1. According to Laura Adams and Money “Here are five home-buying mistakes that I never knew before becoming a real estate professional.” They are all very good suggestions but don’t forget to pay attention to how you “feel” in the process.
2. SINK OR SWIM
“How close to the water is it? That’s the top question realtors receive about beach homes. But it shouldn’t be the only one.” Coastal Living put together a list of 5 Surprising Questions to Ask Your Realtor Before You Buy a Beach House.
3. SNOOP DOG
Times are changing. In a recent survey, “15% of Americans who have ever sold a home said they’ve use surveillance cameras to monitor potential home buyers. And 67% say they would use such cameras if they were selling a home that already had them.” Be careful the next time you view a listing!
4. LEARNING CURVES
Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, learning to navigate the home buying and selling process may take some time. “Before you venture too far down the rabbit hole, learn what goes into buying a home. (Hint: It’s a lot.)” Market Watch just published 5 things you should know when buying your first home.
5. APPROVED!
Forbes just posted an article I think is useful regarding what you can do to improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage. Take a closer at these three things and you’ll have a much greater change of getting loan approval. 3 Leading Reasons Mortgage Applications Are Denied (fyi, I really dislike these negative headlines)
6. NO SURPRISES HERE
“WalletHub looked at 170 U.S. cities and evaluated each on the health of the real estate environment. While San Francisco ranked in the top overall spot – thanks to the highest median price – it actually tied with both San Jose and Seattle for fewest days on the market.” With a shortage of housing and growing populations will the growth continue? Click to see all 15 cities reported by the SeattlePI.
7. LEAVE IT
“Not sure what you’re allowed to take with you when you move? Here are some rules to keep in mind before—and after—closing the deal.” I know you’ve worked hard on making your property exactly how you want it and it would be nice to take it with you. Before you do, read this Realtor.com article: Hands Off? 5 Rules for What You Can—and Can’t—Take When You Sell Your House.
8. BLACK WHAT?
I’m speechless! Who would have thought a House with ‘black mold’ listed for sale in Seattle for $775K. Thank you AJC for your story.
9. BUBBLES AND BOOMS
“Forty years ago, we had 526 square feet of living space per person; today, we have 969 square feet of living space per person.” Get Rich Slowly states there was a 30 year period of time in the early 20th century when you could by a house from Sears. Read A brief history of U.S. homeownership to how much a new 10 room colonial house was listed for in their catalog.
10. HIDE THE TV
“There are plenty of easy tweaks that will give your property the wow factor and help you sell it for thousands more.” From the NY Post: 10 tricks to sell your home for thousands more. Selling a home typically centers on what listing agents like to call maximizing profit potential.
Have a great weekend!
