Purchasing a first home is an exciting time. The saving, researching, comparing, and final closing, followed by the excitement of the move-in, are experiences first-time homebuyers long remember. However, it is helpful for first-time buyers to exercise extreme caution with each step of the process since ignoring certain precautions can quickly turn to despair. Selecting…

Home appraisals performed by professionally certified appraisers are required in most real estate transactions and mortgage refinances. When a lender is involved in loans that use a property as collateral, they order an appraisal to ensure the property meets or exceeds the loan amount. Appraisals protect the lender in case of subsequent default by the…

Highlights The national median listing home price hit a record high in June at $450,000, up 16.88% year-over-year and up 31.4% compared to June 2020. The national inventory of active homes listed for sale increased 18.7% year-over-year. The total inventory of unsold homes declined by 1.4% due to a decline in pending inventory. More new…

For the second month in a row, the June housing data shows an improvement in inventory. The count of active homes listed for sale increased 18.7% year-over-year. The increase in inventory resulted from a combination of sellers entering the market and moderating demand for homes. Home sales remain fast-paced, with the typical home for sale…

Selling a home and achieving the best possible return demands extensive market knowledge. It also requires the ability to market your home to the broadest range of buyers, with savvy and unemotional negotiating skills. In addition, selling a home necessitates understanding all legalities and a high degree of objectivity. An experienced, proven real estate professional…

Historically, real estate investing is a successful strategy for investors. However, as with any investment, there are risks. Real estate investing requires considerable preparation and research. Here are some essential steps to improving your chances of success when beginning to invest in real estate. Do the Research Before buying an investment property, perform due diligence…

Professional home inspections are intended to provide peace of mind for prospective buyers by ensuring the structure is sound and that it will need no significant repairs soon after the sale closes. Prospective buyers have three inspection options: Add an inspection contingency to the offer. If a significant problem is found that the seller chooses…

The inventory of homes for sale grew in May, with more new listings entering the market than in any other month since June 2019. Despite the increase in inventory, typical housing costs are expensive and fast-paced. The median home asking price is at a new all-time high of almost $447,000. Sellers are fueling the turnaround…

Highlights The count of homes for sale grew in May compared to last year for the first time since June 2019. New home listings increased 6.3% over 2021 levels. The typical home spent 31 days on the market in May, the shortest time on record since 2016. Homes for sale were on the market 6…

FICO scores, commonly called credit scores, are a statistical gauge of an individual’s ability to repay a loan. Your credit score is a key consideration in any loan process. It is the primary factor lenders use to determine how much they will loan a borrower and the interest rate. In some instances, a low credit…