Monthly Archives: January 2012

Home Inspection 101

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Realty Executives

A home’s history gives it character and charm, but also takes a toll. Over time, roofs sag, mortar cracks, and furnaces lose efficiency. Beyond this normal wear and tear, older homes can harbor mold, water damage, termites, or other structural … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged hiting a contractor, home appraisal, home inspection, homebuying, walkthroughs | 1 Comment

Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Realty Executives

Your first home purchase is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Here are some tips to limit the trauma and help you find the home of your dreams the first time around. The most important step in selecting a … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers | Tagged budget, buying a first home, first-time homebuyer, inspections, preapproval | Comments Off

Selling an Underwater Mortgage

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Realty Executives

If you put less than 15% down on a recent purchase, there’s a good chance that you owe more than your property’s current value. It’s a tough spot to be in—and tougher if you want to sell. But despite the … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Foreclosures & Short Sales, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged home improvement, mortgage, negative equity, short sale, under water, underwater | Comments Off

Going it Alone: Do You Need an Agent?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Realty Executives

It’s 2012. You can find nearly anything and anyone on the Internet. Do you really still need a to put an agent in the middle of your real estate transaction? What’s to stop you from finding a home online, going … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers | Tagged agent, buying without an agent, choosing a realtor, FSBO, REALTOR | Comments Off

Get the Most from Homeowners Insurance

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Realty Executives

A house is not just your biggest investment–it’s your home. Homes provide safety, security, and continuity, and no one wants to think about the worst that can happen to them. But fires, floods, theft, and other dangers are real, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged disaster planning, financial risk, homeowners insurance, homeowners policy, insurance premiums | Comments Off

Should you use a REALTOR© to find a rental?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Realty Executives

While it’s possible to sell or buy a home without representation, everyone generally agrees it’s a bad idea. But what about renting a home? In Manhattan, Tokyo, London, and other densely-populated cities, finding an adequate apartment without representation is nearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers | Tagged choosing a realtor, REALTOR®, rental property, renting, using an agent to find a rental | 2 Comments

Long-Distance Homebuying

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Realty Executives

With intense variation in properties values across the country and an explosion in entails, the prospect of buying a home far from your current address are looking up. Any home purchase can be stressful, but trying to manage the selection … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Buyers | Tagged buying in another state, investment properties, investment property, long distance homebouying, remote properties | Comments Off

Lead Levels FAQ for Buyers and Sellers

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Realty Executives

On January 4, the Center for Disease Control’s Advisory on Childhood Lead Poisoning Committee recommended lowering the standard for diagnosing lead poisoning in children. The recommendation was based on newer research linking what were previously acceptable levels of lead in the bloodstream … Continue reading →

Posted in Buyers, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged CDC, Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, home inspection, lead poisoning, toxicity | Comments Off

Finding the Right Tenants

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Realty Executives

Whether you have an old home that won’t sell, can’t afford to buy in your current neighborhood, or just want to earn a passive income, there are plenty of reasons to enter the rental property market. Choosing the right property … Continue reading →

Posted in Finance, Homeowners and Sellers | Tagged background checks, choosing a tenant, credit check, credit score, interviewing tenants, rental property, renting | Comments Off

Take Advantage of 2012 Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Realty Executives

If winter has your home feeling a bit cold or drafty, you might want to take advantage of federal tax credits and consider some home improvements. While the 2011 tax year’s insulation tax credit has disappeared, there are still plenty … Continue reading →