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Lessons from a Realtor: 7 Dos and Don’ts for Buying or Selling a Home

September 19, 2011 By

Between the dream of home ownership and turning the key to your new home, a lot has to happen---and a lot can go wrong. After all, real estate transactions take place between two imperfect parties: human beings. When I started out as a Realtor, I … [Read more...]

Why So Many People Are House Poor and How You Can Avoid the Same Fate

August 7, 2011 By

Wouldn’t it be nice if buying a home were as easy as walking into a store and out with a new smartphone? Unfortunately, it’s hardly so simple. As I'm finding out, getting ready to buy a home requires a ton of preparation (not to mention … [Read more...]

How Much Is Your Home Worth?

August 5, 2011 By

Millions of you want to know the answer to one seemingly simple question: How much is my home worth? Sadly, in many cases, the only simple answer is "much less than you paid for it." (Go ahead, you can share your story in the comments. This should … [Read more...]

Buying a Short Sale: Is It Worth It? (And Does It Really Take Six Months?)

July 6, 2011 By

Many U.S. real estate markets are flooded with short sales and, according to the National Association of Realtors, that number is only expected to increase in the near future. So if you’re in the market for a new home, there’s a good possibility … [Read more...]

Condo Financing is Different

April 27, 2011 By

Are you considering getting a mortgage to buy a condo? Read this first. As a Realtor, I know that condos are popular among first-time home buyers. After all, the average condo costs less than the average single-family home. (In March 2011, the … [Read more...]

How to Buy a House at Auction: Can You Really Get a Home for 50 Percent Off?

March 3, 2011 By

You’ve heard the stories and seen the ads. Perhaps you even know somebody who bought a home for cheap at a foreclosure auction. Now, you’re thinking about buying a home of your own. You have CASH from savings or an inheritance. And … [Read more...]

Sell Your House! How to Beat the Market, Find a Buyer, and Fetch More for Your Home

December 15, 2010 By

Do you need to sell your house? Then it’s time to stand tall, roll up your sleeves, and get down to business. I don’t need to tell you that real estate market isn't so hot right now, but if you’re committed to selling and are willing to go … [Read more...]

First Time Home Buying Guide

November 5, 2010 By

Buying a home is overrated. It's a big commitment, it's not a guaranteed good investment, and it's a shitload of work. (I've been a homeowner for less than a year and I already have a growing list of things to do and contractors to call...it … [Read more...]

House-Hunting Secrets: Three Ways to Make the Most of Open Houses

November 4, 2010 By

Home buyers, listen up: If you’re savvy, you can get more out of open houses than free cookies. Realtors use open houses to find buyers, but clever buyers can use open houses to scout properties quickly, shop for a Realtor, and get the skinny … [Read more...]

What Happens at a Closing?

November 3, 2010 By

You found the perfect home and, after a few negotiations, the seller accepted your offer. You’ve been to the bank and have your mortgage approval in hand. In fact, the only thing standing between you and your new home is the closing. So just … [Read more...]

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