Key Takeaways A strong offer in a competitive market leads with price and certainty — fewer contingencies, strong earnest money, flexible closing date, and a fully underwritten pre-approval. Research recent comparable sales (comps) before writing your offer — offering above list price without comp support often triggers appraisal gaps. Personal letters to sellers have become […]
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Key Takeaways Selling costs typically include agent commission (2.5–3% per side), transfer taxes, title and settlement fees, prorated property taxes, and any negotiated seller concessions — often 8–10% total. Capital gains taxes apply to profits above the primary residence exclusion ($250,000 single, $500,000 married filing jointly for homes owned and occupied for 2 of the
How Much Does It Cost to Sell A House? Read More »
Key Takeaways Always direct extra mortgage payments to the principal first — that shortens the loan term, builds equity faster, and reduces total interest paid. Escrow funds cover homeowners insurance, taxes, and (sometimes) future interest — they protect the lender, not your loan balance. Lenders typically require escrow when the down payment is under 20%;
Should You Pay a Mortgage Principal or Escrow First? Read More »
Key Takeaways ‘Contingent’ means the seller has accepted an offer but the sale depends on one or more conditions being met — financing, inspection, appraisal, or sale of the buyer’s home. A contingent home may still accept backup offers — if the primary contract falls through, the backup moves to the front of the line
What Does it Mean When the House You Want is “Contingent”? Read More »
Key Takeaways You can use 401(k) funds to buy a house, but most plans allow only two paths: a loan (up to 50% of vested balance or $50,000, repaid with interest to yourself) or a hardship withdrawal. A 401(k) loan avoids the 10% early withdrawal penalty and income taxes, but requires repayment within 5 years
Can I Use My 401 to Buy a House? Read More »
Key Takeaways A home inspection examines the accessible, visible components of a home: structure, foundation, roof, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and more — but is not a warranty. Inspectors report conditions, not values — they won’t tell you what something costs to fix or whether to walk away; that judgment is yours and your agent’s. Specialized
Your Guide to Real Estate Home Inspections | Checklist Read More »
Key Takeaways The right time to buy is when your finances are stable, your housing needs are clear, you plan to stay for at least 3–5 years, and you have adequate cash for both down payment and reserves. Trying to time the market (waiting for rates to fall or prices to drop) is rarely successful
How You Know It’s The Right Time To Buy A House Read More »
Key Takeaways The clearest signal it’s time to sell: your home no longer fits your life — too big, too small, wrong location, or the equity is needed elsewhere. Selling in a seller’s market (low inventory, high demand) maximizes proceeds but often means buying your next home in the same conditions — the net advantage
9 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your House Read More »
Key Takeaways A seller’s disclosure form documents the seller’s known material defects in the property — structural issues, water intrusion, HVAC age, lead paint, pest activity, and more. Sellers are required to disclose what they know, not what they don’t — but courts have found constructive knowledge (what a reasonable owner should know) sufficient for
What a Seller’s Disclosure Form Is & What to Know About Them Read More »
Key Takeaways Google Maps shows approximate property boundaries in some areas, but the data comes from county GIS systems and is not survey-accurate — it cannot be used for legal purposes. An official property survey is the only reliable way to determine exact boundary lines, easements, and encroachments — required for building permits and often
Can You Find Property Lines on Google Maps & Why? Read More »
