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 …
People often ask me: “Is remodeling my home a good investment?”. Other times it’s stated as fact: “Remodeling IS ALWAYS a good investment. Any money I put into my house, I’ll get back when I sell it”. My response is typically the same: “Well, maybe, but not likely”. In our article, Cost vs Value: What’s …
Realtors sometimes get a bad name. The barrier to entry is relatively low in this industry. And in any profession, there’s a wide range of skill levels, personalities and such. There are plenty of great real estate agents out there. In fact, most agents I work with are great people. When choosing an agent, it’s important …
What is Rent-To-Own? If you’re having trouble finding a house to buy, or even getting a mortgage, you might be wondering if “rent-to-own” is a good option. Rent-to-own, or lease-purchase, is where a tenant agrees to lease a home and eventually purchase it from their landlord. Usually, the tenant pays a large down payment at …
Whether you’re buying or selling real estate, how do you know what’s included in the sale of a house? Presumably, you’re buying or selling the house itself and the land on which it sits. But what about the fancy refrigerator, home theater, or smart thermostat? It depends. Typically, anything “permanently attached” should stay. However, it …
What’s An Escalation Clause? The greater Kansas City metro is still a seller’s market. Currently, it’s still very common for sellers to receive multiple offers on their house. When that happens, it’s common to see offers that include an Escalation Clause, also known as an Escalatory Addendum. Simply put, an escalation clause states a buyer …
Cost vs Value: Market Value When purchasing a home, it’s important to understand the difference between cost vs value in real estate. In other words, asking price doesn’t determine market value. The best way to illustrate my point is with an example like this: Buyer #1 pays $350,000 for a house that was listed for …
How Successful Are ‘For Sale By Owner’ Sellers? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may ask yourself: “How successful are ‘For Sale By Owner’ Sellers? Could I sell my house myself and save the commission?” If that’s you, here’s some information you may find interesting: According to The National Association of Realtors’ annual …
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 …
It’s that time of year. The weather is starting to break and people are spending their tax returns like free money. You know what that means…remodeling season has arrived! I was reminded of this last weekend during a trip to The Home Depot. For those who don’t already know, The Home Depot in Merriam is my …