Practical Advice For Homebuyers


First step in home buying: Look at houses or talk to bank?

If you have been saving up some money for some time, are steady with your job and looking to put down roots, then it is likely a good time to think about…

House flipping tips for today’s market

Back when the real estate market was hot—which seems like decades ago, doesn’t it?—there was money to be made flipping houses. House flipping practically became a sport, let alone a business. It’s…

Homebuying 101: Don’t buy the best house on the block

We’re in a tough real estate market. It’s tough for buyers, because many are worried about making the financial commitment in this economy. And it’s difficult for sellers, because there’s a lot…

Homebuying 101: What is a Home Warranty

For first-time homebuyers—or anyone else who doesn’t want to deal with maintenance issues—a home warranty might be worth considering. You know how Best Buy and other electronics retailers often ask if you…

Top 3 tips for buying a home in 2011

Will 2011 be a good year to buy a home? Yes—as long as current trends hold. The economic recovery is expected to continue, if slowly, which should make buyers more confident. Plus,…

Is it better to rent or buy?

Is it better to be a renter than a homeowner? A lot of people who wouldn’t have considered renting are asking themselves that question today. There are several reasons for this: Home…

Five tips for investigating the neighborhood

You’ve got your eye on a home. The property is priced right. The house fits all of your needs and and you can check most of your “must-have” boxes. But is there something…

Tips for the final walk through

You found the home you love, made the offer, and the seller has accepted. You've gotten your inspections done, your loan is being finalized and an escrow closing date has been set.…

Five Percent Down: A Fluke, or the Beginning of a Trend?

As a Realtor who’s experienced all the ups and downs of the market during the past decade, it takes a lot to surprise me. But today, a pre-approval letter came across my desk that…

Top Mistakes Homebuyers Make

We all make mistakes. But when you’re buying a home, some false steps can cost you a lot of money, create unnecessary aggravation, or even cause you to lose out on the…