Could Less Parking Mean Cheaper Homes?
When the conversation turns to the nation’s affordable housing crisis, the talk is usually about ever-higher house prices and the cost of regulations.
Hidden Referral Fees Could Cost You
Most professions restrict the payment of referral fees. But they run rampant, and are somewhat controversial, in real estate.
Odd Lots: Pandemic Created Home Bargains in Some Cities
An opportunity for first-time buyers to find houses priced below market value is presenting itself in a number of places across the country – so long as they’re not looking in much of Greater Boston.
What’s in Store When the All-Clear Sounds?
It may be too early to forecast exactly what lies ahead for the housing market once COVID-19 passes into the history books. But at this point, the sector seems poised to retake its place in leading the economy back from the coronavirus-inspired recession.
Smart Buyers Go for Funding Now
Whether you want to buy now, while the pandemic rages on, or wait until the all-clear is finally sounded by medical professionals, it’s smart to line up your financing as soon as possible.
Most Lenders Have Tightened Mortgage Rules
Just as quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic bolted across the country, that’s how fast the financing situation has changed for homebuyers. And whether the mortgage market will return to “normal” once the scourge subsides is anybody’s guess.
Closings Go High and Low
Title companies are pulling out all the stops to get deals closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they say the best way to close – not just during the outbreak, but moving forward – is electronically.
Some Buyers, Sellers Soldier On
New and existing houses aren’t selling like they were prior to the pandemic. But people are still transacting.
Water, Water Everywhere in Homebuilding
Water might not be on many homebuyers’ radar screens. But it sure is becoming a more important feature, both inside and outside the house.
Realtors Learning to Hide Banned Pocket Listings
The National Association of Realtors has all but put a stop to one controversial practice some agents use to hide their listings from other agents. But some crafty realty pros are already finding their way around the new rules.
Let’s Stop the Demolition Derby
What if builders stripped out the good stuff – cabinetry, doors, windows, bathroom fixtures, hardwood floors – before bulldozing old dwellings? Then those materials could be used in remodeling jobs, incorporated into new construction, or sold.
Better Put Off that Home Purchase, Kid
It may never be too early to become a homeowner. But for some, it may be better to wait until they mature a tad.
A Little Schooling Goes A Long Way for Homebuyers
Obtaining an affordable mortgage is an art, not a science – especially for first-time buyers – and is just as important as finding an affordable house.
Online Reviews Aren’t Always Trustworthy
Many people rely on online reviews to decide what to buy. Indeed, research from Nielsen Global Media shows that opinions posted online are second only to personal recommendations in influencing purchase decisions.
Odd Lots: Dodge a Catch 22 After Natural Disasters
Homeowners who lose their homes to wildfire, flood, tornado or another national disaster often lose the records needed to prove their losses – for tax purposes, obtaining federal assistance or reimbursement from their insurance companies.
Not Ready to Commit? Don’t!
Potential buyers and their real estate agents often engage in a complicated courtship dance. A top-flight real estate coach offers ways the best agents overcome prospective clients’ common objections.
Odd Lots: Refis, DTIs and More
Nothing is more devastating to a homebuyer than to search for months and finally find the place they want, only to be rejected by their lender. But it happens. According to LendingTree, 1 in 10 would-be borrowers are turned down.
Disaster Coverage is a Disaster for Most
Many – if not most – homeowners aren’t prepared for a flood, tornado or other natural disaster. And neither, apparently, are their insurance companies.
Parents Can Hurt More than Help Young Homebuyers
Parents can take a number of steps to help their offspring purchase their first homes. But beware, lest Mom and Dad steamroll their kids’ real opinions, needs and desires.
