Buying Tips

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you. You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your...

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This Spring

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This Spring

Spring is here, and so is the busiest season in real estate. More buyers are out looking for homes, which means more competition for you. If you want to put yourself in the best position to buy, there’s one step you can’t afford to skip, and that’s getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Some buyers think they can wait until they’ve found a home they love before talking to a lender. But in a season...

What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is a must-have to protect what’s probably your biggest investment – your home. And while you never want to think about worst-case scenarios, the right coverage is basically your safety net if something goes wrong. Here’s how it helps you. Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, your policy helps pay for repairs...

**"A digital infographic titled 'What You Need to Know About Pre-Approval' provides an overview of mortgage pre-approval. The top section features a green-highlighted 'PRE-APPROVAL' text against an image of a house. Below, the infographic explains that pre-approval is when a lender checks financial details to determine how much a buyer is qualified to borrow. The section 'Factors That Can Impact Your Pre-Approval' lists key considerations such as: Debt-to-income ratio Income and employment status Credit score Payment history Next, the section 'Why It's So Important to Do Early On' highlights four benefits of pre-approval: It provides clarity on borrowing limits and budget planning. It helps avoid falling in love with homes outside the budget. It builds confidence in securing a home loan. It signals to sellers that the offer is serious. A 'Pro Tip for Today’s Market' from Freddie Mac advises buyers to remember that pre-approval is the maximum loan amount a lender may offer, but buyers should only borrow what they are comfortable repaying. At the bottom, a call-to-action encourages connecting with a trusted lender, and the infographic is branded with real estate agent Paul Garrison’s contact details.

What You Need To Know About Pre-Approval

Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage. Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers. Connect with a trusted lender to get the process...

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real – it can also feel overwhelming. It’s a big step, and with that comes plenty of questions. Am I making the right decision? Can I really afford this right now? Will I be able to make ends meet if I have unexpected repairs? What if I lose my job? Here’s the thing: every first-time homebuyer has these thoughts. The homebuying process has always...

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

At one point or another, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.” That’s because nationally, home values continue to rise. And with mortgage rates still stubbornly high and home prices going up, you may be holding out for prices to fall or trying to time the market for that perfect rate. But here’s the truth: waiting for...

Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted. But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move. How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting...

Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

When searching for a home, you don’t want to skip over new builds as an option. Right now, there are more newly built homes to choose from than there would normally be in the market. And those added choices come with some pretty incredible benefits. Talking to your agent is the best way to see if this type of home makes sense for you. Here’s a quick rundown of some things your agent will walk you...

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market. What Is an ADU? According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a...