales. One key aspect involves understanding when to stop making mortgage payments and how to manage the payoff. I have put significant effort into making this as […] The post When Should I Stop Making Mortgage Payments When Selling a Home? appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Selling a house with a mortgage is a common scenario that requires careful planning and knowledge. Whether moving for work, upsizing, or downsizing, understanding each step can help you make the most of your home sale. A real estate transaction with a mortgage isn’t that much different than if you didn’t have one. Some people […] The post Can You Sell a Home With a Mortgage? Yes You Can! appeared first on Maximum Real Estate Exposure.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Maximum Real Estate Exposure was designed to help home sellers achieve max visibility for their homes. Get expert knowledge from a top Realtor in Massachusetts.| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
The Definition of a Buyer's Market In real estate sales, there are essentially three types of markets. There is a buyer's market, a seller's market, and a balanced market. The differences between buyers' and sellers' markets are like night and day. Real Estate markets go through cycles. The real estate market never stays the same as outside forces change it in one direction or another. When there is a buyer's market in place, more homes are available for sale than people looking to buy them. ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What is a Home Inspector? Are you looking to find an outstanding home inspector? Choosing a home inspector is part of the home-buying process, which can significantly impact your satisfaction with your future home. For a potential home buyer, it is an investment that cannot be understated, A home inspector is a professional engaged in performing the service of assessing a property's condition. It can be a pre-sale inspection for a seller or, more commonly, for a buyer with a property under co...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Bidding wars on houses are all too common these days. How do you win when there are multiple offers on the home you love? Winning a bidding war on a home isn't always easy. You may find that out quickly if you plan to buy a home. When making a home purchase now, whether a new home or a resale, the chances are high that there will be competing offers on the property you love. High demand coupled with low inventory has created bidding wars in many markets. If you are trying to buy, especially i...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Does having solar panels increase home value? Whether or not solar panels increase property values and how much depends on several factors. Understanding solar power when buying or selling a home is essential. An increasing number of homeowners are installing solar panels to save money. Better for the environment and capable of generating around half the electricity needed to run an average home, they have apparent benefits. However, solar panels can complicate the transaction when buying or ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What to Know About Buying New Construction Homes Are you thinking about buying a new construction home? The idea of purchasing a brand-new house is appealing to many homebuyers. Going directly to the builder and being the first to live in a home offers advantages. However, buying a newly constructed home isn’t the same as buying from a homeowner. With a new construction home, some similarities exist to buying resale or even older homes. But there are also many differences that you need to c...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Home Values on Zillow Explained Are you wondering whether Zillow house values are accurate? One of the questions real estate agents often get from consumers is, 'how accurate are Zillow home value estimates.' Home buyers and sellers need to understand right from the get-go that a Zillow home value is NOT accurate the vast majority of the time. More tools are available than ever for the average person interested in buying or selling a home. The internet provides numerous resources for everythi...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What Buyers and Sellers Need to Understand About a Home Inspection Are you going to be getting a home inspection? Inspections for homes are a vital part of the real estate transaction process, so it makes sense to learn as much as you can about them. The more you know about what they entail and how they affect you as a buyer or seller, the more confident you will be moving forward with your transaction. If you're buying or selling a home, you should be well informed on the ins and outs of a h...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Check For Potential Issues When Buying Your First House Do you understand what's needed for due diligence in real estate to be completed? If you are a first-time homebuyer, you are probably doing all the research to ensure you don't make any mistakes. Performing due diligence increases the odds that you won't regret purchasing. The homework you are doing now is essential because a lot goes into buying a home—which means you have a lot to learn in a relatively short time. The due diligence p...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Do you want to know how to get the best mortgage rate for an upcoming home purchase? Getting the best mortgage rate is a significant concern for any home buyer. Everyone wants to get the lowest mortgage interest rate possible! When you consider that only a few percentage points can cost you thousands over the life of a loan, it only makes sense to seek the best mortgage rate you can get. Buying a home is already expensive. There is no reason to pay more than you have to. Unfortunately, many h...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Many consumers have preconceived notions about selling a house as-is where-is. It's probably not exactly what you think. Sometimes, when you sell a house with issues, selling it “as is” may seem like the most straightforward course of action. Most homeowners assume that selling an as-is house means they will not have to make any repairs to the property (which is true) and that it will be practical and involve the least amount of stress (which may be far from true). Before you sell your ho...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What You Should Know About Homeowners Association Rules If you are shopping for a home right now or planning on doing so shortly, you will encounter homeowners associations (HOAs). In all homeowner's associations, some rules must be followed. HOAs are management organizations that define and enforce rules governing condominiums and home communities. Some consider them overbearing patrols that make homeownership harder than it has to be. Others think of homeowner's associations as essential or...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering how property lines work? Maybe you are trying to determine precisely where your property lines are located. You're not alone if you nod yes to these questions. Understanding how to find property lines is vital, especially after buying a home. Lots of folks try to research how to find their lot lines. The most common problems regarding property boundaries are fences a neighbor wants to construct. When fences are built between properties, where exactly is the right place to co...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Tips For Trouble-Free Condo Buying Are you thinking about buying a condo? What is the best advice when buying a condominium? Start by immediately understanding that it is much different than purchasing a single-family home! Buying a condo offers some advantages – living closer to a town, affordability, and less maintenance. But buying a condo is not the same as purchasing a single-family home. With single-family homes where there is no HOA, you are the king of the castle. With a condo, you ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What Renovations Should I Make at My House Before Selling? Are you wondering about the best renovations for ROI and resale? If so, you are wise to do so. Many potential homeowners never give it a second thought. Many sellers assume that any renovations or repairs they do to their house will automatically increase the money they get for the home. Unfortunately, this assumption can upset those who invest a lot of money in home improvements and find they don’t make their money back when they s...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering what dual agency is and how it works? One of my duties as a real estate agent is to explain how agency law works in Massachusetts. I must present agency law at my first meeting with a prospective buyer or seller client. State laws require agents to do this. It is something I take seriously. Real Estate agents can essentially do one of three things: represent a seller, a buyer, or both. There are two types of dual-agency transactions. One is acceptable, and the other is not. ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
