Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for holiday buyers. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale has dropped to an astonishing all-time low. It now sits at a 2.5-month supply at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ or ‘neutral’ market, in which there are enough homes available for active buyers (See graph below):When the supply of houses for sale is as low as it is today, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. This means competition among purchasers rises and more bidding wars take place, making it essential for buyers to submit very attractive offers. As this happens, prices rise and sellers are in the best position to negotiate deals that meet their ideal terms. So, if your neighbors decide to remove their listings this season, your house may quickly rise to the top of a holiday buyer’s wish list if you stay on the market. Today, there are many buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase. Record-low mortgage rates and a year filled with unique changes have prompted buyers to think differently about where they live and to take action. The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with this high demand, making now the optimal time to sell your house. Bottom Line Home prices are appreciating in today’s sellers’ market. Making your home available over the next few weeks will give you the most exposure to buyers who will be actively competing against each other to purchase it. The post Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday Season appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. by Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer The saying may go, “Out with the old; in with new,” but the real ramifications of […] The post Succeed By Example: Part Two of a Series on Mentorship appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. EXIT Realty Corp. International is pleased to announce that RE Datum has become its newest Premier Partner. RE Datum is an online business intelligence provider […] The post RE Datum Becomes EXIT Realty’s Newest Premier Partner appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. Here are the latest 2020 appreciation numbers from three reliable sources: FHFA: 7.8% CoreLogic: 7.3% Case-Shiller: 7% It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that house appreciation is out of control in today’s market. However, we need to put these numbers into context first. Inflation and the Comeback from the Housing Crash Following the housing crash, home values depreciated dramatically from 2007-2011. Values are still recovering from that unusually long period of falling prices. We must also realize that normal inflation has had an impact. Bill McBride, the founder of the well-respected Calculated Risk blog, recently summed it up this way: “It has been over fourteen years since the bubble peak. In the Case-Shiller release today, the seasonally adjusted National Index, was reported as being 22.2% above the previous bubble peak. However, in real terms (adjusted for inflation), the National index is still about 2% below the bubble peak…As an example, if a house price was $200,000 in January 2000, the price would be close to $291,000 today adjusted for inflation.” The COVID Impact on Home Prices The pandemic caused many households to reconsider whether their current home still fulfills their lifestyle. Many homeowners now want larger yards that are both separate and private. Their needs on the inside of the home have changed too. People now want home offices, gyms, and living rooms well-suited for video conferencing. Barbara Ballinger, a freelance writer and the author of several books on real estate, recently wrote: “While homeowners continue to want their outdoor spaces that offer a safe retreat, that appeal has shifted into other parts of the home, coupling comfort with function. In other words, homeowners want amenities for work and leisure, and they plan to enjoy them long after the pandemic.” At the same time, concerns about the pandemic have caused many homeowners to put their plans to sell on hold. Realtor.com just released their November Monthly Housing Market Trends Report. It explains: “Nationally, the inventory of homes for sale decreased 39.2% over the past year in November…This amounted to 490,000 fewer homes for sale compared to November of last year.” More people buying and fewer people selling has caused home prices to escalate. However, with a vaccine on the horizon, more homeowners will be putting their houses on the market. This will better balance supply with demand and slow down the rapid appreciation. That’s why major organizations in the housing industry are calling for much more moderate home appreciation next year. Here are the most recent forecasts for 2021: National Association of Realtors: 4.5% Freddie Mac: 2.6% Fannie Mae: 2.1% Mortgage Bankers Association: 2% This Is Nothing Like 2006 Finally, let’s put to rest some of the concerns that today’s scenario is anything like what led up to the last housing crash. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains why this is nothing like 2006: “Such a frenzy of activity, reminiscent of 2006, raises questions about a bubble and the potential for a painful crash. The answer: There’s no comparison. Back in 2006, dubious adjustable-rate mortgages taxed many buyers’ budgets. Some loans didn’t even require income documentation. Today, buyers are taking out 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Fourteen years ago, there were 3.8 million homes listed for sale, and home builders were putting up about 2 million new units. Now, inventory is only about 1.5 million homes, and home builders are underproducing relative to historical averages.” Bottom Line Most aspects of life have been anything but normal in 2020. That includes buying and selling real estate. High demand coupled with restricted supply has caused home prices to appreciate above historic levels. With the end of the health crisis in sight, we will see price appreciation return to more normal levels next year. The post Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending When the time comes to get your home ready for sale, you have probably taken steps to make sure that it is in tip top shape. Maybe you have spruced up the landscaping. Many sellers pay for professional cleaning. Some even put in luxury features and upgrades to attract interested buyers. But one of the most important steps comes once your home is listed for sale: marketing. Marketing resources for houses One of the first things that you want to do to list your home is also one of the simplest. You have to actually list it on a for sale platform. