We’ve said this before, but it’s so important that it bears repeating. You need to invest in title insurance, (even if you’re paying with cash). Ideally, when you close on a property, the title transfers from one owner to another, and everyone lives happily ever after; but that’s not always the case. That’s why title insurance is a good investment. Read on to find out what it is and why you need it.
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The busy season for real estate is spring and summer. During the winter months and the holidays, both buyers and inventory take a dip. However, those who are looking for a home during the winter months are highly motivated due to any number of reasons like job relocation, a new family member which requires more living space, wanting to take advantage of tax breaks and year-end bonuses that finally provide the funds needed to upgrade to a new, bigger home. There are some specific things you can do to make selling your home during this time of year easier.
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A home purchase is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. With that in mind, you want someone in your corner that has a proven track record of working specifically with buyers. That person is an ABR® certified realtor.
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Some may say that the holidays are the worst time to try and sell your home. With so much going on during the holidays, especially in a year like this, this may ring true, but there are some advantages to selling during this time of year. There are typically less homes on the market, so you’ll have less competition. People looking to buy a home during this time, generally have a specific reason for doing so and are more serious about buying. Additionally, selling your home before the end of the year will enable you to claim deductions on your next tax return such as mortgage interest, private mortgage insurance and property taxes.
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While spring is considered by many to be the best time to sell a home, fall is a great time as well. Summer vacations are over, the really cold weather hasn’t set in yet and the holidays aren’t quite upon us. For these reasons, serious buyers want to move quickly before it does get cold and they find themselves in the middle of the busy holiday season. The fall real estate season is typically Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, so if you’re trying to sell your home right now, or thinking of putting your home on the market, here are some tips to help ensure the best showing for your home.
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Despite the pandemic, the real estate business is booming. The numbers are up from last year in almost every category. In general, more homes are being sold while the inventory remains low compared to years past. Below are statistics from the last two months to give you an idea of what the market is like in our area right now.
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Depending on what type of loan you get, the current mortgage rates are between 2.5% and 3.5%, according to Bankrate. With interest rates this low, now may be the time to refinance your mortgage to get cash out and pay off debts or make some home improvements — or simply lower your monthly payment. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether refinancing is the right move for you.
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The official start of fall is just a couple of weeks away. That means it’s time to prepare your home for cooler weather, falling leaves and eventually snow. Here is a handy checklist of things to do inside and outside your home to prepare for the changing seasons.
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Having a clear title is important to any real estate transaction, even if you are paying cash. When you have the title to a piece of property, it means you have the right to own and use that piece of property. The title also includes the legal documents that define the property’s boundary lines and how it’s allowed to be used. However, in order to get the title to the property you want, you’ll need the help of a good title company. Where should you start and what should you keep an eye out for?
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Before you take ownership of a new home, it’s important to obtain title insurance. Most lenders require that you purchase title insurance to protect their investment. It also protects you if any issues come up with the title, such as liens or unpaid taxes.
Choosing a title company is one of the more critical decisions you will make when buying a home. The title company is crucial in every stage of a real estate purchase from the title search to the closing process. The title company is also responsible for securing your funds, so you will want to ask these very important questions of the companies you are considering.
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