Practical Advice For Homebuyers


Insider’s Guide to Success with Short Sales

Many real estate agents steer their clients away from a short sale because they think they take too long, that their commissions will be lowered, or simply because they don’t know a…

Buying a Home in the Next Year? Time to Get to Work!

Even with interest rates and home prices at all-time lows, many potential home buyers, especially first-timers, are on the sidelines. They’re concerned about the economy, their job, their savings, or their ability…

How to Address a Leaky Window After Escrow Closes

Got this question from a friend on East Coast this week. Q: We bought our house months ago – now one of the bedroom windows leaked in the past rain storm– seller…

You Bought a Home and the Basement Flooded. Now What?

Well-informed buyers may spend six months looking at properties, learning the neighborhoods, and gaining deep market knowledge. Once they identify a winner, they may spend weeks getting to know more about the…

3 Reasons to Live in a New Home Before Renovating

Especially during a time of flat or declining home values, I’m a huge believer in making smart improvements to a property. Not only can you customize the home to your requirements, you…

Should You Consider Listing Your Home During the Holidays?

As the holidays approach, I’m always asked the same questions: Should we keep our property on the real estate market or take it off? Do we list now, wait until after the…

3 Ways to Protect Your Escrow Deposit

You’ve made an offer on a property, the seller has accepted, and you’re ‘in contract. Now it’s time to put your money where your mouth is, as the saying goes. At this…

Chart Showing Average Mortgage Rates Over Past 30 Years

I always like to look at this chart.  It shows yearly averages of conforming loan rates for a 30 year fixed loan.  For those of us who weren't around to enjoy a 16% interest…

Real Estate Agents Hate it When Buyers

Real estate agents know buying a home can be challenging. We want to help you through it and get you the best deal. But sometimes buyers can unwittingly turn the process into…

Buyer’s Guide to Understanding Today’s Seller

Is the person selling the home you want a Music Facer, a Dream Chaser, or a Long-Distance Racer? As with any high-stakes negotiation, it helps to know the type of seller with…