A house that you live in is different than a home that you’re trying to sell. You want to take a look at every room with a critical eye and make sure your home is set up to highlight the best features and to downplay the not-so-great ones. One of the single most important home…
My home didn’t sell over the summer, should I put my home sale on ice until spring? A: You might have longer marketing periods in the colder months, but there are buyers who need to buy! Lots of agents say, “Location, Location, Location!” Location is important, but in a hot real estate market you can’t…
How do I choose a real estate agent? If you want more than photos taken from a car window, putting your listing on the MLS and a sign in your yard, it might be important for you to interview your Real Estate Agent and get to know them. Ask them how they plan to sell…
In the summer months farmers markets are flooded with vendors selling the same beautiful produce. But, what happens when you want a farmers market fresh tomato in January? With research and the right connections- you’ll find one! I see the housing market the same way. When you hire a team of professionals that know the…
There are times that renting makes sense- college, job relocation, and other short term life changes. If you’re ready to establish your roots in your community, home ownership is the best option. As a homeowner you can build equity, enjoy tax advantages, low interest rates, and possibly a cheaper monthly mortgage payment than your current…
Often homeowners will come into my office with a ‘Zestimate’ they completed online expecting our home price evaluation to match identically- most of the time they don’t. An online evaluation tool might get you in the ballpark for price, but can’t replace a local real estate expert. Most of the online evaluation tools fail…
How can I crank up the heat on my home sale? If your home has been for sale since the last Ice Age, it’s time you take a serious look at the top five reason your home isn’t selling. 1. You hired the wrong listing agent. Has your relationship gone cold or are do they…
First, check your credit rating to ensure there are no errors and resolve these prior to applying for a home loan. Next, determine a comfortable monthly budget for your new home- including down payment and monthly payments. Work with a local bank or credit union to become pre-qualified for a home loan. Choose a real…
Dear Casey: Do you think I should be pre-approved for a mortgage before I start looking for a new home? Yes, yes, and yes! Did I say yes?! If you are serious about looking for a new home you should absolutely get pre-approved for a mortgage. When working with a lender, you can discuss loan…
Dear Casey: We’re ready to choose our Realtor. What are some questions we should ask prior to choosing this important partner? Dear Reader: Choosing a Realtor is a vital part of the home-buying process. As the #1 Realtor in this area, I know the “ins and outs” of buying a home better than anyone else.…