Explaining Escrow

For many home buyers and sellers, escrow is an unfamiliar term that’s often confused with closing. While an escrow agent is involved in the closing of a real estate transaction, escrow itself is the process where an impartial third party ho...

How to Secure Financing

Buying a house is the biggest purchase most people will ever make, and securing a mortgage is a huge financial commitment. In a time when foreclosures run rampant, understanding your financing options and making a responsible choice can make all ...

How to Make an Offer

There’s nothing like that moment when you finally find the perfect house. You may be tempted to write the seller a check on the spot, but knowing how to make the right offer can make all the difference on whether or not you actually land yo...

Is it Time to Lower Your Price?

If your house has been on the market for several weeks and still hasn’ t yielded an offer, you may wonder if it’ s time to lower your price. While overpricing is the number one reason homes fail to sell, if your asking price was based...

Negotiating Tips for Buyers

Negotiating can be intimidating under any circumstances, and it can be especially stressful when the house of your dreams is on the line. If your offer to buy is met with a counteroffer, use the following tips for negotiating to help you haggle y...

Top 10 Mistakes Buyers Make

#1 Making major purchases. Your finances will be scrutinized before a bank will approve a home loan application. Even if you have perfect credit – or you’ve recently come into some money – extravagant purchases can jeopardize yo...

Top 10 Tips for Sellers

#1 Get ready to move on. Make sure you’re able to qualify for a new mortgage and you can afford homes in the neighborhood where you want to move.

#2 Get help if you need it. You can sell your home yourself and save money, or use ...

What to Consider Before You Buy

If you’re thinking about buying a home, your head is probably filled with a million questions: Is now the time? Can you afford it? Will it pay off? Buying a home comes with an array of benefits. A fixed rate mortgage will stabilize your hou...