Why Work with a Realtor?
Realtors® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. This is the Realtor® difference for home buyers.
When Choosing Realtor®
Questions to ask when choosing a Realtor.
Understanding the Term Agency
The term “agency” is used in real estate to help determine what legal responsibilities your real estate professional owes to you and other parties in the transaction.
How to Prepare for House Hunting
Know that there’s no “right” time to buy. If you find the perfect home now, don’t risk losing it because you’re trying to guess where the housing market and interest rates are going. Those factors usually don’t change fast enough to make a difference in an individual home’s price.
Prepare to Buy a Home
Properly preparing to make a real estate purchase is your best chance of completing a successful transaction.
Track Your Budget
The first step in getting yourself in financial shape to buy a home is to know exactly how much money comes in and how much goes out.
Find Your Dream Home
Search for your ideal home here.
About Credit Scores
Credit scores range between 200 and 850, with scores above 620 considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage.
Improve Your Credit
Credit scores play a big role in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what your loan terms will be.
Preparing to Finance a Home
Get your finances in order before you buy it.
Loans & Lending Terms
Taking the confusion out of some lending terminology.
When Choosing a Lender
Loan terms, rates, and products can vary significantly from one company to the next. When shopping around, these are a few things you should ask about.
Financing a Home Creatively
Sometimes you need a little extra help to make your real estate dreams come true. Here are some simple ideas on how to finance your real estate goals.
Define Your Dream Home
Download a worksheet to help you define your specific needs and wants.
About the Neighborhood
Where you live should reflect your lifestyle. These questions will help you find the best community for you.
Home Finance
How much home can you afford? Use our finance center to learn about your loan options.
Your Home’s Value
We are happy to discuss your specific home value with you but to get a more generic read lick here to receive a no-obligation assessment.
Loan Analysis
Tell us a little about yourself and we will help you track down the perfect loan for you and your circumstances.
When Considering a Condo or HOA
Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process.
The Condo Board
Before you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for you.
When Choosing a Home Inspector
There are many associations for home inspectors – do your homework.
About the Home Inspection
Things to know about the home inspection.
About Home Hazards
There are some regular home hazards you need to look out for, know the signs.
Green Home Terms
Whether you’re building the home of your dreams or looking for an existing unit, there’s a lot of data involved in finding the right environmentally friendly dwelling.
About the Appraisal Process
Once you are under contract, your lender will send out an appraiser to make sure the purchase price is in line with the property’s value.
About Property Tax
It’s natural for the sale price of a home to loom large in your mind. But don’t forget to look at what your property tax bill might be.
Your Mortgage Application
Every lender requires documents as part of the process of approving a mortgage loan. Here are documents you’re generally required to provide.
Before Making a Short Sale Offer
If a home is being sold for less than what the current owner owes on the property—and the seller does not have other funds to make up the difference at closing—the sale is considered a short sale.
Your Short Sale Purchase Team
If you’re serious about purchasing a short-sale property, it’s important for you to have expert assistance.
Buying in a Tight Market
Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market.
About Home Owners Insurance
A homeowner’s insurance policy will protect you against certain losses and damage to your new home and is generally required by lenders prior to closing. Some lenders will collect the money you owe for homeowners insurance as part of your monthly mortgage payment and place it in an escrow account, paying the insurer on your behalf when the bill is due.
Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs
Some of the ins and outs of homeowners insurance.
About Title Insurance
Title insurance protects your ownership right to your home, both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as misspellings of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property. In some states, it is customary for the seller to purchase the policy on your behalf.
Tracking Closing Costs
Be prepared and know who’s responsible for the variety of fees and expenses at the closing table.
Transaction Documents
When you walk away from the closing table with a big stack of papers, know what to file away for future reference.
Your Final Walk-through
Closing time is hectic, but you should always make time for a final walk-through to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Here’s a detailed list of what to check for on your final walk-through.
Prepare for Your Move
Local or long-distance moves require preparation.
Pack Like a Pro
Plan ahead. Develop a master to-do list so you won’t forget something critical heading into moving day. This will also help you create an estimate of moving time and costs.
How to Move with Pets
Tips on how to move with even the smallest family friends.
For the New Owners
Before the property changes hands, consult this list to make sure these items are transferred with the house.