REALTORS® sometimes get a bad reputation, and it’s not entirely undeserved. The barrier to entry in real estate is low, leading to a wide range of skill levels, ethics, and professionalism. But there are plenty of exceptional agents out there, and most I work with daily are outstanding professionals. When the emotions of a sale …
What is Market Value (Cost) When purchasing a home in Kansas City, it’s important to understand the difference between cost and value in real estate. In other words, the “FOR SALE” price doesn’t determine market value. The best way to illustrate my point is with an example like this: Which buyer got the better deal? It depends. To answer …
The Bureau of Labor Statics says that Americans across all income levels spend between 25-30% of their income on housing. That’s a massive portion of your income, no matter who you are. What if you were able to invest that money instead, or take an extra vacation each year? It’s actually possible. It requires a …
In the age of the internet, it’s very easy to have information overload. That’s definitely true in real estate. There are over 800 single family homes for sale in Johnson County right now; 211 in Overland Park alone. Inventory is relatively low, but that’s still a lot of houses. So, it’s very easy to spend hours and hours …
Qualifying for a mortgage often requires some very specific criteria. And any time you make changes to your financial situation, your ability to qualify can change. That’s why it’s crucial to be careful regarding your finances throughout entire processes of buying a home. This includes from the time you receive your loan approval, all the …
Are you in the market to purchase a home or investment property? Have you decided whether or not you will use a real estate agent to assist you with your purchase? Here’s something to consider: about 90% of buyers use a real estate agent or broker when purchasing a house. Buyers not using a real …
What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty covers things that your standard homeowner’s insurance policy will not cover. Smart buyers and sellers can look to home warranties as a hedge against unexpected, and often expensive, repairs. A seller can purchase a 6-month warranty for $350-$500. When the house is sold (within that 6-month period) …
You’ve done your research to find the perfect house, diligently picking the right school district and a neighborhood that’s relatively close to work, etc. You’ve finally found the perfect home, and your offer has been accepted…now what? The next step in your due diligence process is hiring a home inspector to inspect the home. A …
Imagine that you’ve found the perfect house. Congratulations! However, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee you’ll be living in your favorite house. There are simple things home buyers do that can ultimately cause them to miss out on their dream home. Do you want to see someone else living in your favorite house? Here are 4 common …