Real Estate

Buying a property together is a significant step for unmarried couples. This decision involves unique legal considerations and requires careful planning. I will provide critical property laws for unmarried couples, including title considerations, mortgage qualifications and protective measures for individual investments. As someone who has been selling real estate for a very long time, it…

The post Legal Considerations for Unmarried Couples Buying Property appeared first on RISMedia.

The latest monthly update to the Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HSPI)–for April 2024–shows the index at 71.9 percentage points (representative of how many consumers think now is a good time to buy). The rating is unchanged from March 2024 and 5.1 points higher from April 2023.  In a release, Fannie Mae described these…

The post Fannie Mae Shows Consumer Sentiment Plateauing appeared first on RISMedia.

Real estate remains a solid investment choice. It offers both rental income and the possibility of appreciation. However, deciding between investing in a condominium or a house depends on market trends, personal investment goals and the economic climate. I will provide a detailed comparison between buying condos and homes and evaluate their respective merits as…

The post Investment Potential of a Condo vs. a House: A Comprehensive Comparison appeared first on RISMedia.

When choosing a dream vacation home or a permanent residence, deciding between a lake house and a beach house is a common dilemma. If you have vacationed and enjoyed both, the decision could be challenging. Sometimes, when vacationing in either location for a short period, you may not think about the long-term consequences of ownership.…

The post Lake Home vs. Beach House: Pros and Cons of Each appeared first on RISMedia.

HomeServices of America, after paying $250 million to settle seller suits and being dropped from the largest buyer suit, for a few short days was maybe the only large real estate company not directly facing commission litigation. That changed Monday, when lawyers behind the largest buyer suit (known as Batton) re-filed their accusations in a…

The post HomeServices Hit by New Buyer Suit Days After Seller Settlement appeared first on RISMedia.

Consumers have been feeling the waves of unrest in the economy, with mortgage rates now back up above 7% and the PCE index—the Fed’s favorite measure of inflation—up by 2.8% year-over-year. Consumer confidence fell significantly in April, dropping from 103.1 in March to 97, according to the latest data from The Conference Board.  After the…

The post Consumer Confidence Retreats in April appeared first on RISMedia.

In today’s eco-conscious environment, energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a property’s standout feature. As a real estate agent, I witness first-hand how homeowners and buyers prioritize sustainability, driving demand for green improvements. This shift isn’t just ethical; it’s economical. Investments in energy-efficient home improvements, such as window replacements, insulation upgrades, solar panels and Energy…

The post Energy-Efficient Home Improvements Worth Doing appeared first on RISMedia.

A property lien is not just a term but a significant factor that can influence the outcome of home sales. Essentially, a lien is a legal claim or right against a property instituted by a creditor to secure debts or obligations owed by the homeowner. Its presence is a critical aspect that both buyers and…

The post The Impact of Liens on Real Estate Sales appeared first on RISMedia.

Removing wallpaper can rejuvenate or transform any space. Whether you’re updating your home’s look or preparing to put your house on the market. However, deciding between embarking on a DIY project or hiring professionals involves more than just time and effort. It’s also about understanding the costs involved. I will share my knowledge of the…

The post Wallpaper Removal Cost Guide: DIY vs. Professional Removal appeared first on RISMedia.

Septic tank inspections are crucial for any homeowner considering the purchase of a house with a septic system. I will cover the inspection process, identify who should perform it and explain its importance. A septic system handles a home’s wastewater, making its condition vital for property value and health standards. Inspections can prevent future expenses…

The post Understanding the Importance of Septic Inspections as a Buyer and Homeowner appeared first on RISMedia.

Understanding a Homeowner Association’s (HOA) financial stability is crucial for maintaining property values and ensuring residents’ high quality of life. Key examination elements include reserve funds, special assessments and financial planning. Reserve funds cover significant repairs and replacements, special assessments address unforeseen expenses and financial planning ensures long-term stability. Understanding these aspects helps members make…

The post How to Assess the Financial Stability of an HOA appeared first on RISMedia.

While economic signs remain strong and experts have a positive outlook, consumer sentiment saw a slight dip in April. The dip, however, is not any cause for concern, according to experts. Consumer sentiment fell 1.9% in April, following a 0.5% decrease in March. These drops come after a strong start to 2024, with a 0.8%…

The post Consumer Sentiment Continues to Fall in April appeared first on RISMedia.

Just what is a “seller’s market” and how does this truly impact your sellers and buyers?  In today’s market you may be surprised that the traditional concepts might not quite be so black and white. Knowing and understanding the implications of this non-traditional seller’s market is likely to make a critical difference in how to…

The post The Reality of a Seller’s Market appeared first on RISMedia.

Despite continued pessimism surrounding mortgage rates, home buyers and sellers are feeling a bit more confident in the housing market lately, according to recent data from Fannie Mae. The latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) decreased 0.9 points in March to 71.9, its first decline since November 2023. The slight decrease is mainly…

The post People May Finally Be Adjusting to Higher Mortgage Rates appeared first on RISMedia.

Selling a home is more than a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey. This process can stir up feelings, from excitement about prospects to sadness over leaving memories behind. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for staying motivated and positive. I will examine the psychological aspects of selling a home. You will see my…

The post The Psychological Aspects of Selling a Home: How to Stay Positive and Motivated appeared first on RISMedia.

When buying and selling real estate, the appraisal is pivotal. It’s an expert’s objective estimation of a home’s worth and serves as a cornerstone for financial decisions in real estate transactions. However, a low appraisal can disrupt the whole process and lead to complications for buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders. I will examine the ramifications…

The post The Impact of Low Appraisals on Home Sales and Mortgages appeared first on RISMedia.

Consumer confidence saw little movement in March, falling slightly from 104.8 in February to 104.7, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. This follows a large drop in February, which was a shock after January’s two-year high. “Confidence rose among consumers aged 55 and over but deteriorated for those under 55,” said Dana…

The post Consumer Confidence Sees Little Change in March appeared first on RISMedia.

Built in sections at a factory and assembled on-site, modular homes offer a unique blend of efficiency and customization. Their popularity stems from their ability to provide affordable, durable and sustainable housing options. We will examine the various benefits of modular homes and highlight why they are becoming a preferred choice for many. If you…

The post What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home? appeared first on RISMedia.

Selling your home is a significant decision. The right strategies can make the process smoother and more profitable. Even in a seller’s market, you can’t take the basics of selling a home for granted. We will cover critical strategies, including professional photography, online platforms and writing compelling descriptions. We aim for clarity, brevity and effectiveness…

The post Don’t Forget the Basics: How to Market a Home in a Seller’s Market appeared first on RISMedia.

Above, Guaranteed Rate Senior Production Manager Mike Dye While the mortgage industry has traditionally focused on lenders’ needs and priorities, Guaranteed Rate has flipped the script by putting the interests of customers first.  “In the age of Amazon, society has conditioned us to want quick results. What we have effectively created together is a niche…

The post Revamping the Mortgage Process for a Fast-Paced World appeared first on RISMedia.