What does your home inspection cover? And who is liable if a problem develops down the road? We’ll answer these questions in today’s column.You need an inspection on any property you are buying, regardless if it’s old or new construction. An inspection is like a check-up for your house. What repairs will need to be addressed now and what might need to be addressed later down the road? This is what you have answered during an...

Power Saving For A Down Payment Now more than ever, saving for a down payment is a crucial step to owning a home. Right now Capital Hill legislators, lobbyists, real estate industry experts and others are wrangling over Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act provisions in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Among the most discussed provisions is one that would create a Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM), one...

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to buying your dream home. Every decision, small to large, is important! Let’s look at a list of common issues that buyers face. 1. Neighborhood: Deciding on what neighborhood you desire is tricky. You must consider your wants and needs. They vary by person. Do you have children and need to live within the boundaries of a specific school district? You might want a short commute, a...

In a buyers’ market, selling your home can be a frustrating lesson, especially if you make costly mistakes that can slow your sales opportunities. According to an article by Zillow, about 36 percent of homes nationwide sold for a loss in January. As spring rolls in and buyers head out to shop for their perfect home, they’re doing so with a critical eye because of the many choices due to excessive inventory. If you avoid common seller mistakes,...

Not every market is struggling. The truth is that many desirable neighborhoods and zipcodes are still experiencing healthy inventory levels and conditions that promote multiple offers. As a buyer in these markets, how can you be competitive? First, and perhaps most importantly, be ready to buy. Readiness is not impulsiveness, however. Before you begin your home search, be clear on your objectives. This means knowing your budget (and how much...