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the most comprehensive and often the first place that real estate professionals go to look for homes on the market. Other popular sites include Zillow, FSBO.com, and Realtor.com. Working with a Real Estate Agent A real estate agent can put your home’s marketing plan above the competition, often resulting in a higher sales price and faster sale. While their commission does take some money from the overall purchase price, their know-how and connections often make this cost worth it. They can also help to arrange showings, open houses, and bring buyers to your home. Extra Steps to Market Your Home Hiring a professional photographer to showcase your home’s best features in your listing is a great way to bring attention to it. You can also hire a stager, a professional who brings in furniture and décor to make your home as appealing as possible to interested buyers. Sharing your listing, open house information, and your real estate agent’s contact card on social media can also increase the number of people who see your listing. You never know when a friend or family member will think that your for sale home is perfect for their new coworker or friend who is moving to the area. The post Marketing Your Home for Sale appeared first on 719 Lending.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. by Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International Agents move from one real estate brokerage to another because of their circumstances and the same is […] The post Be the Solution in 2021 appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: “We saw positive job gains, but I think the sentiment is largely negative because we know that we’re heading into a dark winter.” There’s no doubt that millions of households have been – and continue to be -devastated by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. We should, however, put the current situation into perspective. Where we currently stand is much better than where most experts thought we would be at this time. Jed Kolko, Chief Economist of Indeed, explained in his State of the Labor Market that, though the situation is not good, we’re doing better than original expectations: “Though the labor market rebound is incomplete, it has nevertheless surpassed expectations. In May, after payrolls plunged and unemployment spiked, the Wall Street Journal panel of economic forecasters projected unemployment would be over 11% in December 2020 and not fall below 7% until the first half of 2022 — a milestone already passed in October.” With the announcement that vaccines should be available soon, we’re not far from the most damaged segments of the economy gaining momentum again. Jeff Sparshott of the Wall Street Journal recently wrote: “Even with signs of a recent slowdown, the labor-market recovery since this spring has been stronger than most economists expected. Many now project widespread vaccine distribution will eventually help lift the economy further as businesses are allowed to reopen and consumers feel more comfortable traveling, going to the movies.” Bottom Line Though millions of Americans are still out of work, the situation was forecasted to be even direr than it is today. Once a vaccine becomes available, the economy should complete its comeback, and so should the labor market. The post An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation homes.” Buyers are taking advantage of the fact that working from home might be someplace other than their primary residence – at the beach, in the mountains, or somewhere in between. NAR explains: “Sales in vacation-home counties increased 48% on average year over year in the third quarter; overall, 81% of vacation-home counties saw a year-over-year sales increase.” Is it Time to Sell Your Vacation Home? If you’ve been thinking about selling your vacation home, putting it on the market now while demand is high might be your best move. Here are two reasons why. 1. Vacation Homes Are Selling Quickly These homes are not staying in the market for very long. NAR also notes: “In September, 68% of vacation homes sold in less than a month. Historically, about 30% sell that quickly…It’s a pretty amazing uptick compared to past years.” 2. Home Prices Are Rising With an increase in demand, prices go up. NAR continues: “In the third quarter, prices in vacation-home counties rose by about 32% year over year. Seventy-nine percent of these counties experienced year-over-year price gains. NAR defines a vacation-home county as one in which seasonal housing accounts for at least 20% of stock.” If your vacation home is sitting idle, maybe not attracting as many renters as you usually see, or if you simply want to sell it so you can trade up or take it off your worry list, now may be the time. Demand is high, so you’re in the ideal spot to get a stronger return on your investment today. Bottom Line Demand is on the rise, so reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine your next steps when it comes to selling your vacation home. The post How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to learn the specific path to take in your local area. The post The Path to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. by Melanie Robitaille, Sr. Staff Writer & Graphic Designer One of the greatest assets the next generation has is an intrinsic want to make their […] The post Succeed by Example: A Two-Part Series on Mentorship appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. In a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and even seeing our doctors online, digital practices have changed the way we live. This year, rather than delaying their home purchases, buyers – alongside their trusted real estate professionals – turned to the Internet to do more than just a typical home search. In some cases, they bought homes without even stepping foot inside. