A Triumph for Both Home Sellers & Buyers – FHA Eases Condo Regulations Condominiums have been a tough sell in the years following the Real Estate crunch. Strict mortgage regulations, as applied to condominium purchases, were getting in the way of many home buyers looking to purchase a condo. The immediate result was falling condominium… Read More
Help with Closing Costs
Trended Data Expected to Help First-Time Home Buyers
I’ve been hearing massive amounts of babble about changes in the way mortgage applications and credit reports are handled for home buyers. These adjustments could mean more favorable interest rates for first-time home buyers and folks with limited credit history. Trended Data Expected to Help First-Time Home Buyers First-time homebuyers are expected to enter the… Read More
One Attraction of Natural Stone, it’s Easy to Maintain
One Attraction of Natural Stone, it’s Easy to Maintain We see natural stone accents everywhere, and though countertops and flooring are by far the most popular uses, fireplaces, showers and tub surrounds, kick-boards and window ledges are also common. Natural stone is both beautiful and durable but there are a few steps you should take… Read More
What will Home Buying Look Like in 2017? Check the Realtor.com(R) Consumer Survey
What will Home Buying Look Like in 2017? Check the Realtor.com(R) Consumer Survey The 2017 home buying season will be characterized by a large increase in first time home buyers, increasing affordability issues among buyers, and high demand for suburban homes, according to realtor.com®’s Active Home Shopper Report released today. The study, based on September survey data… Read More
Buying a Home on a Budget? Yes You Can!
*NOTE: Please see information on down payment assistance and help with your closing costs, at the bottom of this post. Though buying a home is indeed a major decision and you want to consider it carefully, buying THE home might better be reserved for your second or third real estate investment. Look at it this… Read More
What Is a Home Warranty and Why Would I Need One?
What Is a Home Warranty and Why Would I Need One? I can personally attest to the value of a Home Warranty. Ours has consistently paid for itself year after year. I generally recommend a Home Warranty for both buyers and sellers but I’m not sure that it’s cost effective in every situation. On the… Read More
Thankful for the Little Things
This Thank You Thursday is devoted to the little things. Things we might be thankful for everyday but that we usually take for granted. We shouldn’t need a special day for this, but I do appreciate that Thanksgiving has a way of making us pause and be grateful for family and friends, our health, our… Read More
Gilbert, Arizona maintains coveted position on Safest Cities list.
I can personally attest to Gilbert’s ubiquitous appeal. Gilbert, Arizona is an eclectic Phoenix Metro Suburb with a rich and charming history, a deep sense of community and an energizing contemporary flavor. I’ve lived here nearly 15 years, and having moved here from the frozen north I can tell you, I experienced exactly zero culture-shock…. Read More
Mortgage Rates Make Moves
Mortgage Rates Make Moves I was talking with a mortgage lender recently at a Home Buyer’s seminar. He was maintaining a positive outlook on mortgage rates in spite of the recent rise and expected jump next month. I would caution you however, if you are on the fence about when to buy a home, when… Read More
Know Before You Buy: A Guide to Multi-Unit Developments
Know Before You Buy: A Guide to Multi-Unit Developments Townhomes, Condominiums and Planned Unit Developments were at one time very popular among first-time buyers. That’s a thing of the past. The issue with multi-unit developments is not with the development itself, but with current financing regulations. During the Real Estate down-turn, FHA financing tightened on… Read More