House Buying Tips

How to Find Listings in a Market Where Everything Moves Fast

Key TakeawaysIn a low-inventory market, the agents who find listings fastest are the ones who prospect hardest during slow seasons…

5 years ago

What is a PUD in Real Estate and Are PUDs Bad?

Key TakeawaysA PUD (Planned Unit Development) is a mixed-use or single-family development with its own set of rules, shared amenities,…

5 years ago

Dual Agencies: The Benefits & Risks You Take

Key TakeawaysDual agency (representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction) creates a structural conflict of interest — the…

5 years ago

Realtor Vs. Real Estate Agent: What’s the Difference?

Key TakeawaysA real estate agent is licensed to assist buyers and sellers with real estate transactions; a Realtor is a…

5 years ago

What is an Escalation Clause in Real Estate?

Key TakeawaysAn escalation clause automatically increases your offer above a competing offer by a set increment, up to a maximum…

5 years ago

What Does Tenancy by the Entirety Mean For Couples?

Key TakeawaysTenancy by the entirety is a form of joint ownership available only to legally married couples — it includes…

5 years ago

Clear to Close: What Does This Mean?

Key Takeaways'Clear to close' (CTC) is a lender's confirmation that all underwriting conditions have been met and the loan is…

5 years ago

What is Title Vesting in Real Estate?

Key TakeawaysTitle vesting determines how you own a property — sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, community property, or…

5 years ago

How to Buy a Foreclosed Home From Start to Finish

Key TakeawaysThe foreclosure home buying process: find properties (courthouse steps, bank REO listings, HUD Home Store), conduct title and lien…

6 years ago

Earnest Money Deposits: Do You Need Them?

Key TakeawaysAn earnest money deposit (EMD) is a good-faith payment made by the buyer when submitting an offer — typically…

6 years ago