It’s Not All Bad for Buyers
Now might not be the best time to buy a house. But if you are a member of the must-buy group, fear not: the inventory of houses for sale hasn’t been this large since 2019.
Low-Fee Brokers Look Increasingly Appealing
Selling your house doesn’t need to cost as much as most agents charge. How does 1 percent of the selling price grab you? Or a flat fee of around $500?
Celebs Help Sell Houses, Loans
A spokesperson doesn’t necessarily need to be super famous, but they should at least be recognizable.
Unhappy Agents Voice Concerns
According to the surprisingly candid results of a survey delving into agents’ psyche by the Redfin brokerage firm, half expect their fees to fall in the coming months.
The Green Mirage Sweeping America
A deceptive calling campaign is sweeping the country, costing homeowners hundreds of thousands of dollars in mortgage fraud, according to a federal watchdog.
Planning Is Key for Senior Homeowners
Survey after survey has shown that seniors have a strong desire to remain in their homes until they pass. But some will eventually experience a life event that will alter their thinking.
Don’t Pocket Those Listings
Do you really want to withhold your property from the widest possible audience just to give your agent a chance to bank the entire commission, or at least keep the payday in-house?
This Real Estate Agent Went FSBO
This agent – licensed in another state – sold his parent’s home in a highly sought-after area in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., for $100,000 over the asking price, but regrets his decision.
What’s Better for Buyers: Commission Percentages or Dollar Figures?
Which would you rather pay a real estate agent to help you sell your $450,000 house: a 6 percent sales commission or $27,000? They’re exactly the same amounts, of course, but one sounds a lot less.
Presidential Plans Raise Anxiety in Housing Sector
In the market for a newly constructed house? You might want to hurry. Soon, new homes are likely to cost more and take longer to build.
Showing at a Moment’s Notice
Houses are meant to be lived in – except when they are for sale. That’s when they switch from a home to a commodity: a place that has to be ready for prospective buyers at a moment’s notice.
Beware Pre-Closing Pitfalls
It takes about 43 days, on average, to go from signing a contract on a house to reaching the settlement table. And between those dates, bunches of things can go haywire and scuttle the deal.
EV Sales Just Hit a Record. So How Do You Add a Charger to a House?
Sales of electronic vehicles continue to increase every year. And with that comes greater demand for at-home EV charging stations.
Need Listings? Look for Homes that Were Taken Off the Market
Would-be sellers who have taken their houses off the market should be ready for an all-out blitz this spring from agents looking to relist their places
What Real Estate Agents Shouldn’t Do
Collectively, real estate agents don’t always have the greatest reputation, even if it’s undeserved in many cases. But some agents really cross the line. Here’s a listing of some of the biggest red flags.
Finding Money to Rebuild After Disasters
Hurricanes, fires, floods: If you’re struck by one of these disasters, you’re going to need money. The good news is that there are numerous financial resources available.
Homebuyers’ Student Debt Issues Can Be Solved. Here’s Where to Start
Massive, often insurmountable amounts of student debt have prevented millions of otherwise qualified borrowers from obtaining financing to buy a house.
After Death or Divorce, What Happens to the House?
When a family member passes away, their loved ones sometimes become homeowners unexpectedly. In these situations, servicers are supposed to help, but some just steer borrowers into costly refinances.
Should Sellers Sign Long-Duration Listing Agreements?
The Department of Justice has warned buyers not to sign contracts binding them to the agent showing them houses. And maybe they shouldn’t. But what about sellers?
Flood Insurance Is Getting More Affordable
The National Flood Insurance Program is working on allowing policyholders to pay their premiums on a monthly basis. Previously, premiums could only be paid annually.
This Week’s Newspaper
