Real Estate by Suzannah

Pre-approval is as close as you can get to confirming your creditworthiness without having a purchase contract in place. You will complete a mortgage application and the lender will verify the information you provide. They’ll also perform a credit check. If you’re pre-approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter, which is an offer to lend you a specific amount, good for typically 90 days.

What’s keeping you away from homeownership? If you're going to pay monthly for your housing expenses, why not pay towards something you own? Somewhere you can make renovations, and potentially increase the value of your home over time. If you're ready to buy, contact me today!

If you’re a homeowner, think back to your experience being a first-time buyer. What do you wish you would’ve known? What would you tell first-time buyers before they enter the world of homeownership? We would love to hear from you!

When buying a home, it pays to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. During the due diligence stage, you'll want to give every aspect of the transaction a once-over before closing. Among other things, you will want to review your appraisal and inspection before the due diligence period ends.

What are you in the market for? Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, we can help. Our role in the process can look different depending on what your needs are. For some clients, an agent may be the listing agent for the home you are selling as well as your buyer’s agent if you are purchasing a different home. No matter what you need, we are here to help. Let’s chat!

When you start considering a property, there are a few key things you should always try to look at before making your decision. While some factors, like size, can potentially be adjusted in the future, others, like location, cannot. Here are 5 factors you should consider when buying a property.

Do you know the difference? Assessed value is the amount your local government thinks your home is worth - this is what is used to determine property taxes. Appraised value is the amount a professional home appraiser thinks your home is worth. This amount is typically used by lenders when considering a mortgage application.

Today’s home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes. Ensure your home is in top condition to get the most attention and the highest possible price. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, focus on features that most home buyers really want to see. Over 80% of buyers are looking for homes with exterior lighting, energy saving windows, and ceiling fans. These can be a low cost investment that buyers would love and that you can enjoy for as long as you live in the home.

If you’re in the market for a new home, there is plenty you can do ahead of time to make the process go a little smoother. A major step in the home-buying process is securing your home loan with a lender. Here is a brief list of items your lender will likely ask for to determine how much buying power you will have. Getting these documents ready now will help to streamline the process!

The first step is to find the right real estate agent to help you market and price your home. You will work with your agent – who will study the sales of homes similar to yours – to set the right asking price. You should give your home a deep cleaning before listing it and reduce clutter by getting rid of extra furniture, décor and personal items. After discussion with your agent, you may consider investing in any minor repairs they recommend to maximize profits. If you are ready today, let’s talk!

Character and charm, or fresh and modern...what is your style? Would you rather live in a historic neighborhood or a new development? When it comes to choosing your next home, what part of the style means the most to you? Let’s chat in the comments!

Wondering what costs you will need to consider when becoming a homeowner? Here is a brief list of what to expect once you purchase a home. While you may have an idea of what your mortgage payments will look like, it is important to know what is included in that payment and what else you need to prepare for.

A house title denotes ownership rights: It is the bundle of rights that dictates who has legal or equitable interest in the property. It also details the limitations on ownership. When you purchase a home, a title company conducts a title search to ensure that the seller is the sole owner of the home and no one else has any legal claim to or against the property.

Are you considering stepping into the world of homeownership? Before you start browsing the internet for available homes in your area, ask yourself these questions! This will help give you the best starting point and help you get into the home of your dreams that much faster. Once you’ve done that, we are here to help!

Contract contingencies are quite common in real estate transactions and are put in place to allow prospective homeowners to cancel a contract without penalty. Contingencies reduce risks for buyers, and what is allowable varies from state to state. However, many contingencies are common to every state.

Buying a home can seem intimidating, especially if it is your first time. We are here to help walk you through every step of the process and would love to hear what concerns you have about buying a home. Share your questions in the comments or send us a message today.

Mortgage rates are constantly changing, but do you know what dropping rates could mean for you? Whether you are looking to buy or looking to sell, a drop in interest rates can impact what the market will look like for you. Here are some ways the market is impacted!

Worried about getting a mortgage if you work for yourself? If you’re self-employed, the loan approval process will be somewhat similar to that of a W-2 salaried applicant. You’ll need to provide certain documentation to verify your employment income and prove to the lender that you’re a creditworthy fit for a mortgage in general and a certain sum. We can recommend a lender today and get you one step closer to homeownership!

Today’s home buyers want convenient house plan designs that help them stay organized, allow them to live comfortably through all stages in life, and keep utility costs low. More importantly, buyers are looking for homes that don’t require much work on their end. What are your top 2 must haves in a new home from this list?

Have you heard this phrase before? Marrying the house means that you should focus more on finding the right property rather than trying to time your purchase to get the lowest interest rate. You are not committed to your mortgage loan interest rate for life—as long as you can refinance it down the road. Don’t lose out on time building your equity waiting for a rate. If you’re ready to buy today, let’s chat!

Ready to dump your rental and buy a place of your own? Contact me today for a list of homes in your area!

Although you’re not legally required to work with a real estate professional to buy a home, there are various reasons why you should for a positive home-buying experience. A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye while bringing their expertise to the table and helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. If you want to work with a trusted real estate agent who has extensive knowledge of the local market, contact me today.

What do you love about your current neighborhood? If you are thinking about moving, what do you hope to find in your new neighborhood that you aren’t ready to give up? If you are on the hunt, I can help you find a place that has the perks you love!

Have real estate questions? Ask away! While a quick online search may give you some insights, it is my job to have the most up-to-date information on the market and I would love to help answer all your questions. Comment below or send me a message so I can help you on your real estate journey!

If you’ve already filled out a mortgage application and received a mortgage loan pre-approval letter — congrats! Getting pre-approved shows a seller that your financing is in order and you’re serious about purchasing a home. But how do you use that letter and how long are preapprovals on mortgages good for until they expire? Let’s find out.

1. Pricing too high - the key to getting the best price and terms for your property is to price accurately.
2. Not prepping your home to sell - you will net the most money by preparing and staging your home to showcase it in the best possible light.
3. Hiring the wrong agent - who you work with matters! Hiring an agent that has your best interests in mind should be a top priority of your journey.

The practice of seller financing goes by many names, including purchase-money mortgages and owner financing. But in its simplest terms, it describes a form of real estate lending transaction in which a property owner also serves as a mortgage lender. This unique situation in the home selling process eliminates the need for a financial institution to handle financing agreements and negotiations. While seller financing effectively sees a seller provide a buyer with direct financing, it comes with pros and cons attached, as does any nontraditional mortgage option. it’s important to do your research and consult with a qualified professional before entering into a seller financing agreement.

One of the biggest benefits of buying a home is making an investment and building equity. When you buy a home, you are building equity over time. As you make mortgage payments, you accumulate ownership in the property, which can be a valuable asset. Over time, your home may appreciate in value, allowing you to potentially sell it for a profit.

As we near the end of August, it's a great time to reflect on your real estate goals. Whether buying, selling, or simply upgrading, having a clear plan can guide your decisions and help you achieve your dreams.

2023 is right around the corner but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still time to get started on your real estate goals in 2022. What were you hoping to accomplish when it comes to real estate this year and how can I help you on your journey?