The old saying, "Location, location, location" is more like a mantra when it comes to real estate. Buy in the wrong one and you could be setting yourself up for financial ruin. Or at least an unhappy experience. Right?In some cases, yes. But also, maybe not so much. Lets get into it.The argument for buying in the best location you can affordYou ...
Full Story >A recent report from Prime Time Window Cleaning gives a clear picture of the damage that can be caused by failing to clean out your gutters each year.They report that millions of dollar in damage are caused to Chicago area homes. The lesson to be learned can be applied across the nation. When Fall comes calling, homeowners must clean out their g...
Full Story >When you put your home on the market, one of the first decisions youll make is whether to hire an agent to represent the property or to go the for sale by owner route.While a portion of homeowners initially goes into selling their home on their own, they end up ultimately hiring an agent.Some of the big reasons homeowners decide to try and sell ...
Full Story >Question: What is the most efficient way to count ballots at an Annual Meeting? Our group has a large membership and vote counting bogs down the meeting.Answer: With many ballots to count, preparation is essential. The ballots should be preprinted with names of all candidates and a checkbox next to each. A couple of blanks should be left for nom...
Full Story >What credit score do you need to get a home loan? While specifically, it can vary, there are certain things you should know before you apply for a mortgage to ensure youve put yourself in the best possible financial position.Factors Impacting Your Credit ScoreBefore you explore specific loans, pull your credit report. You can look for errors tha...
Full Story >The world may be on pandemic pause but real estate professionals continue to work hard whether they are in a hot real estate market or a very troubled one.After a careerand, for many, a lifetimeof serving others, its going to take more than a pandemic to keep real estate professionals from finding a way to help home-buying prospects and clients ...
Full Story >If youre thinking about moving, there are a lot of factors to consider aside from the house itself.Homeowners associations are one example. Living in a community with a homeowners association can have its benefits but also its downsides.Its important to be well-aware of the implications of living in a community with a homeowners association befo...
Full Story >One of the more important functions a mortgage lender performs is determining affordability. Primarily, this is accomplished by comparing monthly credit obligations with gross monthly income. Dividing debt by income results in a percentage, or a ratio. Debt ratios fall into two basic categories, a housing ratio and a total debt ratio. The housin...
Full Story >The costs associated with buying or selling a home can add up quickly. Many buyers and sellers opt not to retain an attorney to save the several hundred dollars it costs to have one review the contract, deed and title, respond to inspection issues, and make sure the contract is performed according to its terms.But the cost of an attorney is one ...
Full Story >A natural disaster can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you live in earthquake country, tornado alley, or in a hurricane zone, there are important steps you can take.Get an inspectionIts a given when buying a house, but you can schedule one in your current home, too. An inspection can turn up items that need fixing or replacing, which can s...
Full Story >2020 hasnt been the best year for property sales. The market has experienced its biggest decline in almost a decade, slashing agents earnings dramatically. For many, this has led to cash flow issues as income has dropped or dried up altogether.nbsp;The role that commission plays in the real estate industry means that you need to prepare for unex...
Full Story >March ushered in a new way of life for many people due to the coronavirus pandemic. One of the first things that happened in many states was workers were asked to telecommute from home whenever possible.Now, even though shutdowns are technically over in many places, it seems to be a trend thats sticking around.A lot of companies arent calling em...
Full Story >Winter is the time of year that a homeowner association board should be soliciting and reviewing proposals for fair weather renovation projects like painting, fencing, pool replastering, asphalt sealing and roofing. There are several practical reasons for starting the process early:Contractors are more available. Winter is a slow time for many c...
Full Story >When youre trying to sell a home, whether youre an owner, or youre a Realtor, the imagery you convey is one of the most important aspects of marketing. People are inherently visual, and if your photos online arent high-quality and visually appealing, youre not likely to garner interest in your property.Even if youre a photographer who wants to b...
Full Story >Installing roof solar panels has become an increasingly popular option among homeowners in the United States. Solar panels will convert sunlight into energy, and then you can use that energy to power your home.While the cost of solar panels has gone down over the years, and increasingly people are installing them, its still a significant investm...
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