Posts in category 'Buying'
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15
Been Dreaming About Becoming a House Flipper? Here's Why Now Might Be Your Best Chance.
Flipping houses for a profit is one of those ideas that feels exciting the moment it pops into your head. On TV it looks fun—even when things go wrong, the disasters usually get wrapped up in a neat 60-minute storyline with a big reveal and a happy ending. It's easy to see why so many people daydream about doing it.
But it isn't just television that makes flipping sound enticing. Real estate has always carried a certain appeal for people who want to invest in something solid and tangible. At the same time, once you start thinking a...
8
66% of Buyers Think They Need "Perfect" Credit to Buy a House… Here's the Reality
One of the more nerve-wracking parts of even thinking about buying a house for many potential buyers is the concern that their credit score isn't good enough. It's no surprise, because you hear plenty of things about how important a strong credit score is when it comes time to buy a house.
Unfortunately, when you hear that term thrown around, it might sound like you need a perfect credit score
25
5 Hidden Costs of House Hunting—Sneaky Little Expenses You Didn't See Coming (But Totally Will)
When most people think about buying a home, they focus on the big checks they have to write, like down payments, closing costs, and inspections. But there are also some sneaky little expenses that sneak up on you when you're in the midst of house-hunting chaos!
Don't worry, they aren't going to impact your mortgage pre-approval like buying a new car or paying for a vacation on your credit card would. (And they would…so don't!) They're just some little extra costs that add up more than you might think they will!
Here are 6 hidden expenses you might want to throw a few bucks at when budgeting for your home search:
1) Coffee
The quest for the perfect home is a marathon, not a sprint. You need fuel—and by "fuel," we mean lattes, mochas, and the occasional 20-ounce iced coffee just to get you through the endless stream of showings, open houses, and car rides through neighborhoods you wish you could afford.
2) New Socks
It's easy to live with scuzzy socks and even ignore the occasional toe peeking through. But that changes the moment you're asked to take your shoes off at a showing. Suddenly, every hole and stretched-out heel becomes glaringly obvious.
3) Fast Food
You might plan on making a healthy dinner… but then the home of your dreams hits the market at 10AM and offers are due by 8PM. (Yeah, houses can sell that fast…) Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to cram some food down without having to cook it.
4) Impulse HomeGoods Purchases
You told yourself you'd wait until you actually owned a home before buying any décor. And yet… here you are, walking out of HomeGoods with a cart full of "neutral but cozy" throw pillows, a trendy vase you swear will go somewhere.
5) Gas
It's not just the fuel you'll burn speeding to see a new listing before another buyer beats you to it. It's the spontaneous detours you take to check out a yard sign you spot on a side street, only to find out it's a campaign sign for a local politician—not a new listing.
It's the dozens of drive-bys past a house you've made an offer on, and are now emotionally stalking while waiting for the seller to respond. And of course the neighborhood reconnaissance missions, complete with unplanned routes, U-turns, and "just one more loop around the block" moments.
17
5 Things Your Buyer's Agent Notices When They Walk Into a Home… and Why
While your agent is surely right there with you and chiming in with their take on the house, they're also likely sizing up the situation in entirely different ways you might not even realize. Agents are often looking for certain clues that could make or break the deal if you decide to make an offer.
Here are five things real estate agents take note of while showing a house, just in case their client is interested in making an offer on it:
1) How Many Business Cards Were Left by Other Buyer's Agents
Buyer's agents often leave their business card behind to let the owner and the listing agent know that they were there. You might not notice them, but your agent is likely checking out how many business cards were left by other agents to gauge how many showings there have been, and how much potential competition you might be facing.
2) Which Agents Left Their Card
They may even take a closer peek at the business cards to see which agents have shown the property so they know who they're up against in the negotiation ring if there are multiple offers.
3) Subtle Signs of Packing
Boxes tucked away in the garage, half-empty closets, or some missing furniture that they saw in the listing photos are all things your agent may notice, which could be subtle signs that the sellers are already packing up. It may just be that they're getting a head start on their inevitable move, but it could also be a sign that they're highly motivated, which is good to know when negotiating.
4) Signs That Someone Has Already Packed
If it looks like one family member's clothes are conspicuously missing from the closet, or there's only one toothbrush in the en suite bathroom, yet the tax records indicate two people own the home, that will be something an agent picks up on. It could just be that one of them has already moved due to a job relocation and their significant other will move once the house is sold… but it could also be a sign that they're splitting up. Either way, it gives your agent insight into the seller's situation and could be a sign that they're motivated to make a deal.
