As a homeowner, you know that taking care of your house is the best way to maintain its value. But even a house that’s in good working order can look drab or uninviting from the outside. If you’re planning to sell in the near future, that could affect your home’s selling price. That’s why many real estate agents put a big emphasis on curb appeal.
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If you’re in the market for a new home, there are a few key steps you’ll need to take early on. You’ll need to consider the type of home and neighborhood you want to move to, and find a great real estate agent to help you search. One of the most important steps of all? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Here’s why getting a lender’s pre-approval is a big deal when shopping for a new home, and what you should know before you begin.
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Whether you’re managing your day-to-day finances or preparing for the future, loans and credit cards may be an important financial tool to support your personal goals. The process of comparing your financing options and choosing the right one can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially with all the financial jargon and concepts associated with loans and borrowing. Fortunately, many of these concepts are less complicated than they seem. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most important borrowing terms you should know. Learn them now, so you can make smarter borrowing decisions later.
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When selling your home, you want the process to go as smoothly as possible with the help of a trusted team to guide you. Naturally, you’ll want to get the most value for your property, too, for future investments or home purchases. Like purchasing a home, selling your home will include various fees. Most sales are completed with the assistance of a real estate agent or broker. These agents make their money by earning commission on each sale and only get paid once a home has sold. This commission is paid by the seller during closing. Also known as the broker fee, the commission covers the work that the agent does during the selling process, such as marketing the home, negotiating with potential buyers, attending inspections and appraisals, closing the sale, and more. In recent years, the average commission has remained between 5-6% and is typically split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent for their various services. In order to maximize your profits when selling, then, avoid paying too much for these fees. For an idea of how much you can save, check out the following chart:
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Buying and selling a home at the same time can make things complicated. Many variables must work together to create a seamless transaction and it takes a dedicated team to make this happen. You’ve identified your pain points with your current home and are ready to move on to the next phase of homeownership. Before you can buy, however, you have a home of your own to sell.
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Having a great home is key to enjoying a great quality of life. Choosing a home that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget often begins with one big question: Should you rent or buy?
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If you dream of owning your own home, you’re not alone. Generations of homeowners have enjoyed the opportunity to put down roots in their community, build wealth, and experience the pride of having their own place. A mortgage is usually key to buying a house, but many people struggle to qualify for this essential loan. Fortunately, there are many federal and state programs designed to make homeownership possible for more people. Before discussing these programs, let’s look at how conventional mortgage lending works.
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Have you ever spent hours watching a marathon of shows like Fixer Upper or Property Brothers? If yes, then you’ve probably also daydreamed about the “must haves” and “nice-to-haves” for your very first home. From open floor plans to a home office, one of the best parts of looking to buy your first home is watching HGTV shows and scrolling through Pinterest boards for inspiration.
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Buying a home is a journey – and your real estate agent is your guide. Your agent’s knowledge, skills, and level of support will have a big impact on your homebuying experience, so it is important to have the right person by your side. With so many real estate agents serving the Philadelphia area and South Jersey, finding the right one can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer.
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Whether you are a first time home buyer or just want to freshen up your current house, decorating a home can be exciting, inspiring, and often times, expensive. The good news is that if you plan ahead and follow some of our budget-friendly tips below, you can continue to pinch your pennies and still turn your house into a Pinterest-worthy home.
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