11 Financing Programs for First-Time Home Buyers Are you looking to find a first-time home buyers program? A first-time home-buying loan is something that many folks ask both real estate agents and mortgage brokers about. It's an excellent question to ask as there are numerous first-time home buyers programs to consider. Understanding how to get a mortgage is one of the first steps to homeownership. The improvement in recent years of the real estate market has benefited many people, from buye...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What is an Appraisal? Appraisals and appraisal contingencies are standard parts of most real estate transactions and the home-buying process. A real estate appraisal is often conducted when purchasing a home and getting a mortgage. It ensures that you pay the fair market value for a property. Appraisal is a requirement of mortgage lenders before they provide financing. They want to ensure that the asset they're lending against has sufficient equity. The home appraisal establishes a value base...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you looking for creative real estate marketing materials to sell a house? It may seem obvious, but great marketing is the key to successful home sales. One of the areas that many Realtors miss out on is the marketing material left on the property. Most buyers love to look at marketing brochures and other materials real estate agents provide. Utilizing these helpful marketing ideas allows you to sell your house faster and for more money. If you are like most sellers, you'll want to make yo...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering what an FHA loan is and how it works? Over my thirty-eight years as a real estate agent, many clients have asked me about FHA loans and whether they would be a good mortgage choice. FHA mortgage loans are a staple for many homebuyers. When considering buying a house, you will want to find the best mortgage. For many buyers – especially first-time homebuyers – the best mortgage option is an FHA or Federal Housing Administration loan. FHA loans tend to be available to borr...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Have you heard your mortgage lender or real estate agent mention title searches and wondered what they were referring to? Property searches are done on nearly every real estate transaction. Understanding a title search is crucial when purchasing a house or other real estate. Property title searches examine public records to confirm a property's legal owner and verify whether there are any liens or claims that could impact a buyer's ability to purchase. Buying a home can be an exciting experie...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you considering selling your home without a real estate agent? Did you know that most house sales by owner fail? A home sale by owners is not easy! Choosing to go without a real estate agent usually ends in poor results. But why is that the case? Why is selling a house by the owner so challenging? The standard driving force behind most for sale by owner homes (FSBO) is to save on paying a Real Estate commission. Even though I've been a Realtor for nearly forty years, I can clearly underst...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Tips on How to Deal With Bad Neighbors Do you want to know how to deal with toxic neighbors? Selling your home can be challenging, even in the best circumstances. There is just a lot of work involved in selling. So even if you do everything correctly and a buyer arrives on your doorstep the first day, it doesn't mean the whole process will be stress-free. In real estate sales, there are numerous obstacles along the way that home sellers need to overcome. It could be the property inspection, t...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Understanding Title Insurance in Real Estate Would you like to know what title insurance is and how it works? You're probably interested in learning the cost of title insurance and whether it is worth having. Homebuyers often ask real estate agents or mortgage lenders about title insurance and why they always need it. By the time you're done reading, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of this insurance and why it makes so much sense to have it. You will also learn precisely how title i...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
We Buy Ugly Houses Reviewed Do you know the pros and cons of selling your home to one of the We Buy Houses flipping companies? You only have to drive around your town for a little while to come upon “We Buy Houses” or 'We Buy Ugly Houses' type signs plastered on telephone poles or street signs. The signs tell you that a company out there will purchase your home, no matter its state. These are investors who are looking to flip your house for a profit. Housing flipping has become a lucrativ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
What to Know About Credit Karma, Including Accuracy Have you ever wondered what Credit Karma is and how it works? Maybe you have seen their advertisements on television? Are you wondering if Credit Karma is accurate? Your credit score is one of the most critical financial information, especially when buying a home. For a long time, creditors and lenders have used your credit score to determine whether they would lend to you and what terms they would offer. Today, your credit score affects eve...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Are you wondering what a pocket listing is and how it works? Pocket listings are properties sold 'off market' or marketed to potential buyers by a brokerage privately instead of utilizing the multiple listing service (MLS). These non-public listings are kept in-house by a listing agent. Negotiation will be done by the agent, who may or may not share the information with colleagues. Sometimes, there is a for sale sign on pocket listings, and sometimes there isn't. These properties will not be ...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Would you like to know how to research the history of a property online and offline? You'll be shaking your head in the affirmative right now if you're smart. Whether you want the history of your house or one you're looking to buy, it's essential information. When you are ready to buy a home, you might have questions about the property's history. Whether you have heard rumors about the home or want a more in-depth understanding of the house you're investing in, it is possible to find a lot ab...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Many consumers ask what a real estate attorney does. Do I need one in my real estate transaction? Speaking from thirty-eight years of experience as a real estate agent, I can talk about the importance of having a lawyer in your corner. Buying a home isn't the same as many other purchases you might make. Ownership is legally changed from the seller to the buyer, and documentation and contracts are involved. Because buying a house is more complicated, using an attorney for real estate purchases...| Maximum Real Estate Exposure