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Buying a home is probably the most important purchase you will ever make… these ten tips will help you better understand what you can expect from contract to closing. 1. Determine Your Needs The process of purchasing a home can be especially daunting if you don’t take the time to determine your needs. A real estate professional will be able to best assist you if you are willing to answer a few important questions: What is your current lifestyle and how will that play into the neighborhood or community you choose? e.g. sports enthusiast that requires hiking…

Hurricane season has just begun and will last until the end of November; it is important for homeowners to have an awareness of what their insurance policy covers and what their hurricane deductible is. This is particularly true for first time home buyers or for homeowners that have relocated to coastal states from non-coastal regions and have not had hurricane coverage in the past. The hurricane deductible will determine the amount of money you must pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in if there is damage to your residence due to a hurricane. Hurricane deductibles are clearly listed in your…

AVONDALE, Ariz., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA), the organization of real estate professionals who advocate for buyers, has contacted the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) because NAR has deliberately removed Exclusive Buyer and Exclusive Seller Representation from their publications and materials while still claiming to cover all types of agency relationships available to real estate agents and consumers. 2012-2013 NAEBA President Michael Byrd states, “While we don’t believe this was a deliberate intent to mislead consumers, as the largest real estate association in the world and a recognized authority on real…

Palm Beach County Stats – April 2013 -/+ % Year-Over-Year Closed Sales Single-Family Homes

How to be the Most Attractive Homebuyer? The spring season tends to flood the housing market with buyers, and in markets with low inventory levels, the competition is stiff. As home prices continue to recover and interest rates remain at near-record lows, some houses are receiving multiple offers and to win the bid, buyers need to stand out from the crowd. According to the National Association of Realtors, houses sold in 71 days in January, down from 99 days a year ago. Since markets are moving fast, experts recommend sellers have their loan…

Buying a house is the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, and the complex process can be intimidating. Knowing the right questions to ask and receiving professional advice will help make a sound investment. Whether you are buying for the first time or moving across country, navigating everything from jargon to home buying basics can be scary and overwhelming. Before you begin the purchase process, make sure you have answers to these top home buyer questions. Each is a critical component to making an educated and informed decision. Where do we want to live? The first step is to help narrow…

When a real estate agent sits down with sellers to discuss the value of their home, the conversation inevitably turns to the home;s features extensive decor, a converted garage workspace or perhaps a one-of-a-kind pool or patio. While those features might be selling points, the truth is potential buyers may not value them nearly as much as the seller. Some buyers will see the garage workspace as a liability and an expense to undo. And while beautiful to the seller, the decor they chose may not appeal to a buyer. A home may go on the market with what real estate…

The following chart details the predicted life expectancy of appliances, products, materials, systems and components. Consumers and inspectors and other professionals advising their clients should note that these life expectancies have been determined through research and testing based on regular recommended maintenance and conditions of normal wear and tear, and not extreme weather (or other) conditions, neglect, over-use or abuse. Therefore, they should be used as guidelines only, and not relied upon as guarantees or warranties. Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint’s life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays via sunshine can shorten life expectancy. Additionally,…

With home affordability at its highest in years buyers are flooding the housing market and in markets with low inventory levels, the competition is stiff. As home prices continue to recover and interest rates remain at near-record lows, some houses are receiving multiple offers and to win the bid, buyers need to stand out from the crowd. According to the National Association of Realtors, houses sold in 71 days in January, down from 99 days a year ago. Since markets are moving fast, experts recommend buyers have their loan pre-approved and down payment ready before starting their search. Multiple bids…