Is a Home Inspection Necessary When Buying a House?

A home inspection can help find hidden problems when buying a house

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…

Read More

Homes for Sale Inventory Grows for First Time Since 2019 [Video]

May 2022 Market Report Video

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…

Read More

Inventory of Homes for Sale Increases in May [Infographic]

May 2022 Market Report Infographic

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…

Read More

What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Home?

Credit scores and homebuyers

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…

Read More

Avoid These Common House-Hunting Mistakes

Mistakes to avoid when house-hunting

Whether the real estate market is hot or cold, prospective homebuyers need the guidance of a real estate professional. Together you can create a homebuying plan that will help you avoid selecting the wrong home and keep you from spending more than necessary. Sometimes, the excitement and frustrations created by the competition for buying a…

Read More

Are Short-Term Rentals a Good Investment Strategy?

Short-Term Rentals as an Investment

With real estate prices rising faster than rents in some markets, investors need to weigh forecasted income for long-term rentals against what they must pay for the property. Investors hoping to turn a house or condo into a viable long-term rental (LTR) may have trouble charging rent that covers their investment and generates a return…

Read More

April Home Prices and Mortgage Rates Continue to Climb [Infographic]

April 2022 National Housing Market Report Infographic

Highlights Home inventory is beginning to catch up with last year; however, homebuyers are still contending with fewer homes for sale. The number of homes for sale in April is comparable to this time last year, but the number is still fewer than what was typical before the pandemic. April home sales were fast-paced, with…

Read More

Your Offer to Buy a Home Was Accepted: What’s Next?

Handshake after buying a home

The house hunt seems to be reaching its end. But after dozens of showings and maybe even a few offers that were outbid or not accepted, a homeowner has finally accepted your offer! But now what? Has the process ended, and is it time to plan the move? While an offer acceptance is a positive…

Read More

The Differences in Closing Costs and Prepaids

The difference between closing costs and prepaids when buying a home

When purchasing a home, buyers are responsible for paying closing costs and prepaids. The difference between the two can often be confusing, especially since they are paid when closing on a home purchase. Here’s what you need to know so you’re prepared for closing day. Closing Costs vs. Prepaids: What’s the Difference? You might hear…

Read More