Category Archives: Real Estate

Home Buyers, Real Estate

Can I Buy a Home After Filing for Bankruptcy?

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a man with a gavel symbolizing a final decision on bankruptcy.

Going bankrupt is one of the most distressing things that can happen to a person. Some of the common causes of bankruptcy include burdening medical expenses, job losses, excessive spending on credit, divorce or separation, and heavy expenses due to unforeseen events.

All of these can be quite taxing on your mental and physical health, as well as your financial outlook. On top of that, you may also be worried that you won’t be able to buy a home for yourself and your family anymore, which is an added burden. This article covers everything you need to know about buying a home after filing for bankruptcy.

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Home Buyers, Real Estate

How Much Can You Expect to Pay in Closing Costs

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a wooden house and a calculator symbolizing closing costs

The process of buying a home requires many steps. One of the final ones is paying the closing costs on your new house. Here is everything you need to know about these expenses.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees you owe at the end of a real estate transaction. Your lender will provide you with an estimate after receiving your mortgage application. In the U.S, the average closing cost is $6,087 with taxes. Yet, the price will vary based on several factors, such as your home’s purchase price and the type of loan.

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Holidays, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Pros & Cons of Selling Your Home During the Holiday Season

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a white wooden home decorated for the holidays with a for sale sign.

While your neighbors are slowly starting to decorate their homes for the upcoming holidays, you are decorating your home for sale. While they are waiting for their guests to arrive, you are waiting for the potential buyers to arrive. Now you might be wondering – is this time of the year a good time to sell? Like all other things, selling your home during the holiday season comes with its pros and cons. If you plan to put your property on the market in the upcoming months, keep reading for some valuable insight.

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Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Buying Out of State, Virtually, Without Overpaying

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By: Agnes A. Gaddis on Oct 26

Man searching for a home to buy out of state, virtually.

Can you believe that it is possible to live in California today, make an offer on your dream home in Springfield, Missouri tomorrow, and close within a month? The prevalence of remote work and state-of-the-art real estate technology has made it easier than ever to search for homes without concern for geographical limits.

Millions of Americans now work remotely, far from corporate HQ, and sometimes from the flurry and fuss of city life. In fact, during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, one in five Americans moved or know someone who moved, especially from big cities. One of the primary reasons for this exodus was affordable housing. People relocated to suburbs and vacation hotspots in search of larger, less expensive homes as more companies became remote-work-friendly.

Buying a home in one state while living in another, whether it be for more affordable living, work reasons, or as a second home, might not be as straightforward as buying in your current state. It can be challenging to purchase in a place you are not familiar with- housing laws, walkability of the community, home maintenance concerns, etc. can be vastly different from one state to another. This article is a step-by-step guide to follow if you are considering buying out of state.

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Family Home, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Selling an Inherited Home

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A for sale sign in front of an inherited house.

Selling an inherited house is challenging on many levels. The first is the emotional impact of dealing with the death of a loved one. Then there’s paperwork, legal responsibilities, and financial considerations to take into account. That’s why we compiled this guide to help you with the process of selling an inherited house.

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Homeowners, Real Estate, Real Estate News

Which Demographics Are Driving Homeownership in 2021?

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a key going into a door, symbolizing homeownership

The past year has been — excuse us — unprecedented for many Americans. With the pandemic still influencing Americans’ ability to work, move and navigate life, it’s no surprise that it is also shaping homeownership trends in 2021. However, other factors, including changing family dynamics and generational shifts, are also making a mark on home purchases this year.

Looking for an overview? Here are some of the top demographics driving the market in 2021.

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Holidays, Home Buyers, Homeowners, Real Estate, Travel

So…You Want to Buy a Cottage!?

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A cottage by the water with a gray dock.
Whether in the mountains or by the water, there are fabulous cottage options available for those looking for a seasonal home!

Seasonal homes are known by many different names, and the names often vary depending upon location. You may hear them called camps, cottages, beach houses, cabins, or chalets. Many are located near the water, but sometimes they are secluded in the woods or in the mountains. No matter what we name them, these properties call to us and remind us of the carefree holidays of our youth. Seasonal homes are the root of fond memories that include days on a beach and in the water, and evenings by a campfire, roasting marshmallows, telling stories, and eating s’mores.

Nonetheless, buying a vacation home is not for the faint of heart. It is important to do your research before deciding to make an investment. Read on for some considerations when searching for the perfect cottage.

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Family Home, Home Buyers, Home Sellers, Real Estate

Buying a Condo vs. Buying a House: Key Differences

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a condo building next to a single family home, representing buying a condo vs. buying a house

Buying your first home is an exciting time. You’ve decided to step out of the comfort of renting or staying somewhere rent-free and step into a place you can truly call your own. But if you’re not interested in a large space, is owning a condo the same thing as owning a house?

Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but it ultimately comes down to what you value in a home. You must choose which option fits you correctly, or you might find yourself thinking the grass is greener on your neighbor’s lawn.

We’ll walk you through the process and differences of buying a condo vs. buying a house.

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Awards Spotlights, Executives in the News, Real Estate, Real Estate Agents, Real Estate News, Top Producer Spotlights

Realty Executives Sudduth Realty Recognized as Top Auction Firm

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Mark, Donna, and Caitlin Sudduth at the Wichita Business Journal awards.
Donna, Mark, and Caitlin Sudduth at the Wichita Business Journal Awards.

Realty Executives Sudduth Realty and Auctions, Inc. has been honored as the 2021 Top Auction Firm with the Wichita Business Journal. As a full-service real estate brokerage led by Broker/Owner Mark Sudduth, this Augusta business takes client service to the next level by specializing in traditional sales and real estate auctions. Experiencing explosive growth in the past few years, the firm has become one of the leading auction firms in south central Kansas.

“Contrary to what some may believe, hosting an auction is not ‘giving away’ a property. In fact, effective marketing allows us to successfully increase visibility for unique homes, farms, ranches, and investment properties- properties that are often time incomparable to others in the area.  Although it isn’t appropriate for every client and property, an auction can be a great option to consider. We view it as an additional service that our Executives have in their arsenal,” says Sudduth.

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Home Buyers, Real Estate

Monitoring the Latest Mortgage Rates

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calculator for determining your monthly payment with the current mortgage rate

Mortgage rates have been at their historic lows since the pandemic started last year and many have taken advantage of this to buy a home. Will the rates keep going down or will they go back up? This is one of the most frequent questions. People want to buy at the moment but in some parts of the country, there is a shortage of homes. As we all know, there are many factors that go into the performance of the real estate market which impacts the supply & demand. 

Whether you’re buying a property now or at a later time, checking the latest mortgage rates can help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. In addition, you can plan and estimate how rates can impact your budget (when it comes to the monthly payment) with a mortgage calculator. Being prepared and equipped with the correct information can save you time and money when the time comes to buy your home.

Visit Money.com and speak to your local real estate agent and mortgage lender for more information.