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: “People really didn’t buy houses sight-unseen, traditionally. It’s still not a huge number, but it has gone up, and we have definitely seen that trend accelerate.” According to NAR, throughout the coronavirus pandemic, one in every 20 homebuyers purchased a house sight-unseen. How Your Real Estate Agent Will Pave the Way Today, real estate professionals are using digital practices to help homebuyers and sellers walk through many steps in the process virtually. While following the regulations set forth by the CDC and all local guidelines, this year, agents quickly empowered buyers and sellers with virtual tours, 3D floor plans, high-quality photos, videos, online open houses, and more. For those who had homebuying and selling needs in 2020, trusted advisors made it possible in many markets. Here’s a graph showing some of the digital options buyers found most helpful in their searches this year, as noted by NAR in the 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:The report also mentions that buyers this year generally searched for eight weeks. Throughout that search, they viewed a median of 9 homes, but not all of them were seen in-person. Yahoo Finance notes: “Buyers viewed five homes online and four homes in-person during the pandemic, compared to nine homes in-person in 2019, according to NAR. This was the first year NAR asked buyers to specify the number of homes toured virtually.” In true 2020 fashion, virtual practices helped buyers safely narrow down their top choices, so they didn’t have to unnecessarily walk into more homes than they needed to see throughout the process. Here’s the breakdown by region:At a time when health and safety are top priorities, current technology is making it possible for buyers and sellers to move their real estate plans forward at their own comfort levels, even through a worldwide pandemic. For many, this means buyers no longer have to physically tour every home they want to see, and sellers don’t need to open their doors over and over again throughout the process. Safety can come first, and trusted real estate professionals are here to help. Bottom Line If you’re ready to make a move, you may not have to press pause on your plans this season. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine the safe and effective options to buy or sell a home in your area or wherever you’re looking to move. The post A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual World appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending It pays to know the difference between these two. Need a home loan? Apply Today Have a real estate or mortgage question? Contact Us   What’s the difference between an appraisal and an inspection? Appraisals determine the value of the home. An appraiser will take into account recent, comparable home sales in the neighborhood. They’ll also evaluate health and safety issues. For example, is there a crack or lip in the sidewalk leading to the house that someone could trip on and hurt themselves? Is there a handrail on the stairs to ensure people can balance themselves? Also, appraisals are required when you get a mortgage. An inspection determines the condition of the home. The inspector will check the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems and many other things to assess how solid the house is; they look for the issues. Looking at an inspection report may scare you a bit, it may have 15 pages of problems! However, most of them aren’t that big of a deal. Inspections are optional, but knowing about these issues is a crucial reason to get one.   Appraisals are required when you get a mortgage.   If you have further questions about appraisals or inspections or anything else concerning real estate, reach out via phone or email. We would love to help you. The post VIDEO: What’s the Difference Between Appraisals and Inspections? appeared first on 719 Lending.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Corwyn Melette, Broker/Owner of EXIT Realty Low Country Group in Charleston, SC, decided to raise money to assist Senior Housing & Resource Management in his […] The post EXIT Realty Low Country Group Raises Funds to Help Homeless Veterans appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale today than there were last year. At the same time, buyer demand remains strong. In a recent newsletter, research analyst Ivy Zelman explained: “Although the headwind of severe supply constraints in most markets has contributed to slight moderation in seasonally-adjusted and year-over-year new pending contract growth for two consecutive months (albeit still growing strongly), the underlying strength of buyer demand, particularly for this time of year, remains apparent.” Whenever there’s a shortage in the supply of an item that’s in high demand, the price of that item increases. That’s exactly what’s happening in the real estate market right now. As a result, home values are surging. This is great news if you’re planning to sell your house. On the other hand, as either a first-time or repeat buyer, this may instead seem like troubling news. Purchasers, however, should realize that the price of a house is not as important as the monthly cost. Here’s how it breaks down. There are several factors that influence the cost of a home. Two of the major ones are: The price of the home The mortgage rate at which a buyer can borrow the funds necessary to purchase the home How do these factors impact affordability? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) produces a Housing Affordability Index which takes these factors into account and determines an overall affordability score for housing. According to NAR, the index: “…measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national and regional levels based on the most recent price and income data.” Their methodology states: “To interpret the indices, a value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home. An index above 100 signifies that family earning the median income has more than enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a median-priced home, assuming a 20 percent down payment.” So, the higher the index, the more affordable it is to purchase a home. Here’s a graph of the index going back to 1990:The blue bar represents today’s affordability. We can see that homes are more affordable now than they were from: 1990 to 2008 2017 to 2018 Buying a home today is just a little less affordable than it was last year, but still very affordable compared to historical housing market trends. Note: During the housing crash from 2009 to 2015, distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales) dominated the market. Those properties were sold at large discounts not seen before in the housing market. Why are homes still affordable today? The number one factor impacting today’s homebuying affordability is record-low mortgage rates. There’s no doubt that prices are on the rise. However, mortgage rates have fallen dramatically. Last week, Freddie Mac announced that the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 2.72%. Last year at this time, the average rate was 3.68%. If you’re considering purchasing your first home or moving up to the one you’ve always hoped for, it’s important to understand how affordability plays into the overall cost of your home. With that in mind, buying while mortgage rates are as low as they are now may save you quite a bit of money over the life of your home loan. Bottom Line At this point, home purchase affordability is still in a historically good place. However, we need to watch price increases going forward. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, noted in a recent post: “Faster nominal house price appreciation can erode, or even eliminate, the boost in affordability from lower mortgage rates, especially if household income growth doesn’t keep up.” The post With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Rebecca Andreula and a team of sales associates at EXIT Realty Front and Center in Binghamton, NY continued their 3-year tradition of walking to end […] The post EXIT Realty Front and Center Virtually Walk to End Alzheimer’s appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Andrew Phillips, a Sales Representative with EXIT Realty Advantage in Fredericton, New Brunswick, rallied his fellow EXIT Associates to raise funds benefiting  Greener Village Fredericton […] The post $11,450 in Fundraising Turns into $45,000 Worth of Food with Help from the Spirit of EXIT appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are over 75 million Millennials and 67 million Gen Z’ers in the U.S., making up a significant number of both current and soon-to-be homebuyers. According to a recent Fannie Mae survey of more than 2,000 of these individuals: “88% said they are confident they will achieve homeownership someday.” In addition, the survey also reveals that for younger generations, the motivation to own a home may be more emotional than financial compared to previous generations: 78% believe it’s the best way to live the way they want, without restrictions 80% believe homeownership is the best way to make it on their own Whether homeownership goals come from the heart or are driven by financial aspirations (or maybe both), the obstacles standing in the way don’t have to bring these dreams to a screeching halt. The same survey also reveals two key roadblocks for potential buyers. Thankfully, they’re both easily overcome with the power of knowledge and trusted advisors leading the way. Here’s a look at these two challenges potential homebuyers face today: 1. 73% of future homebuyers are unaware of low-down-payment mortgage options For those who want to purchase a home, low-down-payment options are instrumental to affording one sooner rather than later, especially given the amount of debt many younger adults have accumulated. Fannie Mae also notes: “Among the challenges they face is an unprecedented amount of debt, along with a lack of understanding of the mortgage process and their own purchasing power. Debt, in particular, creates many obstacles such as a limited ability to save and the fear of taking on more debt.” Today, there are more than 2,340 down payment assistance programs available nationwide to help relieve this pressure. Understanding what’s out there and the options available may help many buyers become homeowners faster than they thought possible. In a year like this, with record-low mortgage rates making their mark in the history books, being able to take advantage of the opportunity buyers have right now is essential to long-term affordability. 2. 