Summer is typically the busy season for the housing market, and the July Virginia Realtors® home sales report is out. The report shows a noticeable slowdown in the housing market during the month, even though home prices continue to rise. Continue reading “Summer 2022 Real Estate Market Update”
Though winter seems to want to hang on, it’s officially spring, and with it comes a newness and freshness to everything. So, as all the trees and flowers begin to bloom, why not breathe new life into your real estate business with these spring marketing ideas? Continue reading “Fresh Spring Marketing Ideas for Realtors”
Having a clear title is essential 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. Continue reading “A Refresher Course on Titles”
Despite low inventory, the housing market in Northern Virginia and the country has been buzzing. Interest rates have been low, and sales have been high, even through the pandemic. Expect interest rates to start to climb in 2022. Otherwise, experts say we’ll see more of the same this year. Continue reading “2022 Northern Virginia Housing Market Forecast”
The process of buying a home has become increasingly digital. Additionally, the pandemic put a stop to open houses temporarily, and now homes are in such high demand and selling so quickly that there’s often no time for an open house. An in-person showing is still a valuable tool to sell a home, however. A virtual tour can’t replace walking through a home and getting a feel for what it would be like to live there. An open house also gives you a chance to connect to the real estate agent. Read on for tips on how to have a successful open house. Continue reading “Tips for a Successful Open House”
When getting a loan to buy a house, you will typically need to make a down payment. This can be daunting as there is a misconception that all down payments have to be 20% of the purchase price of the house. Some lenders only require as little as 3%, but it’s worth considering that the amount of money you put down on a house can lower your interest rate and monthly payments. Continue reading “Your Down Payment Questions Answered”
A survey is not always required to close on a property but is useful for showing some important information, such as the exact location of the property, where it begins and ends and how it relates to properties around it. It will also disclose zoning, setbacks, distances, north orientation, easements, boundaries, possible encroachments and environmental issues. Additionally, the survey will show any improvements that have been made to the property, such as a fence or a shed. Continue reading “Why You May Need a Property Survey”
According to the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, you have a right to choose your own title company. You should still ask your real estate agent for recommendations, but it’s ultimately your choice which title company will represent you in your home-buying transaction. Selecting your own title company will ensure you have someone working for you who will work in your best interest and doesn’t stand to gain from the transaction. Continue reading “Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Title Company”
Spending on home improvement projects was up pre-pandemic, according to a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. This was in part due to the strong economy, but home renovations are at an all-time high now because of the pandemic and the fact that people are spending more time in their homes.
Your home renovations may be dictated by what repairs are needed, or you may be looking to add value to your home. If you’re not sure which projects to tackle first, read on to find out which home improvement projects will give you the best return on investment (ROI). Continue reading “Projects That Provide the Best ROI in 2021”
No matter what real estate market in the D.C. Metropolitan area you’re in, Ratified Title Group is there. We have three main offices and over 50 satellite offices, so you can close in a location that is convenient for you and your clients. This means that we know the area where your clients are buying and selling, whether it be Washington, D.C., Virginia or Maryland. Having offices in so many locations means that we can be flexible and meet the needs of you and your clients. Continue reading “Ratified Title Group Offices Around NOVA and Washington, D.C.”
