Buying a Home
3 Examples of Real Estate Fraud
It is time to peek at personal real estate fraud stories. Please note we are not referring to the 145 million dollars that was lost in 2023 to wire transfer fraud! When we think about real estate fraud, we often think about the buyers wiring closing funds to a different closing address, only to learn…
Read MoreWhy a New Home Specialist?
Although 2025 is my 21st year as a Realtor, I just completed the New Home Specialist Program (NHS) sponsored by the Builder Realty Council (BRC). It was an in-depth, one-week class and “dusty boot” tour of new homesites. We discussed current and emerging building trends, warranties, appraisals, blueprints, financing, green building practices, solar energy systems,…
Read More2025 Key Points for Real Estate Success–Part 1
As I think about the stories in the Link 2024 newsletters, I realize that we have distinct groups of home buyers and sellers that will face change and transition in 2025. The first group that we work with is first-time home buyers, and the second group is folks retiring soon or making a real estate…
Read MoreOffering a Few Takeaways from the 2024 Builder Panel: Is a New Build for You?
With the continuing high prices for resale homes and interest rates between 6.5% and 7%, many of my clients have considered purchasing a new build instead of a resale home. Every year I attend the Builder Panel Lunch sponsored by the Builder Realty Council. Each year’s agenda varies from overall builder issues to concerns about…
Read MoreAccepting an Offer: When Selling, the Best Offers Have These Things
When you’re selling a product, service, or even a piece of property, accepting the right offer is crucial to ensuring you get the most value. While it’s tempting to go for the highest bid, the best offers often include a few key elements that go beyond just the price. Here are some crucial factors to…
Read MoreYour Essential Guide to Budgeting for Home Ownership
Budgeting is a crucial first step when considering purchasing a home, as it lays the foundation for financial stability throughout the buying process and beyond. To determine how much you can afford, it’s essential to carefully assess your income, expenses, and savings, especially focusing on the down payment. Your income serves as the primary source…
Read MoreMaking the “Big Move” to be Close to Family: Is It the right Plan?
I have loved my real estate “career” for twenty years, but I do become sad. The hardest thing is saying goodbye to my clients/friends who move to a new area or state. I miss you guys! You know who you are! I get it! You need to be close to the family who need you…
Read MoreCreative Ideas for First-Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance
I purchased my first home in the late 1970s. It took me several years while working two jobs to save $2,000 for the down payment. I proudly bought my 900 square feet home for $22,000 with an 18% mortgage interest rate. Yes, that’s correct, an 18% interest rate. And I almost didn’t qualify because I…
Read MoreThings You Need to Know About Buying a Home
Buying a home can be a big decision, so here are some key things to keep in mind: 1. Budgeting: Determine how much you can afford by considering your income, expenses, and savings for a down payment. 2. Mortgage Options: Explore different types of mortgages (fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, etc.) and get pre-approved to know your borrowing…
Read MoreRADICAL Changes to the Real Estate Industry: Who Would Have Thought?
Recently there have been a few lawsuits that have questioned realtors’ practices regarding the seller paying both selling/buying commissions. So I thought it would be a good idea to address the highlights of the recent Sitzer/Burnett v. NAR lawsuit. Below is a statement by NAR from January 2024. “The question in the case of Sitzer/Burnett…
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