Category: Home Search Strategies

Everything You Wish You Knew BEFORE Calling a Listing Agent



October 22, 2010I am interested in a home I found online.  Should I call the listing agent and set up a viewing? Nowadays, many home buyers begin their home search from the comfort of their own home using online home search tools.  These sites also conveniently provide the contact information of the listing agent so that you can schedule a home viewing. What the sites conveniently don’t tell you (and...

Home Buyer Tip: Don’t buy the most expensive home in the neighborhood



October 18, 2010Buying your home is a large financial investment, maybe even the largest one your family will make. As a home buyer, you want to get the most value for your money.   If your primary motive for purchasing the home is to sell it and make a return, this tip is for you. Room to be Promoted Location, location, location:  The most important rule in Real Estate.  Everyone knows that the location...

Investment Opportunity, Look at Fannie Mae



October 8, 2010Who's Afraid Of Fannie Mae? This weekend the Denver Post featured an article about possible “good deals” of buying a Fannie Mae home.  It explained that they can be offered at a considerable discount because Fannie Mae is trying to unload a large supply of foreclosed homes.  For anyone searching to get that “good deal”, this is certainly interesting. Good deals come at a cost,...

Establishing Your Home Budget is a Delicate Balance.



September 25, 2010Recently, we talked about an important home buyers tip: carefully planning for your future so that you find the perfect home to fit your needs. Let’s revisit the subject by taking a look at why people chose to move, and what the potential downside is to moving to early. The three most common reasons to move are: “moving up”, family, and work. According to the Current Population Survey,...

Manage your home buying fears: Three things every home buyer should know.



September 22, 2010People fear responsibilities of all types.  Getting married and having a baby are classic examples.  What about buying a house?  It is a large, life changing responsibility too.  And, people can be afraid of taking this step. Home Buyers biggest fear is being unable to afford their mortgage payment. Unlike changes like having a child or getting married, people are afraid of the financial...

Home Buyers Tip: Use Your Imagination When Home Shopping



September 13, 2010If you don’t have an imagination, shop with someone who does. There is a home on the end of our street that I believe is the envy of every home owner in the neighborhood.  I admit, I have a bit of a “crush” on this house.  It is beautiful.  From the landscaping, to the wood garage doors, to  their backyard filled with bonsai trees and a lily pond, the house tickles your imagination and...

5 Surprising Benefits of Home Ownership



September 10, 2010Let’s kick off the weekend with some cheerful thoughts.  The National Organization of Real Estate released research about the positive impacts of owning a home.  Instead of focusing on financial boons, the paper, “Social Benefits of Stable Housing” takes a look at the positive social outcomes. The benefits might surprise you. According to the paper, home ownership: Has a significant...