Category Archives: Home Buyers

Home Buyers, Investors, Real Estate

RESPA- What Should You Know Before Buying a House?

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A blue book with "RESPA" on the cover.

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) was enacted in 1975. The federal statute was introduced to stop malpractice and restrict the usage of escrow accounts in the real estate settlement process.

Who regulates RESPA?

Once RESPA became effective in 1975, it was under the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) jurisdiction. Ever since its inception, the Act has undergone several amendments and changes. However, after 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau monitored RESPA due to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection legislation.

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Investors, Organization, Real Estate

10 Questions to Determine if You Need a Property Management Firm

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A property manager reviewing documents with owners.

Being a landlord is more than just owning a property. There are a vast number of tasks and responsibilities that come along with it and balancing them all can be stressful.

Fortunately, there are options you can explore to lighten the load and maintain a healthy, sustainable relationship with your tenants.

One of the easiest ways to reduce the managerial load of being a landlord is to hire a property management firm. But knowing when to utilize one can be tricky. How do you know when you need help? Asking yourself these 10 questions will help you ‌determine whether a property management firm is your best option. 

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Investors, Real Estate, Real Estate News

Green Design and the Market for Commercial Office Space

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A shared work space, one of the ways that a commercial office can be greener.

By 2030, emissions from commercial buildings will rise by 1.8%. What are commercial construction companies doing to reduce this figure, and how is it affecting the market for commercial office space?

The commercial office real estate sector took a hit following the pandemic. Is the emergence of green design a potential aid in the sector’s resurgence? Keep reading about green design and its effect on the commercial office market.

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DIY, Homeowners, Investors

How to Start Flipping Houses in Retirement

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A retired couple sitting in a room in the property they are working on flipping.

If you love watching television home improvement shows and want to try house flipping for yourself, retirement is a great time to start. If done correctly, you can make some serious cash and feel good about breathing life into depressed homes. There are many communities to choose from, including age-restricted retirement communities. Let these helpful tips guide you to starting your own house flipping business as a senior.

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Home Buyers, Home Design, Homeowners

How to Choose Wall Art for Home

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A woman hanging her new wall art in her home.

Buying a home comes with great joy. As you settle in, it will be important to make your house your home. One way to do this is by decorating the walls with tasteful art and paintings.

There are different types of wall art, including paintings, prints, photo murals, poster art, custom wall art, and sculptures. You can choose the one that suits your personal style or complements the decoration of your home.

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eNews, Health & Safety, Home Buyers, Homeowners

Home Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

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A man cleaning the dishwasher, an often-forgotten home maintenance task.

As a homeowner, you know the importance of maintaining your home. If you don’t give certain parts of your home tune-ups every year, you risk having to deal with costly repairs.

Most homeowners know about scheduling AC maintenance and cleaning the gutters, but many other maintenance tips might fall to the wayside. This article lists some common home maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.

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Homeowners, Investors, Real Estate

First Time Landlord? Here’s How to Rent Out Your Property

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A first time landlord completing a rental agreement with clients.

Renting a property out may seem like a relatively simple task, but for first timers, there’s a lot to learn.

That said, once you have a clear understanding of what’s involved, it’s a matter of working through the steps to best ensure that you attract great tenants, and everyone can have a positive experience.

Here are the critical steps to take to rent out your property for the first time.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Home Sellers

7 Mistakes to Avoid While Moving with a Pet

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A family who is moving with a pet.

It’s safe to say that moving to a new place is just as nerve-racking as it is fun for most people.

A new home can usually mark a feeling of positivity and excitement, a fresh start somewhere new. However, our pets don’t see it that way.

Moving to a new place is confusing and sometimes even traumatic for your pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile, etc. This is because most pets need routine and familiarity. Once a familiar environment and way of life is established, it becomes difficult for them to get adjust and become socialized to something new.

Unfortunately, pet owners either forget this fact or completely overlook it, resulting in their pets becoming extremely stressed out without their owners realizing why.

It’s crucial to learn how to effectively prep and guide your pet through the moving process and how to adjust. To get some tips on doing this, keep reading and learn about some of the most common mistakes to avoid while moving with your fluffy, feathery, or scaly friends.

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Homeowners, Investors, Real Estate

Thinking of Starting a Vacation Rental Business?

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A couple entering their vacation rental for the summer.

A vacation rental can be a great way to bring in money with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or preparing passive income streams for retirement, you want to plan carefully when setting up this business model. Advanced planning will pave the path to success. These resources can help you get started on the right foot.

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Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

What to Know About Contract Contingencies

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A realtor and buyer talking about the real estate contract and contingencies to include.

There are many steps to purchasing a new home. After the initial offer is made, buyers and sellers often negotiate before they come to an agreement. Buyers then deposit earnest money to show they are serious about the purchase, and both parties begin the closing process.

However, a lot of things can go wrong between signing the contract and closing on a house. To protect buyers, several types of contract contingencies may be included in the contract. These allow the buyer to legally back out of the sale if necessary.

Many home contract contingencies are accepted by sellers, but some may weaken offers on a home. Here are four common types of home contract contingencies and how to tell which ones may be right for you.

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