64% of buyers expect lenders and other real estate professionals to educate them about the mortgage process While many people love to do a quick search online to find instant answers to their questions, it isn’t the only way younger generations want to consume information or build their knowledge base. As the survey mentions, having trusted professionals help them learn what it takes to achieve their dreams is definitely on their wish list too. Bottom Line If you’re aiming for homeownership someday, it may be in closer reach than you think. Contact a local real estate professional and your lender to learn about the process and get the guidance you need to make it happen. The post Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending Whether you are a home buyer, seller, or real estate professional, chances are you have worked with a real estate agent. Real estate agents are crucial to keeping the real estate industry working efficiently. They connect buyers and sellers, representing their interests in a real estate sale. How exactly are these valuable professionals paid? Who pays a real estate agent? Most real estate agents work on commission. This means that they receive a percentage of the overall purchase price of the home. A typical agent commission is 6%. This is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents, if they are both working with an agent. Each agent gets 3%, which is paid out of the home’s proceeds at the time of closing. The commission comes out of the seller’s profits from the sale. The closing attorney or title office will take care of the actual payment, providing a check to the agents after closing. If the agent works for a brokerage, they may have their own process to distribute earnings to their agents. What happens in a For Sale By Owner sale? If neither the buyer nor seller are not working with a real estate agent, the commission is not taken out of the overall transaction. This amounts to more money given to the seller after all of the legal, processing, and lender’s fees are taken out. So why doesn’t everyone do real estate transactions this way? Because working with a real estate agent is most often work the cost of their commission—a good real estate agent can get a better deal for you (buyer or seller), keep the sale on track, and get the home sold faster. If only one party (the buyer or seller) works with a real estate agent but the other does not, the 6% commission is still the default. In this scenario, the entire 6% will go to the single agent. Some agents will reduce their commission in these cases, if a lower overall purchase price will make the sale go through. The post How Are Real Estate Agents Paid? appeared first on 719 Lending.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the homebuying process. 1. Listen to Your Real Estate Agent A recent article from Freddie Mac offers guidance on making an offer on a home in today’s market. Right off the bat, it points out how emotional this can be for buyers and why trusted professionals can help you stay focused on the most important things: “Remember to let your homebuying team guide you on your journey, not your emotions. Their support and expertise will keep you from compromising on your must-haves and future financial stability.” Your real estate professional should be your primary source for answers to the questions you have when you’re ready to make an offer. 2. Understand Your Finances Having a complete understanding of your budget and how much house you can afford is essential. The best way to know this is to reach out to your lender to get pre-approved for a loan early in the homebuying process. Only 44% of today’s prospective homebuyers are planning to apply for pre-approval, so be sure to take this step so you stand out from the crowd. It shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer and can give you a competitive edge if you enter a bidding war. 3. Be Ready to Move Quickly According to the Realtors Confidence Index, published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average property being sold today is receiving more than three offers and is only on the market for a few weeks. These are both results of today’s competitive market, showing how important it is to stay agile and vigilant in your search. As soon as you find the right home for your needs, be prepared to work with your agent to submit an offer as quickly as possible. 4. Make a Fair Offer It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home. However, Freddie Mac also warns that submitting an offer that’s too low can lead sellers to doubt how serious you are as a buyer. Don’t submit an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received. The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive: “Your agent will work with you to make an informed offer based on the market value of the home, the condition of the home and recent home sale prices in the area.” 5. Be a Flexible Negotiator After submitting an offer, the seller may accept it, reject it, or counter it with their own changes. In a competitive market, it’s important to stay nimble throughout the negotiation process. Your position can be strengthened with an offer that includes flexible move-in dates, a higher price, or minimal contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). There are, however, certain contingencies you don’t want to forego. Freddie Mac explains: “Resist the temptation to waive the inspection contingency, especially in a hot market or if the home is being sold ‘as-is’, which means the seller won’t pay for repairs. Without an inspection contingency, you could be stuck with a contract on a house you can’t afford to fix.” Bottom Line Today’s competitive market makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home, and a trusted expert can help you rise to the top along the way. The post 5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive Offer appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Some Highlights Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way. The best way to ensure your homebuying process is a positive one is to find a real estate professional who will guide you through every aspect of the transaction with ‘the heart of a teacher’ by putting your needs first. The post Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.