5) Any Indication About the Seller's Occupation
Seeing signs of a seller's occupation—whether it's a home office that looks like it belongs to a sales person, or a degree on the wall that indicates they're a doctor, lawyer, or a teacher—can be more than just a fun fact. Your agent can use this info to get a feel for who they're dealing with, and tailor how they present your offer and handle negotiations.
7
Feel like Buying a Home Takes Too Long? 8 Common Buyer Mistakes That Drag Out the Home-Buying Process
Buying a home isn't an overnight process. (Well, unless you're a cash buyer, find the perfect home in a single day, and a seller who is able to accommodate such a quick closing!) But for many buyers, it can feel like the process of buying a house takes forever.
The good news? A lot of that timeline is in your hands…
Real estate agents are patient. They know every buyer has their own pace, and they roll with it. But they also see buyers unintentionally slowing themselves down all the time.
If you want to get through the process as quickly (and smoothly) as possible, avoid these 8 common mistakes that can add unnecessary time to your home-buying journey:
1) Waiting Too Long to Hire an Agent
Many buyers unknowingly stall their own progress by browsing listings online, wandering through open houses, and assuming they'll call an agent when they're "serious." But by the time they do, they've often wasted months looking at houses that just aren't a good fit, missing out on homes that do fit their needs, or getting overwhelmed by the process. Hiring an agent early helps you get focused, avoid rookie mistakes, and streamline the entire process from day one.
2) House Hunting Without a Mortgage Pre-approval
Shopping for a home without knowing what you can afford is like filling up a cart and heading to the checkout without your wallet. You might find your dream home, but without pre-approval, you can't make a serious offer. If you find the perfect home but aren't financially prepared to make an offer, you could lose valuable time securing financing. Getting pre-approved before you start your search not only speeds up the buying process but also shows sellers that you're a serious, qualified buyer.
3) Looking At Homes Above Your Budget
It's a slippery slope when you start looking at homes above your price range online. It starts innocently—just browsing homes a little over budget. Then, suddenly, those are the only ones that feel "right." Unless you know for sure a seller is desperate to negotiate, it's usually a waste of time. Staying within your price range keeps you from chasing unrealistic expectations and speeds up your search.
4) Needing to See "Just Few More Houses"
Finding a home you love should be exciting, but for many buyers, hesitation creeps in, making them question every choice—and sometimes costing them their dream home. "What if there's something better we've missed, or something nicer comes on the market next week?" While it's good to explore options, the best homes don't wait around forever, and new listings often aren't significantly better than the ones you already have to choose from. Indecision often leads to losing out on a house you loved, and you only realize how great it was and regret it once it's gone. Rather than waste time hoping for something better, make an offer on a home you like before another buyer does.
5) Waiting Too Long to Loop in Your Parents
Parental approval can be important, especially if your family is helping financially, but timing matters. If they're only weighing in after you've already fallen in love with a home, their concerns could set you back to square one. They need to have perspective on all of your options on the market—the good, the bad, and the ugly—in order to have an informed opinion. Bringing them into the process earlier gives them time to ask questions, voice concerns, and feel included, without throwing a wrench in your timeline at the last minute.
6) Making Unrealistic Lowball Offers
Trying to score a deal is understandable, but if you're consistently offering well below market value in a hot market, you're likely wasting time. Sellers may reject your offer outright or go with a stronger one, forcing you to start over repeatedly. Working with an agent who understands the market can help you make competitive offers without overpaying.
7) Dragging Your Feet on Paperwork
Once you're under contract, time is of the essence. Mortgage paperwork, inspections, deadlines—it's all on a clock. Buyers who procrastinate can cause delays, lose negotiation leverage, or even risk losing the deal altogether. Stay on top of deadlines to keep things moving.
8) Backing Out Over Small Inspection Issues
A home inspection is an essential step in the buying process, but no house—new or old—is perfect. If your inspection report reveals minor issues, don't let them send you running. Things like a leaky faucet, peeling paint, or an older water heater are not deal-breakers; they're just part of homeownership. Instead of walking away, consider negotiating with the seller or budgeting for future repairs. Backing out for minor reasons can restart your search and add weeks or months to the process.
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