Author Archives: Sabrina Mapes

Keep your house clean, tidy and pet-free for every showing and open house. To-do list Remove all signs of pets Ensure marketing materials are pet-free Avoid marketing the home as pet-friendly Repair pet damage to home Deep clean the home before listing Deodorize Clean pet hair Remove stains Mask noisy neighbor pets Home buyers and […]

Buying a new home while selling your current one is a balancing act. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed as both a buyer and seller. Buying a new home at the same time as you’re selling your old home is all about timing — and some luck, of course. And while you […]

Consider the pros and cons of buying a starter home vs a forever home and learn if a starter home is right for you. When the Baby Boomer generation was venturing into adulthood, buying a starter home — a modest, small residence — was a common practice. As their families grew and their careers advanced, […]

When buying a house feels unaffordable, knowing how your personal financial situation fits into the bigger picture can help inform your moving decisions. Home prices have taken off in the last few years, making affordability a growing concern for buyers, sellers and renters who want to become homeowners some day. Knowing what factors contribute to […]

The share of homes that are affordable is growing across the country, due largely to lower mortgage interest rates and more homes listed for sale. In 12 markets, at least half of all homes for sale are considered affordable. Finding a home that fits your needs while leaving money in your pocket to enjoy life […]

Being self-employed doesn’t have to make it harder to get a mortgage loan. You just have to know what kinds of documentation you need and how to make yourself more attractive to lenders. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans (35% of the workforce) freelancing to earn your keep, you know the benefits of ruling your […]

Learn how to navigate hurdles related to financing, finding and negotiating a home purchase for the first time. Buying a home, like anything you do for the first time, comes with a learning curve. And yet many first-time home buyers hesitate to ask questions that can help them avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes that often lead […]

Budgeting for a home purchase is more than just accounting for your down payment. As a buyer, you’ll also be responsible for a range of fees that cover services and ensure a smooth transaction. Some fees are related to the property itself, while others are required to close and fund your loan. Note, that if […]

Paying a fee to lower your interest rate could make sense if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or want lower payments in the beginning. Home buyers looking for ways to bring down their monthly mortgage costs have embraced mortgage rate buydowns and discount points in recent years, strategies that […]

Price cuts have hit a five-year high as the market shifts into a balanced territory. But that’s just part of the picture. As summer comes to an end, the national housing market that has favored sellers for the past few years has moved into “neutral” territory as fall approaches, putting buyers and sellers on equal […]